TESOL Pop

Scott Allis, experienced ESL teacher and travel creator, joins Laura to share hard-won lessons from a global teaching career that spans China, Iraq, Thailand and beyond. In this candid conversation, Scott unpacks five key things to check before signing a contract—and what to do when the job doesn’t match what was promised. Whether you're teaching abroad, considering your next move, or advising others on job offers, this episode is packed with practical advice and relatable stories to help you make informed career decisions.Watch with closed captions.TALKING POINTSWhat Looks Good on Paper Isn’t Always the Right Fit: Scott reflects on contracts that promised the world, but delivered far less—and how to read between the lines.What Scott Checks Before Signing: From checking the exit clause to aligning work expectations with your lifestyle.Knowing Your Priorities: Why your dealbreakers matter more than rankings or salaries.Tips for Confident Negotiation: How to ask for what you need—without feeling like you’re being difficult.ABOUTScottie is an experienced ESL teacher with over ten years of teaching in places like Wuhan and Baghdad, currently based in Bangkok, Thailand. Today, he shares five essential lessons on finding the right contract as an ESL teacher—focusing on what works for your lifestyle, not just what looks best on paper. Alongside his teaching, Scottie creates mindful adventure travel content on Instagram and will soon launch YouTube content. Follow Scott on Instagram: @scottallisRELATED EPISODESS4E9: The problem with native-speakerism - with Meri MaroutianS8E3: Three ways to grow your money - with Nicola PrentisSUPPORT US💻 Sponsor us☕ Buy us a coffee⭐ Leave a reviewTHE PRODUCER'S EDITGet inspired to record more. Weekly stories, insights, and content tips for standout educators delivered to your inbox.👉 Subscribe hereCREDITSProducer: Laura WilkesEditor: Haven TsangSpecial thanks to our guest, Scott AllisProduction by Communicating for Impact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steven Schmidt, professional development consultant and long-time adult educator, joins Laura to share his journey from enduring uninspiring training sessions to leading transformative ones. In this episode, Steve reflects on what makes professional development meaningful, how he overcame self-doubt, and why fear never fully disappears — but can be used as fuel for growth.Watch with closed captions.TALKING POINTSWhy “Bad PD” Sparked a New Mission. How sitting in the back of dull sessions inspired Steve to raise the bar on professional learning.The Baby Steps to Becoming a PD Leader. From Saturday workshops to national keynotes — how Steve gradually built his confidence.Facing the Fear (and Doing It Anyway). Insights from Dr Susan Jeffers’ “Five Truths of Fear” and how they apply to every educator.Redefining Failure as Learning. Why Steve sees setbacks as “O Flags” — opportunities for learning and growth — and how you can too.Practising What We Preach. A reminder that educators deserve the same self-compassion and encouragement we give our learners.ABOUTSteven Schmidt is a professional development consultant with decades of experience in adult education. After years working as a classroom teacher and programme administrator, Steve shifted into full-time PD, delivering training across the U.S. and sharing practical insights on confidence, connection, and lifelong learning. He currently supports educators through keynote talks, workshops, and one-on-one coaching. Connect on LinkedIn or send Steve an email here.ReferencesFeel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Dr Susan JeffersSUPPORT US💻 Sponsor us☕ Buy us a coffee⭐ Leave a reviewTHE PRODUCER'S EDITGet inspired to record more. Weekly stories, insights, and content tips for standout educators delivered to your inbox.👉 Subscribe hereCREDITSProducer: Laura WilkesEditor: Haven TsangSpecial thanks to our guest, Steven SchmidtProduction by Communicating for Impact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Creators of TESOL Pop, Laura Wilkes and Technical Director Haven Tsang, report from IBC 2025 in Amsterdam with practical takeaways for educators using media. From live multilingual captioning and voice overdubs to richer, human-centred metadata and the storytelling craft behind Becoming Led Zeppelin, this episode unpacks the media tech shaping how we teach, learn, and share ideas.TALKING POINTSLive Multilingual Captioning & Dubbing: Why real-time captions plus AI voice overdubs can open up lectures, events, and training to a truly global audience.Search That Thinks Like You: How richer semantic metadata makes archives more findable (think “green car in a courtroom” vs keyword guesswork).Story First, Always: Lessons from Becoming Led Zeppelin on research, restraint, and choosing a focused narrative over “everything we have in the archive.”Post Is Solved in Pre: Haven’s rule of thumb — plan the storyboards and coverage up front to save time (and headaches) in the edit.What Educators Can Do Now: Concrete ways to start using captions, smarter tagging, and tighter planning in your next course video or podcast.ABOUTHaven Tsang has 20+ years of experience in broadcast and post-production. He leads on workflow design, editing, colour and sound for client projects, and supports educators in bringing professional production standards to their videos and podcasts.REFERENCESIBC (International Broadcasting Convention)Becoming Led Zeppelin — special screening & Q&A insightsEverything TechIE Podcast with Justin DawsonThe Producer’s Edit newsletter — weekly insights for standout educatorsSUPPORT US💻 Sponsor us☕ Buy us a coffee⭐ Review this episodeTHE PRODUCER'S EDIT Get inspired to record more. Weekly stories, insights, and content tips for standout educators delivered to your inbox. 