In this Sponge Chat, I was lucky enough to sit down with assessment expert, Fatime Losonci. We discussed the what and the why of assessment, looked at some important concepts, and even spoke about test item writing. As usual, I hope you enjoy this Sponge Chat!     

00:00 Introduction  

03:05 Sponge Chats  

05:15 Who is Fatime?  

10:25 What is assessment? 

18:00 The learner's perspective  

25:00 Item writing  

32:00 Teaching vs. Testing skills  

36:00 What are sub-skills? 

41:00 Fatime's Masterclass  

44:30 Test-taking strategies  

51:30 Fatime's book recommendations

In this Sponge Chat, I was lucky enough sit down with Laura Broadbent and Billie Jago from OtterELT to speak about their journeys into materials writing as well the what, why and how of OtterELT. Be sure to watch and let me know your thoughts!   

OtterELT's website: https://www.otterelt.com/ 

00:00 Introduction  

01:50 Sponge Chats  

03:30 Who are Laura and Billie?  

08:45 Motivations for moving into materials writing  

17:00 What is OtterELT? 

22:00 Were there any problems with setting up OtterELT?  

27:20 How to get involved with OtterELT?  

32:00 Some differences between digital and print 

45:00 The importance of support from management  

49:00 Advice for teachers looking to move into materials writing  

55:30 The realities of being a freelancer 

01:01:00 Book recommendations

In this "Perspectives" Sponge Chat, I had the pleasure to speak with TBLT expert Martin East. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did!   

00:00 Introduction 

03:09 Sponge Chats  

05:02 Who is Martin East?  

05:30 Why the move into SLTE?  

08:15 Some differences between PRESET and INSET 

10:20 The importance of working from teacher values, attitudes and beliefs  

11:25 What sparked your interest in TBLT?  

14:30 A brief overview of TBLT 

16:00 What should teachers focus on regarding working with tasks?

17:30 Takeaways for language teacher educators 

19:00 Why.a task-supported syllabus might be better 

28:00 The future of TBLT 

31:00 Tips for teacher educators  

34:00 Real-world needs and tasks  

37:30 Tasks and Young Learners  

39:45 Martin's book recommendations  

43:00 What's next for Martin?  

46:00 S-STEP

In this Sponge Chat, Nicola and I delved into money and ELT - and why you should check out her Chilled Investor course: https://chilledinvestor.com/product/the-chilled-investor-course/ 

00:00 Introduction - Evolved Sponge Chats!  

02:29 Hello!  

04:30 Sponge Chats and Sponge Perspectives  

05:00 Who is Nicola Prentis  

06:30 The origins of The Chilled Investor 

1030: Financial literacy  

13:00 Nicola's false sense of security  

17:30 What should ELT professionals consider doing financially?  

23:00 Different types of investing  

24:00 The Chilled Investor course  

26:30 How much do you need to start?  

30:30 What do I do when I see my investments going down?  

35:00 Nicola's recommended resources  

42:00 Nicola's three tips for you!

In the latest Sponge Chat, I sat down with teacher, trainer and author, Adrian Tennant. We got to speak about some really interesting aspects of teacher training, especially the importance of understanding the context in which you are working. 

In this Sponge Chat, I had the pleasure to sit down with Matthew Ellman, a teacher, trainer and co-author of the new book, From Teacher to Trainer.   

00:00 Introduction 

03:00 Sponge Chats overview  

03:45 Who is Matthew Ellman?  

07:00 Matt's journey into teacher training  

12:00 Some difficulties with teacher training  

18:00 Impact  

28:45 Positives about being in a teacher educator role  

35:00 From Teacher to Trainer  

43:10 Advice for those looking to move into teacher training  

46:00 The importance of Delta/DipTESOL and other qualifications  

50:00 Book recommendations

In this Sponge Chat, I got to sit down with EFL Creative Ideas owner and materials writing, Silvina Mascitti. We spoke about her experience moving into the materials writing world, some challenges she has faced along the way, advice she has for others, and a whole load of book and blog recommendations.

In this Sponge Chat, I had the pleasure to sit down and talk about materials writing (and to a lesser extent teacher training and editing) with authors Riccardo Chiappini and Ethan Mansur. I hope you enjoy! 

In this Sponge Chat, I had the pleasure to sit down with teacher, trainer, materials writer and graphic facilitator, Emily Bryson. Be sure to let us know what you think!  

00:00 Introduction 

01:13 Who is Emily Bryson  

06:30 Emily's move into materials writing  

13:00 Emily's move into teacher training  

15:00 In-house or conferences 

25:00 Imposter syndrome in teacher training 

30:00 What is graphic facilitation? 

37:17 Emily's work in ESOL and ESOL policy  

43:15 What went into the Voices course book series  

49:30 Emily's advice for future material writers and teacher trainers  

53:00 Book recommendations

In this Sponge Chat, I had the chance to sit a talk with ELT powerhouse, Sandy Millin. We spoke about loads of stuff - from teacher training to management. I hope you enjoy!