I had a request last week from a reader who wanted to know more about lesson frameworks. I wrote about how useful they are a while back, but only gave one example. So, I’ve dug out my excellent CELTA handbook… Read More ›
tefl
Perceptions of the DipTESOL
If you’re about to finish the Trinity DipTESOL, prepare yourself. You’ll soon have one of the most poorly understood qualifications in ELT. I finished mine in late 2014. Since then, I’ve had 3 different DELTA-qualified teachers suggest that my next… Read More ›
Interview: James Prior from TEFLPA
I received an email last week promoting a new site called TEFLPA. The creator, James Prior, agreed to an interview about the new product. I’ve never taught privately, but for those who do it sounds like this could be a… Read More ›
Negative attitudes to professional development
In the 6 years I’ve been teaching I’ve encountered a lot of negative attitudes towards professional development. Sure, at times I’ve been negative or cynical too – no-one’s perfect! It’s just that over the last few years I’ve really come… Read More ›
Great formative assessment tools
In the first ever guest post on ELT Planning, Kirsten Anne shares her teaching experiences and offers two great ideas for formative assessment. This post has been a long time coming. I’ve been promising to write something for ELT Planning for a… Read More ›
15 ways I’ve developed as a teacher this year
I’ve had a really busy year. I’ve taught in four different countries since January. They’ve included a quick winter camp in Spain (which was great fun), a short stint back in England, an amazing summer in Vietnam and now Christmas… Read More ›
Lesson tip: creative displays
The other day I did a creative writing activity with my teen class (ages 12-13). The activity was based on the teacher resources in English in Mind, and it worked well. Students had to describe the colours, sounds and smells in their… Read More ›
classroom organisation: some reflections
I was re-reading a booklet the other day on how to use Cuisenaire Rods in class, written by John Evans whilst at LTC Eastbourne. It’s brilliant so look it up! Anyway, the first activity in the booklet involves using rods… Read More ›
Product review: Newsmart
Newsmart is a platform designed to help learners improve their Business English. It provides language learning experiences based on news content from Wall Street Journal. Learners can develop their grammar, vocabulary and comprehension skills by reading any of the six… Read More ›
Getting teens to talk
This post outlines my problem-solving techniques, and offers some tips for improving interaction in teen classes. It’s only a few weeks into term, but I’m revisiting familiar issues with my new teen classes: Why are they so timid? Why won’t… Read More ›
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