👉 Subscribe hereCREDITSProducer: Laura WilkesEditor and Guest: Haven TsangProduction by Communicating for ImpactSpecial thanks to IBC for the opportunity to be official content creators this year and for the incredible experience. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Joel Floyd, educator and founder of Ignite Career Foundation, joins Laura to share how his team creates an inclusive, learner-centred environment for adult English language learners in the US. In this episode, Joel shares student success stories, explores how community and compassion are embedded into their programmes, and reminds us of the power of reflective teaching.Watch with closed captions.TALKING POINTSA Student's Journey: From qualified pilot in Venezuela to English learner and future Delta Airlines pilot—with a little help from an inclusive learning environment.Meeting Students Where They Are: Why Ignite Career Foundation leads with empathy, compassion and student voice in all aspects of its work.Creating a Sense of Belonging: From first-day classroom observations to student mentors and coffee chats, small touches that help students feel ownership and pride in their learning space.Learning as a Two-Way Street: The importance of building reciprocal relationships in the classroom—and listening as much as teaching.A Call for Reflective Practice: Joel’s advice for teachers on staying curious, seeking feedback, and journaling to keep growing as educators.ABOUTJoel Floyd, PhD, is the founder and current Executive Director of the Ignite Career Foundation, formerly known as English for a Lifetime Language Institute, located in Norcross, Georgia, USA. He has held this role since 2012. Dr. Floyd also serves as a State Advocate Fellow for the Coalition on Adult and Basic Education (COABE), representing Georgia in a one-year appointment. In this capacity, he is deeply involved in advocacy efforts for adult education at the local, state, and federal levels. Dr. Floyd's research interests include teacher professional development in adult ELL (English Language Learners) classrooms, critical andragogy among adult ELLs and adult learners in general, and educational leadership in postsecondary non-traditional school settings.REFERENCESIgnite Career FoundationJoel Floyd on LinkedInSUPPORT US💻 Sponsor us☕ Buy us a coffee⭐ Leave a reviewTHE PRODUCER'S EDITGet inspired to record more. Weekly stories, insights, and content tips for standout educators delivered to your inbox.👉 Subscribe hereCREDITSProducer: Laura WilkesEditor: Jess Li ThorkildsenSpecial thanks to our guest, Dr Joel FloydProduction by Communicating for Impact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jacqueline Aguilera, adult educator and digital equity advocate, joins Laura to explore how teachers can embed digital literacy into their lessons without needing separate “computer classes.” In this episode, Jacqueline shares practical tips for building digital skills with limited tech, discusses the impact of the digital divide in Texas, and encourages teachers to focus on what learners already use in their daily lives.Watch with closed captions.TALKING POINTSSilo Busting in Education: Moving beyond subject-specific instruction to integrate real-world digital skills into all areas of teaching.Digital Equity in Texas: Infrastructure, device quality, and access vary widely—even within cities—impacting learners’ experiences.Teaching with What Learners Have: From smartphones to QR codes, using everyday tech to develop essential digital skills.Creating a Learner-Driven Curriculum: Encouraging students to bring in examples from their environment and build personal connections to digital literacy.Empowering Educators: Why teachers don’t need to know everything about tech—and how curiosity can be a superpower in the classroom.ABOUTJacqueline Aguilera is an experienced educator and instructional leader based in Austin, Texas. She specialises in adult education and digital literacy, with a focus on serving refugee communities, second language learners, and students returning to education later in life. With a passion for equity and access, Jacqueline trains instructors across the US to creatively integrate technology into their classrooms and meet learners where they are.REFERENCESThe Mayor's Office for Adult Literacy, HoustonJacqueline Aguilera on LinkedInSUPPORT US💻 Sponsor us☕ Buy us a coffee⭐ Leave a reviewTHE PRODUCER'S EDITGet inspired to record more. Weekly stories, insights, and content tips for standout educators delivered to your inbox.