MENA online conference 2025
The British Council's online conference for English teachers in the Midde East and North Africa (MENA) took place on 24 and 25 October 2025. The theme was 'Teaching English in a multilingual Middle East and North Africa.' Watch the recordings from two days of interactive webinars by teachers from MENA, featuring practical ideas on using Arabic in the classroom, overcoming cultural barriers and more.
About Friday's sessions
Session 1: From native tongue to target talk: Strategic L1 use in the ESL/EFL classroom
Speaker
Mohamed Nabil
About the session
In this webinar, you explore both the theory and practice of using L1 in the classroom. Learn how to exploit L1 for complex grammatical explanations, compare and contrast language structures to prevent common errors and create a more inclusive, stress-free classroom environment. This session helps you identify the most appropriate moments for using L1, set clear boundaries to maintain a mainly English environment and gain practical ideas for implementing a more effective approach to L1 use in your classroom.
Watch 'From native tongue to target talk: Strategic L1 use in the ESL/EFL classroom'
Session 2: Feedback that speaks: Coaching-inspired strategies for inclusive learning
Speaker
Rihan Moustafa
About the session
In this webinar, you learn how to make assessment more supportive for bilingual and multilingual learners. You explore why traditional tests can be limiting and how to use formative assessment instead. The session gives practical ideas for designing inclusive approaches such as peer and self-assessment, feedback loops and task-based activities. After watching you will have simple tools to create fair, motivating assessments that build confidence, support progress and can be used in face-to-face, blended or online classes.
Watch 'Coaching-inspired strategies for inclusive learning'
Session 3: Beyond language: Overcoming cultural barriers in English classrooms in MENA
Speaker
Yousra Berrada
About the session
In this workshop, you explore how cultural barriers like classroom expectations, gender roles and course materials can affect learning. You identify these barriers in your own context and adapt strategies to build an inclusive and effective learning environment. You also learn how to support learners’ language identity while promoting English, helping them feel confident and respected. The workshop offers practical ideas to handle cultural differences and improve your impact in multicultural classrooms.
Watch 'Beyond language: Overcoming cultural barriers in English classrooms in MENA'
About Saturday's sessions
Session 1: Bridging L1 and L2: Practical pronunciation strategies for young learners
Speaker
Maria Altounian
About the session
In this webinar, you explore how learners' L1 influences their English in both positive and less helpful ways. You learn how L1 sound systems affect English pronunciation and try practical strategies to help learners sound clearer and more confident. Discover engaging activities that raise awareness of how L1 works alongside English, empowering learners to self-correct and grow. After watching the recording, you'll will have adaptable, ready-to-use ideas to help your learners achieve greater accuracy, fluency and pride in their English.
Watch 'Bridging L1 and L2: Practical pronunciation strategies for young learners'
Session 2: Empowering oral traditions: Podcasts and audiobooks in the MENA classroom
Speaker
Tasneem Rawat
About the session
This webinar shows you that grammar doesn't have to be dry or distant. By blending the vibrancy of oral traditions with the power of modern media, you'll discover how to turn grammar rules into real-life communication skills that resonate with learners across the MENA region.
Watch 'Empowering oral traditions: Podcasts and audiobooks in the MENA classroom'
Session 3: From barrier to bridge: Exploiting learners' L1 to teach vocabulary
Speaker
Mohamed Ali Khalaf
About the session
This workshop takes a fresh perspective on the use of L1, showing you how learners' first language can support learning rather than block it. It explores the roles of L1 in the classroom and discover practical techniques to bring Arabic into your vocabulary lessons to encourage peer learning and boost participation. After watching this session, you'll have clear strategies to help your learners use Arabic as a stepping stone to learn English with more confidence and success.
Watch 'From barrier to bridge: Exploiting learners' L1 to teach vocabulary'
About the speakers
Mohamed Nabil is an ESL and English language professional with over a decade of experience in teaching, teacher training and curriculum development. He is a digital marketing consultant and freelance teacher trainer for Macmillan Education and the founder of Educast International Conferences, where he organises high-impact professional development conferences and webinars and hosts podcast interviews.
Rihan Mustafa, a senior education consultant and leadership development specialist in Saudi Arabia, has over 20 years' experience in international schools and higher education. An ESL and teacher development expert, she designs inclusive professional development focused on bilingual and multilingual contexts. With expertise in assessment, coaching and gamified learning, she empowers educators to develop lasting, inclusive, high-impact learning environments.
Yousra Berrada, an English teacher from Morocco, has a background in science and industrial management, and has since earned a BA in linguistics and a TESOL certification and is now completing a master's in cross-cultural communication and visual media. Yousra combines her diverse background with classroom expertise to create engaging learning environments that inspire learners and encourage meaningful language connections.
Maria Altounian is an English teacher at an American international school in Beirut. With a background in linguistics and a passion for engaging young learners, she creates interactive, learner-centred lessons that promote curiosity and confidence in language learning. Maria integrates innovative strategies and cultural awareness into her classroom to meet the needs of her diverse learner community.
Tasneem Rawat, a South African teacher with over 15 years' experience, currently teaches in the UAE. She combines her passion for teaching, podcasting and sustainability to empower learners and educators. Through radio and school initiatives, she inspires her learners to become confident speakers both in and out of the classroom.
Mohamed Ali Khalaf is a CELTA tutor and teacher trainer based in Egypt. He began teaching English in 2008 and has since served as the CELTA centre manager and recruitment committee coordinator at Future University in Egypt as well as founding TEFLism College London
Comments
Thank you!
Thank you Deepthi for your feedback! - we're very glad you enjoyed the sessions and found them relevant, even if you work outside of the MENA region.
Hope to see you at more events soon,
Cath
TeachingEnglish team
Joining the conference
Registration
Hi Tahani Al-sabri
Thank you for your message - to register for the event, just click on one of the buttons above that says 'Register to join us on Zoom' - the link will take you to the Zoom events registration page.
Thanks,
Cath
TeachingEnglish team
Thank you very much for two days of great learning experience. Even though, I am not from the MENA region, I learnt a lot and enjoyed all six sessions. The content was so relevant and impactful. My sincere appreciation for the knowledge you shared and your guidance during the webinar was incredibly helpful.