A short conversation can spark a big idea. But as busy English language teachers, itβs hard to find the time and space for those chats that shift how we teach or think about our careers. TESOL Pop brings those conversations to you. This mini podcast features quick, insightful interviews with TESOL, TEFL, and ESL educators from around the world. In under 15 minutes, youβll hear ideas, teaching insights, and career stories that make you feel part of the wider ELT community, without adding to your workload.
Is Generative AI Making Cheating Easier? with Eve Conway
Season 9 Β· Episode 12
Tuesday, September 3, 2024 β’ Duration 15:21
In our 100th episode, TESOL Pop's co-founders Laura Wilkes and Eve Conway dive into the evolving world of generative AI and its implications for education. The explores challenges and opportunities tools like ChatGPT present in learning, assessment, and plagiarism.
Click here to watch this episode with closed captions.
KEY TALKING POINTS
What is Generative AI?
Eve breaks down the basics of generative AI and provides examples of what's currently available on the market, from text to art-generating tools. ChatGPT is highlighted as a tool that is having a growing influence on teaching and learning.
AI and Academic Integrity
The ease with which students can use AI to generate essays and assignments has raised concerns about plagiarism. Eve shares real examples of challenges teachers are facing now when it comes to coursework and assessment.
Future of Assessment
As AI continues to evolve, educators must rethink assessment methods. Eve and Laura discuss the shift towards externally assessed exams and question whether timed assessments are effective, especially for students needing extra support.
Classroom Strategies for AI Integration
Eve shares practical classroom strategies, such as comparing AI-generated texts with student work and using AI as a springboard for critical thinking. These strategies can help educators embrace AI while ensuring students develop their own ideas.
ABOUT
Eve Conway is a co-founder of TESOL Pop and has a wide range of experience in education. She taught internationally for over ten years during which time she specialised as a young learner-teacher trainer. In more recent years, Eve has moved into a career in educational publishing and assessment design, where she tries to use her experience in the classroom to design meaningful learning materials.
Click here to watch this episode with closed captions.
KEY TALKING POINTS
What is Personal Branding?
Branding is like the story people know about you. Basma emphasises how teachers can enhance their visibility and access more opportunities by building their professional brand.
Role of Social Media
Social media is a powerful tool for personal branding. It allows teachers to connect beyond their local network and gain wider recognition. Creating videos that you can post on social platforms can help create a strong professional image.
Starting with Video Creation
Begin with what you have; you donβt need expensive equipment. If videos seem intimidating initially, write articles or blog posts and transition to video content as confidence grows.
Practical Tips for Video Creation
Simplify the process to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Basma recommends using familiar tools and collaborating with others to ease the workload. Embracing mistakes is part of the learning journey.
Common Myths about Teaching Pronunciation with Emma Walker
Season 9 Β· Episode 2
Tuesday, April 30, 2024 β’ Duration 15:18
Founder of Pronunciation with Emma, Emma Walker, addresses myths surrounding teaching pronunciation, from misconceptions about the skills we need as teachers to common mixups between accent and pronunciation.
Myth 1: Certain Teachers Can't Teach Pronunciation
Emma emphasises the importance of mindset shifting among teachers, learners and the wider community. Teachers who speak English as a second language can still effectively teach pronunciation and provide an inspiring role model for learners.
Myth 2: Accent Equals Pronunciation
While accent and pronunciation are connected, they are not the same. Emma illustrates the distinction with practical examples and highlights the importance of intelligibility.
Myth 3: Pronunciation Lessons Are Limited to Short Activities
Emma challenges the misconception that pronunciation lessons can't fill an entire class. She recommends resources and materials that can be adapted for advanced learners, providing clarity in pronunciation instruction.
ABOUT
Emma Walker has been teaching for over 15 years and decided to focus on helping English learners improve their pronunciation and listening skills after noticing that many of her students (who were living and working in the UK), were struggling to understand other people in the UK. She started making videos on social media back in 2018 and has amassed a following of over 1 million English learners and over 22 million views. Emma is also a copywriter and ghostwrites social media content for some of the biggest ELT companies. Visit to learn more.