👉 Subscribe hereCREDITSProducer: Laura WilkesEditor: Jess Li ThorkildsenSpecial thanks to our guest, Jacqueline AguileraProduction by Communicating for Impact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kate Bodrova, co-founder and CEO of Amazy, explores how technology is positively impacting teaching. Kate shares insights on how Amazy helps educators create and share interactive, media-rich resources while streamlining workflows. In this episode, Laura and Kate also discuss current trends, including AI’s role in education, the rise of the teacherpreneur, and how educators can leverage technology to enhance—rather than replace—human connection in the classroom.Watch with closed captions.TALKING POINTSIntroduction to Amazy: A platform that enables teachers to create and share interactive lesson materials, track student progress, and engage learners with various multimedia tools.Current Trends in EdTech: The growing influence of AI, the shift towards a creator economy for educators, and the importance of collecting data to optimize AI tools.Using AI to Empower Educators: How AI can streamline content creation, save time, and support personalized learning experiences without replacing teachers.Maintaining Human Connection in a Digital Age: Why technology should be a tool for enhancing education rather than diluting teacher-student relationships.ABOUTKate Bodrova is the co-founder and CEO of Amazy.uk, a London-based edtech and creator economy startup transforming the way educators create and share interactive learning materials. With a background in ESL teaching and over a decade of experience in education and technology, Kate is the driving force behind Amazy.uk, on a mission to revolutionise how we create and share educational content. Amazy.uk, recognised as the Best Startup in Europe by EdTechX in 2024, also participated in the UCL EdTech Labs accelerator program. Kate is passionate about helping teachers become creators, enabling them to design and share their own materials.REFERENCES & RESOURCESAmazy.ukFollow Kate on LinkedIn✨SPECIAL OFFER✨Use code TESOLPOP30 for 30% off Amazy's annual subscription plan.SUPPORT US💻 Sponsor us☕ Buy us a coffee⭐ Leave a reviewTHE PRODUCER'S EDITGet inspired to record more. Weekly stories, insights, and content tips for standout educators delivered to your inbox.👉 Subscribe hereCREDITSProducer Laura WilkesEditor Haven TsangThanks to our lovely guest, Kate Bodrova.Production by Communicating for Impact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amira Salama shares insights on practitioner research and how everyday classroom experiences can contribute to meaningful research. She challenges traditional notions of research and highlights how teachers are already engaging in research without realising it.Watch with closed captions.TALKING POINTS1. Research doesn’t have to be complex—any teacher reflecting on and improving their practice is engaging in research.2. Sharing findings with colleagues, at conferences, or within schools is just as valuable as publishing in journals.3. Teachers can use simple methods like student feedback, classroom observations, and collaborative discussions to gather insights.4. Research helps educators take control of challenges like AI integration and curriculum development.5. Contextualised, bottom-up approaches to teaching and research are more effective than applying generic ‘best practices.’ABOUTAmira Salama is the Chair of the TESOL International Research Professional Council (2024-2025) and the Past President of Africa ELTA. She has an MA TESOL from the American University in Cairo with a research focus on teacher leadership and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in inclusive education. Amira is the winner of the TESOL Outstanding Advocate Honor Award in 2024. She has given a number of plenary and featured talks at local and international conferences and developed teacher training programs in Egypt and Africa with a focus on association leadership in low-resource contexts, classroom research, and women leadership.REFERENCESTESOL Research ReportAfrica ELTA (Mentoring programmes)SUPPORT US💻 Sponsor us☕ Buy us a coffee⭐ Leave a reviewTHE PRODUCER'S EDITGet inspired to record more. Weekly stories, insights, and content tips for standout educators delivered to your inbox.👉 Subscribe hereCREDITSProducer Laura WilkesEditor Haven TsangThanks to our lovely guest, Amira SalamaProduction by Communicating for Impact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jade Arthur explores the concept of gamification in teaching adult learners. In this episode, Laura and Jade dive into common misconceptions about gamification, discuss the importance of intrinsic motivation, and share actionable strategies for making learning fun, engaging, and effective for adultsWatch the episode with closed captions.TALKING POINTSWhat is Gamification?Jade explains how gamification uses elements like points, challenges, and rewards to enhance learning. She highlights how it can create meaningful and enjoyable learning experiences when applied thoughtfully.Intrinsic Motivation:Discover why gamification works best when it moves beyond external rewards and fosters a genuine love for learning.Collaboration Over Competition:Jade emphasises the importance of designing games that build community and cater to diverse learner needs rather than simply focusing on competition.Gamification for Adults:Practical tips for making gamified activities engaging yet appropriate for adult learners. From tone-setting to purposeful game design, Jade shares strategies for creating a low-pressure, high-impact learning environment.ABOUTJade is based in Tennessee, US, where she teaches adult English learners pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, and conversation skills online. She has worked for TutorABC, Tutlo, English for IT, and Twenix, helping students from a variety of countries, including Taiwan, Ukraine, Poland, and Spain. Her goal is to encourage students to embrace the joy of learning through gamified education and inspire them to achieve creative and financial freedom. Visit Jade's website or follow her on LinkedIn.REFERENCES & RESOURCESRoman Rackwitz and his work on non-Skinnerian gamification (LinkedIn)B. F. Skinner and his work in the 1900s on behavioural psychology (Wikipedia)Try these speaking game ideas with your adult and teen students.SUPPORT US💻 Sponsor us☕ Buy us a coffee⭐ Leave a reviewTHE PRODUCER'S EDITGet inspired to record more. Weekly stories, insights, and content tips for standout educators delivered to your inbox.👉 Subscribe hereCREDITSProducer: Laura WilkesEditor: Haven TsangThanks to our lovely guest, Jade ArthurProduction by Communicating for Impact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

