Creating learner-centred language classrooms – webinars
This was our second event in our webinar series on Knowing the subject, and we explore practical ways to create learner-centred language classrooms over two webinars. Watch the recordings and download the handouts to learn how to shift the focus from teacher-led instruction to active learner engagement through meaningful feedback, collaboration, reflection, and real-world language focus. The live event took place on 21 August, 2026.
About the sessions
Session 1: Making language lessons more meaningful
Speakers
Nino Sturua and Salome Zarkua
Session information
Discover how to transition from teacher-centred grammar instruction to a dynamic, learner-centred approach. In this webinar, we will explore practical activities that promote interaction, inductive learning and problem solving, making grammar engaging for every learner. You’ll also learn how to design lesson plans that connect grammar to authentic speaking and writing tasks. Join us to find out how focusing on real-life contexts can make your grammar lessons more meaningful and communicative. The webinar is aimed at secondary teachers.
Session 2: Feedback that works: Turning assessment into growth
Speaker
Zarina Zhakhanova
Session information
This webinar explores practical strategies for making feedback a powerful tool for learner growth. You will see examples of how to deliver feedback without overwhelming your learners, as well as techniques for integrating peer and self-assessment into everyday lessons. You will learn how to set clear success criteria, provide constructive comments and use feedback to encourage reflection and self-directed learning. The webinar will help you transform assessment into a dynamic part of the learning journey. The webinar is aimed primarily at secondary teachers.
Social media Q&A
We joined presenter Zarina Zhakhanova and a TeachingEnglish host for a live Q&A called Teaching speaking on our Facebook and YouTube channels (click to see the recordings). This was a follow-up to our webinar event, where Zarina answered all your questions about assessment.
About the speakers
Zarina Zhakhanova is an English language teacher educator with over 17 years in the field. A senior lecturer at Turan University, she has contributed to teacher development programmes and international internships, as well as presenting at various international conferences. She is a coordinator for the Kazakhstani Association of English Language Teachers.
Nino Sturua has worked in Georgia as an English language teacher for over 20 years. She also works as a research mentor for a British Council Wider Europe project and assists teachers at her school in carrying out their own exploratory action research with students. She has presented her action research at conferences, including at IATEFL.
Salome Zarkua is an experienced English teacher from Georgia who also has extensive experience as an exploratory action research mentor to other teachers. She currently works as an English teacher at a public school in Tsalenjikha, Georgia, and actively supports teachers’ professional development at both local and national levels.
Salome Zarkua is an experienced English
teacher from Georgia.
She works at a public school in
Tsalenjikha.
She mentors teachers on action research
and supports teachers’ professional
development across the country.