Lesson Materials to Try with Your Adult Learners with Silvina Mascitti
Season 9 Β· Episode 1
Tuesday, April 23, 2024 β’ Duration 14:59
Teacher and materials writer Silvina Mascitti shares three lesson plans from her library of free materials at EFL Creative Ideas. Silvina walks through the various lesson stages for each lesson and shares insights into how she uses the materials with her adult learners.
KEY TALKING POINTS
Lesson Structure
Silvina outlines her typical lesson structure: before, while, and after framework focusing on meaningful language points. Each lesson includes engaging activities such as discussion questions, visuals, and follow-up tasks to reinforce learning.
Silvina introduces a relatable lesson on food, utilising an advert and visual elements to engage low-level students. Lexical focus includes phrases like "sounds fancy" and "looks good," with a follow-up task on discussing dining experiences.
This lesson adapted from Psychology Today encourages discussion on surprise, with activities including mind maps and reading comprehension tasks. Lexical focus includes words related to self-confidence, with a follow-up role-playing scenario.
Designed for higher levels, this lesson integrates visual elements and discussions on memories. It includes excerpts from Marcel Proust's work and connects to Maroon Five's song "Memories," with activities including vocabulary mind mapping and discussions on childhood memories.
ABOUT
Great Works of Literature to Inspire Your Teaching with Chris Starling
Season 8 Β· Episode 11
Tuesday, April 9, 2024 β’ Duration 14:14
Retired teacher Chris Starling shares a few of his favourite works of literature that inspired him as a linguaphile and educator. We hope Chris' book list inspires you to continue the conversation by sharing your favourite titles with your teaching community and in the comments section on the TESOL Pop website.
KEY TALKING POINTS
Discussion of "Slouching Towards Bethlehem" by Joan Didion:
"Slouching Towards Bethlehem" is a collection of 1960s journalism by Joan Didion, offering a critical look at the counterculture movement.
Chris appreciates Didion's style and personal approach to journalism, which invites readers into her world and provides insightful commentary.
Favourite quote: "This is the California where it is possible to live and die without ever eating an artichokeβ¦"
Discussion of "Fugitive Pieces" by Anne Michaels:
Chris describes "Fugitive Pieces" as a powerful exploration of memory, personal history, and self-construction set against the backdrop of the Holocaust.
He praises Anne Michaels' poetic writing style and the depth of insight each reading offers.
Favorite quote: "The past is never dead, it's never even past."
Discussion of "Bleak House" by Charles Dickens:
Chris highlights Charles Dickens' storytelling prowess in "Bleak House," emphasising its intricate plot and rich character development.
He discusses Dickens' use of symbolism, particularly the fog, to represent societal issues and interconnectedness.
Favourite quote: "Fog everywhere... Fog in the eyes and throats of ancient Greenwich pensioners."
Choosing the Right Technology for Your Context with Charlie's Lessons
Season 8 Β· Episode 10
Tuesday, March 19, 2024 β’ Duration 14:23
Founder of Charlie's Lessons shares three key questions to remember when choosing technology for your teaching context.
KEY TALKING POINTS
Core Set of Tools
Charlie emphasises the significance of technology in his daily routine, relying heavily on the Google suite of apps for communication and organisation. He highlights the role of technology in facilitating communication with teachers, students, and school administrators.
Integration of AI (Artificial Intelligence)
The conversation shifts to the integration of AI in educational settings, with Charlie acknowledging its potential in catering to students' specific needs. However, he underscores the importance of testing and refining AI-generated materials to ensure their suitability for classroom use.
Tips for Choosing Technology
Charlie offers practical advice for educators navigating the vast array of available technologies, focusing on factors such as cost-effectiveness, ease of use, and unique functionalities. He emphasises the need to assess whether a particular technology addresses specific teaching challenges or merely adds to the existing toolkit.