English language trainer Leo Wu shares insights into tasks he uses in his classes to support his Business English learners in developing essential soft skills for the workplace. In this episode, Leo explains why communication, rather than just language proficiency, is key to success in the business world.Watch this episode with closed captions here.KEY TALKING POINTSMisconceptions in Business English EducationLeo discusses how many students, especially in Taiwan, see Business English as grammar and vocabulary-focused, rather than as a tool for effective communication in the workplace. Leo goes on to highlight the importance of building soft skills like confidence, teamwork, and interpersonal communication to succeed in real-world business environments.Classroom ActivitiesLeo walks through tasks and activities he uses in classes, such as mock business meetings, writing appreciation emails, and icebreaker activities, that foster teamwork and improve students' ability to communicate effectively.Test Preparation versus Communication SkillsLeo touches on the need to balance test-focused learning with practical language use to help students excel both academically and professionally.ABOUTLeo Wu, also known as Wuber on social media, is an ESL English teacher and trainer based in Taiwan. Over the past thirteen years, Leo has worked with learners of all ages in various online and offline settings. Currently, he is focused on teaching business-related content to professionals. He teaches at ILI Language Center(文化大學語言中心), and AMC English school, and also provides my private personalised English training lessons through his social media channels. He believes that everyone is capable of speaking languages beautifully and confidently - something that shines through in all the work he does.FOLLOW LEOTikTok @wuberenglishInstagram @wuberengFacebook @wuberengLove what we do? Say thanks with a coffee.https://ko-fi.com/tesolpopCREDITSProducer Laura WilkesEditor Haven TsangThanks to our lovely guest, Leo Wu. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Founder of the Learning Cosmos André Hedlund explores the growing challenges of maintaining attention spans in the age of digital distractions. André dives into the impact of screen time, the role of executive functions in learning, and how going back to basics can foster focus and resilience in our classrooms.Watch the episode with closed captions.TALKING POINTSDigital Overload: how delegating human interaction to devices has contributed to declining IQ levels for the first time and why educators must rethink the role of technology in teaching.Executive Functions: the importance of training the brain's "operational control centre'‘ through situations that challenge students' impulse control, emotional regulation, and focus.The Dopamine Dilemma: the neuroscience behind dopamine and how to find healthier ways to engage students without relying on instant gratification.Back to Basics: how traditional methods that prioritise interaction, exploration, and meaningful experiences can overthrow digital dependence.ABOUTAndré Hedlund is a Chevening (pronounced as evening) Alumnus, MSc Psychology of Education - University of Bristol, Educational Consultant, Speaker, Author, and Guest Lecturer on Bilingualism and Cognition in Postgraduate courses. He currently works as an e-moderator in British Council training programs. André is the leader of BRAZ-TESOL’s Mind, Brain, and Education SIG and the founder of the Learning Cosmos.REFERENCES & RESOURCESThe Learning Cosmos SubstackThe Learning Cosmos InstagramHaidt, J. (2024) The Anxious Generation. PenguinHedlund, A. (2022) The Owl Factor: Reframing your Teaching Philosophy. IndependentTESOL Pop: The Know, Show and Grow Stages of Teaching and Learning with André HedlundSUPPORT US💻 Sponsor us☕ Buy us a coffee⭐ Leave a reviewTHE PRODUCER'S EDITGet inspired to record more. Weekly stories, insights, and content tips for standout educators delivered to your inbox.