In this section, you will find a number of publications, webinar recordings, conference presentations and interviews, as well as video tips which have been written to help you develop your skills and knowledge as a teacher in the professional practice 'Planning lessons and courses'. From advice on how to teach primary-aged students to supporting adult learners in the EFL classroom, the content you will find here is practical, insightful and full of ideas to support your teaching and planning for all kinds of learners.

Find useful recordings and content

Warm them up, PLEASE

“Here is the coursebook. Open it to unit 1. Read the title”

Can there be a more discouraging start to a new class? I, unwisely, did that 12 years ago when I started teaching! Now, that I am wiser, hopefully, I wish to share with you 3 simple ideas to start a new class that require zero preparation.

What's in a name: first classes

September is upon us, and we are all gearing up for the new classes, new courses. With the pandemic still very much on, none of us know quite what the new school year may turn out to be. Yet we are teachers and as such we must always be ready for the unexpected.

Sondos Awadallah-Was it a Lame Joke, or a Lame Listening Skill?

Have you ever prepared a joke to share with your students and expected them to burst into laughter, but ended up merely hearing crickets? I bet you felt embarrassed and thought what a lame joke that I shared! Believe me your joke was so funny, but students who did not laugh or react did not get your message. In other words, these students struggle with listening skills.

Listening and hearing

Listening and hearing are two different skills. People may listen but not hear and they may hear but not really listen. This refers not only to EL lessons but to life in general. I am sharing some techniques which help my students understand spoken English better, and help me plan my lessons during the pandemic. I can also share some of my very short videos.

Word Wall – an excellent vocabulary building technique by Mrs. S. Akilandeswari

There are many time tested techniques to help students expand their vocabulary trove. Some of them are – learn 5 new words every day and use them regularly, read, read and read, keep a thesaurus and dictionary handy, use mnemonics, picture association, and so on.  These techniques may work but they are slow and steady process.

Maximising speaking opportunities

With remote teaching maximising speaking opportunities can be particularly difficult where the sessions are more teacher led and teacher talking time is increased.

Research and insight

Browse fascinating case studies, research papers, publications and books by researchers and ELT experts from around the world.

See our publications, research and insight