TESOL Pop

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 w...

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 generat...

Basma Abd Elhamied (أبلة بسمة), founder of TEFLship , talks about the importance of having a personal brand, how teachers can start, and how video can help in the process. Basma also shares practical tips so you can start creating videos. 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 emph...

Gemma Archer shares insights from her latest book: Teaching English Pronunciation for a Global World co-authored with Robin Walker. In this episode, Gemma talks about prioritising intelligibility over native-likeness in language learning, setting realistic learning goals, as well as shares techniques we can use to develop learners’ pronunciation. Click here to watch this episode with closed captio...

Emily Bryson shares how visual templates can enhance learning by providing a creative way for students to brainstorm and plan projects, such as podcasts. This episode includes practical demonstrations and tips on incorporating visual templates and graphic facilitation into classrooms. Click here to watch this episode with closed captions. KEY TALKING POINTS Visual Templates versus Graphic Organise...

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion consultant Dr Amina Douidi talks about racial basis in teaching, materials, and assessment in the context of the language classroom and shares actions we can take to address the problem. Click here to watch this episode with closed captions. KEY TALKING POINTS Identifying Bias Amina explains that racial bias in the classroom often manifests through disciplinary iss...

Communications Coach Shweta Ramkumar shares insights into teaching active listening skills to healthcare professionals. In this episode, Shweta explains what active listening is, why it's important and how we can develop this skill in the ESL classroom. Click here to watch this episode with closed captions. KEY TALKING POINTS Defining Active Listening Shweta talks about being present in the moment...

Author Jane Willis answers your questions about task-based learning (TBL). In this episode, Jane provides examples of TBL in practice, explores the difference between task-based and task-supported learning, and closes with suggestions on how the latest technology can fit into a TBL framework. Click here to watch this episode with closed captions. KEY TALKING POINTS Defining Task-Based Learning Jan...

Natasha Costello, co-author of Practical English Language Skills for Lawyers and a legal English educator, discusses career pathways to teaching legal English. In this episode, Natasha shares insights into learners' needs, lesson content, and resources for anyone interested in exploring teaching legal English as a career. KEY TALKING POINTS Getting into teaching Natasha recounts her transition fro...

Author of How to Write Inclusive Materials, Tyson Seburn, talks about a disruptive approach to building greater empathy and inclusion in the language classroom. In this interview, Tyson walks through the five stages of the disruptive approach and suggests topics, questions, materials and activities we can use for each lesson stage. KEY TALKING POINTS Defining a Disruptive Approach Tyson defines a...

Founder of Fluent Language, Kerstin Cable, discusses the difference between teaching and coaching. Kerstin walks through key elements of her language habit system , which focuses on a cycle of planning, tracking, reviewing and goal setting to set learners up for success. KEY TALKING POINTS Defining Coaching Coaching focuses on understanding the learner's goals and empowering them to find their own...

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. Watch with closed captions. TALKING POINTS Myth 1: Certain Teachers Can't Teach Pronunciation Emma emphasises the importance of mindset shifting among teachers, learners and the wider commun...

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 o...

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: "Slouch...

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,...

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, res...

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 languag...

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 condit...

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 e...

Founder of Earn Learn Thrive , Rachael Roberts, discusses the nuances between freelancing and business ownership in education. With over 30 years of experience in the field, Rachael offers valuable insights for educators wanting to move from employment into business ownership. KEY TALKING POINTS Defining Freelancing vs. Business Ownership Rachael explores the distinction between freelancing and bu...

Founder of English with Abigail , Abigail Fulbrook, shares insights into the online events she organises for learners and teachers of languages. Abigail talks about what inspired her to start hosting events, the benefits they offer, and tips on how to get involved. KEY TALKING POINTS Inspiring Events Abigail shares her motivation for organising online events to create space for people to meet and...

Nicola Prentis, founder of The Chilled Investor , shares three ways to start to grow our funds by exploring potential tax-free pensions, investments, and employer pension-matching options. This episode is not financial advice but educational tips and insights designed to help you build your financial literacy. KEY TALKING POINTS Why is Money Difficult to Discuss? Nicola delves into cultural and pe...

Teacher and founder of English with Amy Online talks about the different types of content she creates to promote her online teaching business and attract paying students. Whether you own an education business or want to create a community around your school, this episode with provide insight into the type of content you can create and best practices to keep in mind. KEY TALKING POINTS Content And...

Author Ian McMaster talks about common challenges international teams face and how taking time to reflect on critical incidents can improve teamwork. This episode is helpful whether you are part of an international teaching team or seek ways to develop better teamwork with your teenage or adult learners. KEY TALKING POINTS Common Challenges in Teams Language, culture, and remoteness are often perc...

This special episode for Season 7 features a narrative from educator David Stepanczuk , who shares his journey from the challenges of finding work in Japan to discovering the practice of forest bathing (shinrin-yoku) for stress relief. In this episode, David shares: Discovering Forest Bathing: David recounts the pivotal moment during a trip to Nara Park, where the expansive forest and tame deer pr...