👉 Subscribe hereCREDITSProducer: Laura WilkesEditor: Haven TsangThanks to our lovely guest, André HedlundProduction by Communicating for Impact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Founder of Blue Noun, Ruth Pringle, discusses her innovative approach to immersive English learning. Ruth shares how combining outdoor exploration, artistic activities, and community engagement transforms English learners into confident English users.Watch with closed captions.TALKING POINTSWhat is Blue Noun?Ruth introduces Blue Noun, a language hub in Crieff, Scotland, surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Perthshire. Unlike traditional classrooms, Blue Noun offers English learners real-life opportunities to practice language skills while immersing themselves in the local culture.Learner to User: The Mindset ShiftRuth highlights the distinction between English learners and English users. She shares how focusing on using "wonky" English in authentic settings can help individuals overcome self-doubt and build confidence in their abilities.Tailored ExperiencesEach experience at Blue Noun is unique. Ruth shares examples of activities, like visiting local artist studios, participating in mosaic workshops, and exploring the scenic outdoors. These activities help learners pick up workplace-relevant vocabulary and build meaningful connections.Power of Playful LearningRuth explains how immersive and tactile experiences—like creating art or having informal conversations—allow learners to integrate English naturally into their identities, making language learning less about perfection and more about connection.ABOUTRuth offers English language coaching holidays in Perthshire, Scotland. These are curated immersive experiences that explore Scotland's landscapes and cultures and give ‘1000s of micro moments of you being you, in English’. Her background is in the arts. She spent 10 years exhibiting as an installation artist around Europe, UK & the USA and began teaching English to support this – first in a corporate language school, then freelance for art and architecture schools. She began the Blue Noun Hub 5 years ago, to unite L1 & L2 English users through stories, projects and a love of natural Scotland.REFERENCES & RESOURCESBlue Noun - Real Conversation-based English Holidays, Courses and CoachingView the gallery of photos of Blue Noun Immersive English Holidays.SUPPORT US💻 Sponsor us☕ Buy us a coffee⭐ Leave a reviewTHE PRODUCER'S EDITGet inspired to record more. Weekly stories, insights, and content tips for standout educators delivered to your inbox.👉 Subscribe hereCREDITSProducer: Laura WilkesEditor: Haven TsangThanks to our lovely guest, Ruth Pringle.Production by Communicating for Impact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Senior Teaching Associate Josianne Block shares insights on how embracing learners’ linguistic resources can enhance communication, foster inclusivity, and create a more dynamic learning environment.Watch with closed captions.TALKING POINTSWhat is translanguaging? Josianne defines translanguaging as the natural blending of languages to facilitate effective communication. She shares real-world examples, such as using gestures, words from other languages we know, and cultural knowledge to convey meaning.The role of translanguaging. How translanguaging reflects the interconnected nature of languages in our minds. Far from a shortcut, it’s a powerful tool for building confidence and fostering curiosity.Classroom strategies. Josianne describes how she incorporates translanguaging by starting lessons by writing vocabulary words in the learners' languages, as an example.Safe learning spaces. The importance of establishing clear guidelines for using learners’ first languages. She shares how this approach helps students transition from relying on their native languages to gaining confidence in English.ABOUTJosianne is based in Malta, a small island in the Mediterranean. She has over ten years of teaching experience in English and currently works as a senior teaching associate at the University of Malta. Josianne holds an M.A. in Applied Linguistics and TESOL and is also qualified to teach Italian and Maltese as foreign languages. Having taught several integration programmes, she is particularly interested in language dynamics and linguistic diversity within multilingual contexts. She also actively participates in local and international ELT conferences and enjoys conducting research.REFERENCESGarcia, O., & Wei, L. (2014). Translanguaging: Language, Bilingualism and Education. Palgrave Macmillan.Kerr, P. (2014). Translation and Own-language Activities. Cambridge University Press.Translanguaging Guides. CUNY-NYSIEB. (2021). Available at https://www.cunynysieb.org/ translanguaging-re Accessed on 19/11/2024.SUPPORT US💻 Sponsor us☕ Buy us a coffee⭐ Leave a reviewTHE PRODUCER'S EDITGet inspired to record more. Weekly stories, insights, and content tips for standout educators delivered to your inbox.👉 Subscribe hereCREDITSProducer: Laura WilkesEditor: Haven TsangThanks to our inspiring guest, Josianne Block.Production by Communicating for Impact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shélynn Riel explores what it means to be a teacherpreneur and shares insights on how teachers can transition to entrepreneurship and leverage their skills to build flexible, impactful careersWatch the episode with closed captions here.What is Teacherpreneurship?Shé describes a teacherpreneur as an educator who leverages their teaching skills to start and run their own business. This can include freelancing, consulting, creating educational materials, and more.Essential Skills for TeacherpreneursTeachers already possess numerous skills that are useful in business, such as communication, organisation, flexibility, and empathy. Shé shares how these skills can be applied to tasks like marketing, lesson planning, and managing a business.Paths to TeacherpreneurshipShé outlines common paths, such as:Online Language Company Freelancer: A structured entry point where teachers work for language companies that handle logistics