ELTcpd

In this special episode of the ELTcpd podcast, guest interviewer & VP of IATEFL Aleksandra Popovski interviews the host, Billie Jago. 

We discuss moving from teaching to freelancing, how to thrive as a freelancer, and Billie shares some super exciting news about the future of ELTcpd.

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In the first episode of our Roles in ELT mini-series,  we chat to freelance author, teacher trainer and consultant Emma Heyderman. 

We discuss the various responsibilities of an ELT consultant,  the experience required to be effective in the role and how to get into consulting. We also discuss fees, timelines, and why language schools and publishers may require a consultant's services. 

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In the final episode of our editing series, we chat to Catherine Zgouras - a teacher, teacher trainer & writer who has worked as a freelance editor and now works for Alef Education as an ELT specialist. 

We discuss the differences and similarities between freelancing and working in-house, as well as tips and advice for giving constructive feedback to authors. We talk about the differences between editing materials for different age ranges, and how to develop your skills as an ELT editor. 

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In the second episode of our editing series, we chat to Noel Smaragdakis - a writer and editor with more than six years of experience in academic publishing and TESOL writing.

We discuss the process of editing ELT assessments and test items, as well as the skills and qualities an assessment editor needs.  Noel outlines the differences between editing assessments and academic papers, and how to give constructive editorial feedback. He also shares his thoughts on the future of ELT editing. 

Noel Smaragdakis has worked as an editor and writer for various international education companies, including Kaplan, Inc., the British Council’s EnglishScore, and has produced preparation tests for IELTS (Academic and General) and TOEIC. 

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In our first episode of 2022, we chat to two experts with extensive ELT editing experience: Karen Spiller, co-founder of ELT Teacher 2 Writer & ELT Publishing Professionals, and Karen White,  co-founder of ELT Teacher 2 Writer. 

We discuss how to get into editing and what new ELT editors can expect in their role.  Our guest experts share their advice on moving from in-house editing to being freelance, their thoughts on what makes a good ELT editor, and emerging roles within the world of ELT editing.

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In this episode, we chat to teacher, teacher trainer and  Coordinator of the IATEFL Materials Writing Special Interest Group (MaWSIG IATEFL), Aleksandra Popovski.

We discuss different types of teaching materials and how teachers can create, personalise and deliver their own successful materials. Aleksandra shares her advice and top tips on how teachers can start writing their own materials, what types of activities learners might enjoy, and why it's essential for teachers to consider themselves as materials writers. 

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In this episode, we speak to ELT author & Teacher Trainer Katherine Bilsborough, who has written over 100 course books and online courses, and is the author of 'How to write Primary Materials' (ELT Teacher 2 Writer). 

Kath shares her top tips and advice for writing primary materials for both materials writers and teachers, and shares some engaging activities for primary-aged learners. We discuss things to keep in mind when writing and teaching young learners, and where to learn more about writing age-appropriate materials. 

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In this episode, we speak to ELT materials writer, teacher and IATEFL TDSIG coordinator Tyson Seburn, who has recently released his new book with ELT Teacher 2 Writer, How To Write Inclusive Materials.  
We define what inclusive materials are, and discuss different approaches to writing. Tyson gives his top tips and advice for making your materials more inclusive, as well as recommendations of existing  materials, photos sourcing websites and further reading. 

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In this episode, we speak to award-winning ELT materials writer, teacher trainer and teacher Philip Kerr. Philip defines adaptive learning and gamification, and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of both. We discuss where adaptive technologies are currently being used, and where they may head in the future of digital ELT. 

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In this episode, we speak to Ethan Mansur, a teacher & materials writer, and Riccardo Chiappini, a materials writer, teacher & teacher trainer. We break down exactly what mediation is, and discuss the benefits of mediation for learners. Ethan and Riccardo share engaging activities and tasks which both teachers and materials writers can use alongside the CEFR mediating descriptors, and where you can find out more about this ELT Buzzword. 

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