Talking ELT

What should we really aim for when teaching English to very young learners? In this episode, Sarah Hillyard and Faidra Faitaki explore how language learning for very young learners differs fundamentally from teaching older learners, and why a traditional focus on vocabulary and grammar is not enough in pre-primary English language teaching. Instead, they highlight the importance of supporting the...

Why is play central to learning in the early years and what does it really look like in a pre-primary English classroom? In this episode, Sarah Hillyard and Faidra Faitaki explore how play is not simply a classroom activity, but the natural way children explore the world and develop language. They discuss how language learning becomes meaningful when it is embedded in playful experiences such as s...

What are the biggest challenges of teaching English to very young learners, and how can teachers manage them effectively? In this episode, Sarah Hillyard and Faidra Faitaki focus on the realities of the pre-primary classroom, from behaviour and routines to engagement and lesson structure. They explore how clear routines, modelling, and playful interaction help create a supportive learning environm...

How does pre-primary English connect beyond the classroom? In this final episode, Sarah Hillyard and Faidra Faitaki look at the wider context of early language learning, exploring how teachers collaborate with colleagues, engage with parents, and align English with the broader curriculum. They discuss the importance of supporting both English and children’s first language, addressing common miscon...

English proficiency testing is changing, and fast. In this special episode of Talking ELT, Sara Pierson OBE and Anthony Green unpack what the future holds for English proficiency testing, drawing on insights from a new white paper created in partnership with Times Higher Education. The conversation explores integrated skills, the ‘authenticity gap’, hybrid assessment models and the growing impact...

What is emergent language, and why is it becoming increasingly relevant to the ELT classroom? In this special episode of Talking ELT, emergent language experts Danny Norrington-Davis and Richard Chinn join Andrew Dilger and Ed Dudley to explain the concept and how these moments of spontaneous, unplanned language that appear organically in the classroom often lead to some of the most powerful learn...

What is the real impact of assessment on learning? In this opening episode of our series exploring the dynamic relationship between assessment and learning in English Language Teaching, host Ben is joined by ELT Assessment experts Jo Szoke and Nate Owen to explore the concept of washback, the influence of tests on teaching, and how it can be both positive and negative. Nate and Jo share personal s...

What does assessment literacy really mean for teachers? Episode 2 in our series on the impact of assessment on teaching and learning focuses on the classroom with Jo Szoke and Nate Owen exploring how teachers can design assessments that support learning. We discuss reliability, fairness, rubrics, and how to balance exam preparation with communicative language teaching — plus tips for managing stud...

Can reforming exams lead to better teaching and learning? In the third episode of this series, we explore the institutional and policy-level impact of assessment. From integrated skills testing to equity and standardization, Nate Owen and Jo Szoke discuss how assessment design can influence national education systems, and why teacher buy-in is essential for lasting change.

How can assessment be used to support learning, not just measure it? This final episode of our series on the impact of assessment on teaching and learning explores alternative assessment methods like portfolios, peer feedback, and gamification — and how AI is reshaping the future of feedback and test design. Jo Szoke and Nate Owen also tackle ethical concerns and the importance of keeping humans i...

The focus shifts to classroom culture and the teacher’s role in shaping it in the final episode of our Motivation and Social Learning series.   Fiona Mauchline, Nick Thorner and Ed Dudley discuss how to build safe, inclusive, and motivating environments from day one. They look at everything from managing group dynamics and identifying key influencers, to setting classroom norms and scaffolding ris...

How do we blend the best of digital and face-to-face learning? In the third episode of our Motivation and Social Learning series, Fiona Mauchline, Nick Thorner and Ed Dudley explore the practicalities and pedagogical implications of blended learning in ELT.   From QR code quizzes to multimodal communication and anonymous participation, the episode offers real classroom examples of how technology c...

In episode 2 of our Motivation and Social Learning series, Fiona Mauchline, Nick Thorner and Ed Dudley unpack the concept of social learning and its critical role in language acquisition.   They compare solitary learning experiences with group-based classroom dynamics, highlighting how peer interaction, relevance, and belonging can dramatically affect learner outcomes. The discussion also touches...

In this opening episode of our series on Motivation and Social Learning, Ben is joined by ELT experts Fiona Mauchline, Nick Thorner and Ed Dudley to explore the evolving nature of learner motivation in today’s digital-first world.   Drawing on personal teaching experiences and research insights, the conversation delves into intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation, the impact of dopamine-driven apps lik...

In this special episode of Talking ELT, we explore how content creation and microlearning are transforming the world of English Language Teaching (ELT).   Host Andrew is joined by two standout influencers in the ELT space: Mariwan Abdalla (English with Rahel) and Alex Fielder (Teacher Alex).   They share their journeys from classroom teaching to building global audiences online, discuss how Gen Al...

In the final episode of our Generation Alpha series, we explore the heart of modern classroom challenges: how to engage students with shorter attention spans and tech-shaped expectations.   Our expert guests unpack the neuroscience of motivation, the power of chunking and multimodality, and the role of gamification—both its benefits and its pitfalls. Discover practical strategies for boosting atte...

In the third episode of our Generation Alpha series, we tackle the intersection of technology, AI, and education. Discover how Gen Alpha’s relationship with tech affects attention spans, emotional regulation, and classroom engagement. Our guests share insights into the evolving role of teachers—from content deliverers to facilitators of metacognition and emotional intelligence.   Learn how to use...

In episode 2 of our Generation Alpha series, we explore the social side of Generation Alpha—how they connect, communicate, and collaborate in a digital-first world.   Our guests unpack the neuroscience behind empathy, mirror neurons, and emotional development, revealing how online interaction impacts offline social skills. Learn practical strategies for fostering face-to-face communication, empath...

In this eye-opening episode of Talking ELT, we dive into the defining traits of Generation Alpha—students born into a world of digital immersion and rapid change. Our expert guests explore how Gen Alpha's brains are neurologically wired for fast-paced, tech-driven learning, and how their dopamine-driven motivation and cognitive flexibility shape classroom behavior.   Discover how educators can ada...

In this episode, we look more closely at what it actually means in practice to adopt a Concept-based Inquiry approach, and when it’s most appropriate. This includes a lot of practical advice on how to get started with this, if this is something new to you.

In this episode, we focus on why you should consider making use of the Concept-based Inquiry approach. We look at the benefits to the students, as well as what it means for the way the teachers engages with them in the class. This leads on to the question of whether this approach helps teachers better manage the diversity of learners in their classes.

In this episode, we look at how a Concept-based Inquiry approach works when teaching a language, such as English. We go into more detail about BICS and CALP, and even the concept of Common Underlying Proficiency. We also discuss how this relates to the use of the students’ L1 in the classroom.

In this episode, we discuss what Concept-based Inquiry really means, and how it relates to other inquiry based learning approaches. We also look at the use of ‘generalisations’ or Big Questions at the heart of the approach.

In this special episode of Talking ELT, we dive into the minds behind one of the most loved ELT course books around the world, English File.     Christina Latham-Koenig and Kate Chomacki, two of the authors of the series, share how English File was conceived and has developed over nearly 30 years from its humble beginnings to the launch of the much anticipated fifth edition this year. They share t...

In this episode, we expand the notion of compassion in the world beyond the classroom. Does language learning link naturally to understanding other people outside our own experience? How does compassion fit into our development of global competencies? How might we extend this to compassion towards the planet and the environment?