and curriculum.Marketplace Tutor: Teachers set their own rates and create course content while using tutoring platforms like Preply or Cambly to connect with students.Independent Teacherpreneur: Teachers establish their own brand, market their services, and have complete control over their business and teaching methods.ABOUTShélynn (Shé) Riel is Bridge's Expert Series Webinar Moderator and IDELTOnline instructor. She holds a Master of Education in TESOL and over fifteen years of experience in education. Throughout her career, Shé has held positions of leadership in curriculum development and program administration at universities and non-profits in the U.S., served as a facilitator for various digital exchanges for global English teachers, and delivered professional development to teachers on the ground in Argentina, Bangladesh, and China. Her interests include holistic teacher development, learner identity, and decolonial ethics in the language classroom. She is the co-creator of The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast, which focuses on reflective practices for teachers around the world.REFERENCESBridge Teacherpreneur AcademySUPPORT US💻 Sponsor us☕ Buy us a coffee⭐ Leave a reviewTHE PRODUCER'S EDITGet inspired to record more. Weekly stories, insights, and content tips for standout educators delivered to your inbox.👉 Subscribe hereCREDITSProducer: Laura WilkesEditor: Haven TsangThanks to our inspiring guest, Shélynn RielProduction by Communicating for Impact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Multilingual speaker Urmi Hossain joins us to share her experiences learning multiple languages and the personalised strategies she’s developed. Urmi’s learning journey highlights the importance of finding methods that resonate with personal goals, interests, and cultural backgrounds.Watch the episode with closed captions here.Learning with PurposeUrmi discusses how each language she’s learned holds a different significance in her life, from family connections to career advancement. By setting clear goals, she maintains motivation and purpose in her studies.Overcoming Dialect DifferencesLiving in Canada, Urmi encountered distinct French dialects that challenged her listening skills. She shares how she adapted to these variations, gaining confidence in her ability to comprehend diverse accents and expressions.Staying MotivatedUrmi stays driven through vision boards, regular goal check-ins, and strategic reminders. She believes motivation plays a vital role in language learning success, especially when progressing independently.ABOUTUrmi Hossain is Bengali by blood and Italian by birth. She works in the financial services industry in Canada, where she is currently residing. She is a self-published author, speaker, blogger, polyglot, and mentor. She is the holder of the CFA charter as well as the CAIA charter. Her first book is: Discovering your identity, a rebirth from interracial struggle. She is an advocate of women's empowerment and very passionate about teaching and mentoring other girls and women. She is part of the organisation called Women In Leadership for the Victoria Chapter in Canada as the social media lead where she spreads the message of gender equality and more women in leadership positions. She enjoys being a promoter of self-investing and personal development. Fun fact: she speaks 4.5 languages - Italian, Bengali, English, French and Spanish being the .5FOLLOWLinkedInMy Ways BlogYouTubeInstagramLove what we do? Say thanks with a coffee.https://ko-fi.com/tesolpopCREDITSProducer Laura WilkesEditor Haven TsangThanks to our inspiring guest, Urmi Hossain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author and Teacher Trainer Katherine Rilley explores the role of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) in English language teaching and materials. Katherine explains how CDA can help educators identify hidden meanings, assumptions, and power dynamics within their teaching materials so we can make changes that foster a more inclusive and supportive environment.Watch with closed captions here.Understanding Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA)CDA is an approach that examines how language and imagery in teaching materials can shape social realities, reinforce stereotypes, and influence ideologies. Katherine emphasises the importance of ensuring materials reflect diverse voices, backgrounds, and experiences.Gender and Stereotypes in TextbooksKatherine shares examples of how textbooks can reinforce outdated gender roles, such as referring to professionals as "policemen" or "firemen" instead of using gender-neutral terms. She discusses how such representations can limit students' perceptions of their future potential.Adapting Materials for InclusivityKatherine stresses that no single textbook can fully meet the needs of all learners. Teachers should adapt materials to reflect different cultures, abilities, and perspectives. She encourages educators to use inclusive visuals, update resources, and incorporate diverse voices.Actionable Steps for TeachersKatherine’s top tips for educators:Evaluate your materials to ensure they are inclusive and cater to all students’ needs.Research to find materials that promote diversity and foster greater diversity and inclusion.ABOUTKatherine Reilly is an ELT Teacher Trainer and Author of numerous publications in children’s literature, teaching materials and ICT. She has taught Language Methodology and Materials Development at the University of Athens, previously at the Technological University of Cyprus and finally, at the Oxford TEFL Training Centre for the Innovate ELT Conference. Her expertise includes training school faculties in inclusive teaching methodology, diverse educational materials adaptation, and the application of Critical Discourse Analysis to examine socio-cultural dimensions.FOLLOWBlogLinkedInSUPPORT US💻 Sponsor us☕ Buy us a coffee⭐ Leave a reviewTHE PRODUCER'S EDITGet inspired to record more. Weekly stories, insights, and content tips for standout educators delivered to your inbox.