ABOUT
Charlie, originally from Bath, ventured into TEFL in Thailand before teaching in South Korea. Despite intending to go to Japan, he settled for South Korea for a year in Busan. With 3 years of experience, he pursued a CELTA course at Bath College, enabling him to teach in Europe. Arriving in Cadiz, Spain in 2012, he later moved to Seville before returning to Cadiz as Director of Studies of Foreign Languages at CLIC IH Cadiz. With a DELTA qualification, he shares teaching experiences and educational technology expertise through his website and YouTube channel, injecting humour into his endeavours.
Going from Good to Great in Writing with Paul Duke
Season 8 Β· Episode 9
Tuesday, March 12, 2024 β’ Duration 13:55
Writing Tutor and Coach, Paul Duke, shares what distinguishes a good piece of writing from a great one and how coaching can help learners become great writers.
KEY TALKING POINTS
Teaching vs. Tutoring vs. Coaching
Paul explains the differences between teaching, tutoring, and coaching, emphasising the focus on introducing subject matter, improving existing skills, and achieving specific goals, respectively.
Characteristics of Great Writing
Paul highlights the importance of precision, clarity, persuasiveness, and engagement in great writing, emphasising its power to change the reader's thinking and entertain.
Tips for Developing Writing Skills
Paul shares tips for coaches to help students develop writing skills, including thoughtful analysis of strengths and weaknesses, customised programs, targeted feedback, and iterative revision.
ABOUT
Paul is a Canadian English teacher, writer, content creator, and coach who works with writers to develop and enhance their skills. In addition to being the co-host of the Trouble With Writing Podcast, he is also known on Youtube as The Grammar Detective. On that channel, he hosts the weekly livestream Hard-Boiled English Live, and the web series English Weirdness. Recently, he has launched a brand new Youtube channel focused on English writing skills called The Writing Workshop.
Learn more about Paul's work by following him on .
Using TV Shows in the Language Classroom with Samvidha Srinath
Season 8 Β· Episode 8
Tuesday, March 5, 2024 β’ Duration 13:11
Teacher Samvidha Srinath talks about using clips from popular TV shows in her classes, the benefits it brings to her teenage learners, and how she uses the material in class.
KEY TALKING POINTS
Advantages of Using Authentic Media:
Samvidha explains how using clips from films and TV shows in the classroom motivates and engages students. Authentic material also exposes students to the target language and various topics covered in the media. Examples from Samvidha's classes, including the TV show "Young Sheldon," illustrate the effectiveness of using relevant media.
Selecting Appropriate Material:
Samvidha shares her top priorities when choosing media for language classes, emphasising cultural appropriateness and relevance to students, and matching the material to students' language proficiency levels.
Implementation Strategies:
Differentiated materials and support are essential for addressing the diverse needs of learners in the classroom.
Long-term media use (2 to 4 months or a school semester) allows for deeper engagement and language production from students.
ABOUT
Samvidha is currently training to become a teacher at secondary school level and specialises in teaching languages. She not only loves teaching, but is also a passionate language learner herself. She is fluent in five languages and is learning Korean and Japanese.Β
Apart from this, Samvidha is also a writer and blogger. She runs her own blog called books and coffee (BOCO for short) where she writes about language learning, education and everything else sheβs passionate about.
Debunking Myths About Dyslexia & Language Learning with Ania Karwowska
Season 8 Β· Episode 7
Tuesday, February 27, 2024 β’ Duration 14:23
Founder of PolCa Languages, Ania Karwowska, discusses myths surrounding dyslexia and language learning. Ania draws from research to address three prevalent myths and what we can do instead to support learners.
KEY TALKING POINTS
Myth 1: Dyslexic-Friendly Fonts
Ania debunks the idea that specific fonts are more accessible for dyslexic learners. She emphasises that dyslexia is a neurological condition and not a vision issue. Thus, alternative fonts do not effectively aid dyslexic learners in reading. Ania stresses the importance of teaching reading skills rather than relying on fonts.
Myth 2: Color Overlays
Similarly, Ania explains that colour overlays do not alleviate dyslexia-related challenges in reading. She clarifies that dyslexia is rooted in brain function and recommends focusing on structural language approaches to address dyslexic learners' needs.
