Pathways: Knowing the subject

Develop your knowledge of the English language and how to teach it with this ready-made pathway of resources for English teachers.

Female Ukrainian teacher teaching pronunciation

Professional development for English teachers - Knowing the subject

If you want to boost your skills in Knowing the subject, this is the perfect place to get started. 

The free tools and resources below have been specially selected to help you:

  • develop your awareness of the different components of the English language system, such as grammar, lexis, phonology, register and genre, communication strategies and sociolinguistic skills, as well as different varieties of English
  • understand different theories of teaching and learning and select appropriate teaching methodologies for your learners to support learning in your context
  • extend your knowledge of all the professional practices to strengthen the effectiveness of your teaching.

There is no set order for the resources below. Choose what to do according to the time you have and the topics that are most interesting for you.

Video: What exactly is grammar? (5 minutes)

In this short video, Michael Swan explores what grammar is, what you can do with it and why it is important. This is the first part in a series of six short videos exploring grammar teaching.

Article: Teenagers and grammar (10 minutes)

Teaching grammar to teenagers can be a challenge. Often young learners see grammar as boring and difficult. In this article, Helen Hadkins shares some practical tips for making teaching grammar to teenagers more engaging, effective and fun. 

Click here to read the article

Article: How can I make sure my class is truly communicative? (10 minutes)

Most language teachers want to use a communicative approach in their classes, but what does this mean in practice? In this article, Paolo Ghidini explores a way of scoring classroom activities to ensure that they are truly communicative and maximise learner engagement.

Click here to read the article

Publication: Why won't they speak English? (60 minutes)

This report draws on the framework of self-determination theory to investigate primary-school children's anxiety and autonomy/agency during lessons for speaking English. The research was carried out in three government primary schools in Alexandria, Egypt. You can read a summary or the full report as well as guidelines for using pairwork for speaking activities that were written as a result of the project. 

Read the summary or download the full report and guidelines here

Podcast: How can we teach vocabulary and grammar more communicatively? (35 minutes)

In this episode, We'am and Chris are asking special guests Jo Cummins and Luis Carabantes about how to teach grammar and vocabulary more communicatively.

 

 

Webinar: Integrating STEAM into your English classes

In this webinar, Jasmina Stuhli shows you how to integrate STEAM subjects (science, technology, engineering, the arts and maths) with examples of project-based learning in primary and lower secondary. Examples of such projects include investigating air pollution and finding out whether songs really can help you learn English! Jasmina takes you through the phases of such a project, and shows you how to combine the language curriculum with learning about core subjects, as well as improving learners' 21st-century skills.

As you watch the webinar, make notes: Which of these ideas will you use in your day-to-day teaching, and why? 

After watching the webinar, share your answer to the discussion question in the comments section below. 

If you watch the recording and comment on it, we'll be happy to send you the link to an attendance certificate for the session.

Webinar: It's not what you say, it's the way that you say it (60 minutes)

Pronunciation is probably the most neglected aspect of language taught in our classrooms. In this webinar, Kris Kirby gives practical ideas to help you feel more confident working on pronunciation with your learners. Kris looks at why pronunciation is a crucial skill, and some practical ways to raise our learners' awareness about how sounds in English are produced.

Finally Kris tackles the tricky question of 'which type of English pronunciation are we aiming for anyway...?' Watch the full webinar below.

 

Lesson plans (45–60 minutes)

Creativity and innovation

This B2-level lesson aimed at secondary learners is based on the topic of creativity and focuses on reading and speaking skills. Learners will read an article about what creativity is and how it is useful in our everyday lives. They will identify a range of synonyms within the text and then discuss their own creativity and how to boost it.

Creativity and innovation teaching materials

 

Writing mini things

This lesson is aimed at secondary B1-level learners. In it, learners will develop their writing skills by writing mini sagas. The focus of the lesson is on editing and accuracy.

Writing mini things teaching materials

 

How to learn more English: An English action plan

In this lesson, older primary learners at A2 level create their own language-learning plan. Learners will practise speaking about future plans, learn more about practising different language skills and create their own personalised learning plan.

How to learn more English: An English action plan learning materials

 

Children's rights

This is an integrated skills lesson aimed at primary learners at B1 level. Learners will learn about some of the rights listed in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). They will develop the four skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking, and use critical thinking to reflect on what rights are.

Children's rights teaching materials

Workbook: Knowing the subject

If you want to develop further in Knowing the subject, this workbook will help you take your skills to the next level. It is designed to help you create a regular learning habit and apply what you've learned in the classroom. You'll find an overview of the theme and recommended learning materials. You will also find support to reflect and personalise your learning. You can use the workbook in different ways – do what works for you! We hope you find it beneficial.

Click here to access the workbook.

Discussion

Which of these ideas will you use in your day-to-day teaching? 

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