👉 Subscribe hereCREDITSProducer: Laura WilkesEditor: Haven TsangThanks to our inspiring guest, Katherine ReillyProduction by Communicating for Impact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author Martin Hajek talks about the importance of role models and access to information to make informed decisions about our careers in the English Language Teaching industry. Martin shares three stories from his latest book More Than A Gap Year Adventure that demonstrate the wide range of career paths that are possible.Watch with closed captions here.Inspiration Behind the BookMartin shares how his training as a journalist inspired him to start researching and compiling various essays from educators around the world for More Than A Gap Year Adventure.Challenging Negative NarrativesPart of the inspiration for the title of the book was to challenge the perception that work in the industry is temporary and lacking in professional training and roles. He goes on to talk about the role click-through TEFL certificate course providers have to play in perpetuating this misconception.Three Different StoriesMartin shares three very different essays featured in More Than A Gap Year Adventure that sheds light on work in assessment and material design as just a few examples of what is possible in the ELT field.ABOUTMartin Hajek is a freelance ELT professional based in Colombia. Originally a journalist, he decided to sign up for a CELTA course at the age of 30. Martin immediately fell in love with teaching English and started looking for a way to move beyond entry-level jobs, which led him to complete a DELTA. Martin focuses on career development, language assessment, phonology, and teaching listening skills. In February 2024, he self-published More Than a Gap Year Adventure, a collaborative book aimed at those who wish to have a long-term career in the ELT profession.REFERENCESHajek, M. (2024) More Than a Gap Year Adventure: How to Make a Long-Term Career out of TEFL. IndependentFOLLOWBlog TEFL in ColumbiaLinkedInSUPPORT US💻 Sponsor us☕ Buy us a coffee⭐ Leave a reviewTHE PRODUCER'S EDITGet inspired to record more. Weekly stories, insights, and content tips for standout educators delivered to your inbox.👉 Subscribe hereCREDITSProducer: Laura WilkesEditor: Haven TsangThanks to our inspiring guest, Martin HajekProduction by Communicating for Impact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author Rachael Harris discusses her latest book, Activities for Developing Learning Strategies, and how her experience teaching teens and young learners inspired her to focus on inclusive practices and the importance of strategies to boost students' performance. The conversation explores examples from Rachael's book, emphasising direct and indirect learning strategies that can be applied in the classroom and beyond.Watch with closed captions here.TALKING POINTSInspiration Behind the Book. Rachael shares how her experience with teens and young learners inspired her to write Activities for Developing Learning Strategies. Direct and Indirect Learning Strategies. Rachael outlines the two main strategies: direct strategies (like vocabulary memorisation) and indirect strategies (such as goal setting and motivation). Both play a critical role in enhancing learning across different subjects.Goal Setting and Quick Wins. How the “quick wins” strategy helps maintain motivation by encouraging students to complete small, easy tasks when they feel stuck or demotivated.Scientific Basis for Learning. Rachael encourages her students to focus on proven methods such as spaced practice and self-testing, rather than relying on less effective techniques like re-reading and highlighting.ABOUTRachael Harris has taught ELT, literature & current affairs in primary & secondary schools in Geneva for over 15 years. Up until recently, she was the joint coordinator for the IATEFL Inclusive Practices & SEN special interest group. Her latest book, Activities for Developing Learning Strategies, is a collection of tried-and-tested strategies, designed to help learners succeed in the language classroom and beyond. Check out Rachael's blog, Fab English Ideas and follow her on LinkedIn.REFERENCESDunlosky, J. et al (2013) 'Improving Students’ Learning With Effective Learning Techniques: Promising Directions From Cognitive and Educational Psychology.' Psychological Science in the Public Interest (PSPI) Volume 15, pp. 4–58Harris, R. (2023) Activities for Developing Learning Strategies. DELTA Publishing.SUPPORT US💻 Sponsor us☕ Buy us a coffee⭐ Leave a reviewTHE PRODUCER'S EDITGet inspired to record more. Weekly stories, insights, and content tips for standout educators delivered to your inbox.