Myth 3: Specific Teaching Methods
Ania highlights the misconception that specific teaching methods are superior for dyslexic students. She advocates for a structured approach to language learning, emphasising phonological aspects. Ania discourages methods that oversimplify reading or attribute dyslexia to vision issues.
Tips for Teachers
Ania provides practical advice for teachers working with dyslexic students. She suggests starting with a needs analysis, identifying areas of difficulty in writing, and focusing on fundamental language structures. Ania stresses patience, gradual implementation of changes, and fostering open dialogue with learners.
ABOUT
Ania is the founder of PolCa Languages, where she shares her research and learning on dyslexia in bilingual children.
Gathering Feedback From Learners with Kate Semerenko
Season 8 Β· Episode 6
Tuesday, February 20, 2024 β’ Duration 14:22
Teacher Educator Kate Semerenko talks about the important role learner feedback has in helping us develop our courses, materials and teaching practice. Kate shares how to gather feedback and how best to implement it.
KEY TALKING POINTS
Importance of Collecting Feedback
Kate highlights the importance of collecting feedback from learners throughout the course rather than waiting until the end. She emphasises that gathering feedback helps in understanding learnersβ' needs, improving teaching practice, and ensuring learners feel comfortable and valued.
Creating a Safe Space for Feedback
Kate suggests creating a safe atmosphere in lessons where learners feel comfortable expressing their feelings and opinions. By encouraging open dialogue and assuring learners that their feedback is valued, teachers can create a conducive environment for constructive feedback.
Ways to Collect Feedback
Various methods for collecting feedback are shared, including anonymous surveys like Google Forms, reflection at the end of lessons or courses, and informal one-on-one chats with learners. These approaches provide opportunities for learners to share their thoughts and feelings openly.
Implementing Feedback
Kate suggests analysing feedback, identifying actionable changes, and creating an action plan for implementation. She emphasises the importance of implementing changes gradually, monitoring their effectiveness, and seeking further feedback to ensure continuous improvement.
Building Trust and Dialogue
The episode closes with a discussion about the importance of conveying feedback changes to students, fostering trust, and encouraging ongoing dialogue. Teachers can strengthen teacher-student relationships and create a supportive learning environment by building a culture of open communication and demonstrating responsiveness to feedback.
Basma founded TEFLship, the first community for English teachers in Egypt and the Middle East. TEFLship is a startup aiming at social impact and helping qualify thousands of teachers. TEFLship over a hundred online courses reached more than 1.7 Million views and over 40,000 watching hours from different countries in the Arab world and the world.
Silvina Mascitti is an enthusiastic, qualified teacher of English and materials writer from Buenos Aires, Argentina. She has worked in ELT for more than 20 years. She taught English in schools and companies in Argentina. She got a Fulbright scholarship and taught Spanish at a university in the USA. Currently, she lives in Spain and teaches adults online. She also creates materials for her own lessons and shares them for free on her website EFL Creative Ideas. Silvina also works as a freelance materials writer for highly-recognised platforms and language schools.
Chris qualified as a librarian and then as a teacher of English, careers he followed with pleasure for over 30 years although he was drawn away from the librarianship side quite early. His longest service, over 20 years, was in a school where the students had over sixty home languages.
REFERENCES
Didion, J. (1968) Slouching Towards Bethlehem. Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Michaels, A. (1996) Fugitive Pieces. McClelland & Stewart Ltd.
Dickens, C. (1852-1853) Bleak House. Bradbury & Evans
Links to later editions of these title can be found on the TESOL Pop website.
Kate is a CELTA and Delta-qualified EFL professional who has been teaching English for more than 10 years.Β
Sheβs taught general English to all age groups in one of the biggest English schools in Ukraine. She's experienced in preparing students for international exams and in creating modular courses, such as literature and soft skills for teenagers. Kate has also trained and mentored teachers through facilitating practical workshops.
Kate now works as a freelancer and helps teachers become their better selves by sharing her experience on Instagram, providing consultations and observations, and designing specific courses and workshops for teachers.
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