👉 Subscribe hereCREDITSProducer: Laura WilkesEditor: Haven TsangThanks to our wonderful guest, Rachael HarrisProduction by Communicating for Impact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kirsten Holt, founder of Creativity Sown, talks about experiential learning in teacher development. In this episode, Kirsten shares practical tips for getting started and highlights the value of building a community to exchange ideas and support growth.Watch this episode with closed captions here.KEY TALKING POINTSWhat is experiential learning?Kirsten explains that experiential learning involves applying knowledge in a practical setting (e.g., a classroom), followed by reflection and adjustment. This process helps teachers improve their teaching methods by learning from both successes and mistakes.Iterative Process of LearningTeachers are encouraged to try new activities, reflect on their outcomes, and make adjustments. This cycle of testing, analysing, and repeating leads to deeper learning and continuous professional development.Collaborative and Reflective PracticeExperiential learning thrives in a collaborative environment where teachers share ideas, reflect on their experiences, and help each other improve. It helps foster a positive, engaging staff room culture or even an online community for solo practitioners.Practical Applications and Resources:Kirsten highlights how experiential learning can be applied to new technologies, such as AI, by experimenting with different teaching tools and approaches. She also gives the example of Creativity Sown, where teachers can exchange ideas and receive feedback.ABOUTKirsten is based in Brighton, UK where she runs Creativity Sown, a company providing editorial, writing, training and education consultancy services. This encapsulates her 30 years’ experience in education, first in teaching, teacher training and school management, then in publishing, with her passion in training and mentoring. She has written course material for kindergarten learners through to adults, blog content and classroom resources for teachers and teacher trainers; designed and run face-to-face conferences, events online and training programmes, and edited hundreds of books! She is also an international conference speaker, a British Council ELTons judge and has served on the IATEFL MaWSIG and PronSIG Committees.FOLLOWWebsite Creativity SownLinkedInLove what we do? Say thanks with a coffee.https://ko-fi.com/tesolpopCREDITSProducer Laura WilkesEditor Haven TsangThanks to our inspiring guest, Kirsten Holt. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Roger Hubmann, founder of Happy Students, talks about the evolving role of online learning platforms in language education. Roger shares how modern platforms can create dynamic, engaging, and personalised learning paths for students. He discusses the shift towards using digital tools to support pre and post-class activity, ensuring deeper learning engagement outside the classroom.Click here to watch this episode with closed captions.KEY TALKING POINTSEvolution of Online LearningRoger explains how platforms have evolved from static libraries to tools that support personalised and interactive learning paths. Online learning platforms can act as a digital frame that fosters communication and collaboration between learners and teachers.A Practical Case StudyMedicus Linguae is a great example of how mobile technology and learning platforms can interlink. In the case of Happy Students, the smartphone-compatible platform enables students to upload audio and video assignments, thus increasing their opportunities to develop their skills outside the live class hours.A Time-Saving SolutionOnline or blended learning experiences can save time so that teachers and learners can focus more on meaningful live interactions. Roger also points out how AI tools can assist in creating teaching materials to support teachers in moving to an online or blended teaching model.ABOUTRoger Hubmann, Founder of Happy Students, is passionate about creating engaging digital learning interactions and developing digital ecosystems with experts and their knowledge. With a background in economics, he has extensive experience in digital engagement, product development, and startup developments in virtual worlds and eCommerce. He’s Zurich-based, has lived over a decade in Spain, Berlin, and the UK. Roger believes that the education sector is undergoing similar digital transformations as banking and commerce, where innovation through digital means is key to differentiation.REFERENCESHappy Students. State-of-the-art learning softwareMedicus Linguae. German language training for nursing and health professionals.OpenAI. For the latest updates about ChatGPT, DALL-E and more.Love what we do? Say thanks with a coffee.https://ko-fi.com/tesolpopCREDITSProducer Laura WilkesEditor Haven TsangThanks to our special guest, Roger Hubmann. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 POINTSWhat 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 IntegrityThe 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 AssessmentAs 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 IntegrationEve 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.ABOUTEve 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.REFERENCESTurnitin Plagiarism detection software.Love what we do? Say thanks with coffee.https://ko-fi.com/tesolpopCREDITSProducer Laura WilkesEditor Haven TsangThanks to fellow co-founder and special guest, Eve Conway. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.