Luan and Mairead dive deep into one of the most essential—and delicate—aspects of teaching: giving effective feedback. From the right timing and tone to avoiding overwhelming learners, they share actionable tips for making feedback empowering instead of discouraging.

Whether you’re teaching young learners or adult students, this episode explores:

• When and how to give corrective vs. positive feedback

• Why vague praise and blanket corrections fall flat

• The power of specificity and student self-reflection

• How to avoid the dreaded “feedback overload”

Tune in for honest insights, real classroom anecdotes, and practical strategies that will help you build confidence, foster autonomy, and keep your learners growing.

Thinking about packing your bags and teaching in a new country? 🌍 Before you hop on that plane, this episode dives into the must-know factors every aspiring TEFL teacher should consider.

From cultural adjustments and visa requirements to job markets, salaries, and lifestyle expectations — we cover it all. Whether you're dreaming of classrooms in South Korea, Spain, or South Africa, this conversation will help you make informed decisions and avoid common pitfalls. ✈️📚

Tune in for real talk, practical tips, and stories

Join hosts Luan and Mairead as they sit down with Kirsten, a seasoned TEFL teacher whose journey from psychology graduate to globe-trotting educator is nothing short of inspiring.

In this episode, Kirsten opens up about her unforgettable teaching experiences across various countries, the highs and lows of life abroad, and how TEFL has reshaped her worldview.

From cultural surprises to classroom victories, she shares honest insights and practical tips for anyone considering the leap into teaching overseas. Whether you're curious about TEFL or already packing your bags, this episode will leave you motivated to embrace the adventure.

In this episode, Luan and Mairead dive into the rising demand for Business English. They unpack what it means, who can teach it, and what kinds of learners are signing up for it.

From the dynamic nature of Business English classes to student motivations and real-world challenges, they share insights that will inspire TEFL teachers to explore this exciting niche.

Tune in to discover why your TEFL qualification is all you need to get started in the Business English classroom.

Luan and Mairead dive into the art of teaching teenagers in the EFL classroom. They share practical strategies to build authentic connections, make lessons relevant, and create a safe, engaging learning environment.

From using music and technology to introducing variety in lesson planning, this conversation is packed with insights to help teachers keep teens motivated and involved.

Whether you're new to teaching or looking to refresh your approach, this episode offers valuable tips to connect with your teenage learners.

In this episode, Luan and Mairead discuss the challenges and strategies for adapting coursebooks in TEFL teaching. They emphasize the importance of personalizing content to engage students and provide practical tips for making lessons more relevant and interesting.

The conversation covers the limitations of traditional coursebooks, effective adaptation techniques, and the value of gamification in the classroom.

Ultimately, they encourage teachers to view coursebooks as tools that can be modified to enhance the learning experience.

In this episode of TEFL Unlocked, hosts Luan and Mairead discuss the critical importance of keeping teacher talk time (TTT) concise in the classroom.

They explore the negative impacts of excessive TTT on student engagement and learning, emphasizing the need for teachers to provide ample opportunities for students to practice speaking.

The conversation includes practical strategies for reducing TTT, common mistakes teachers make, and the significance of planning and classroom layout in fostering a more student-centered learning environment.

In this episode of Tefl Unlocked, Luan and Mairead delve into the importance of teaching functions in language learning. They discuss how functions are prefabricated chunks of language that enhance fluency and flexibility in communication.

The conversation covers effective teaching strategies, including the PPP approach (presentation, practice, production), and emphasizes the significance of understanding meaning, form, and phonology.

The hosts also highlight the value of creative practice through role plays, which allow students to apply their learning in real-life contexts. The episode concludes with encouragement for teachers to embrace teaching functions to improve their students' speaking abilities.

In this episode of Tefl Unlocked, Luan shares a personal experience of one of her worst English lessons, focusing on the challenges faced while teaching an A2-level adult class about ecosystems.

She reflects on the importance of adapting lessons to suit the needs and interests of adult learners, emphasizing key lessons learned from the experience, including the need to read the room, change context, and keep tasks age-appropriate.

Luan concludes by reassuring teachers that it's okay to have bad lessons, as they provide valuable learning opportunities.

In this episode of Tefl Unlocked, hosts Luan and Mairead share valuable life lessons learned from their teaching experiences.

They discuss the importance of understanding language, building rapport with students, and developing organizational skills. The conversation also touches on stepping out of comfort zones, gaining cultural insights, and the significance of empathy and patience in teaching.

They emphasize the value of making mistakes, the joy of teaching, and living without regrets, encouraging listeners to embrace their teaching journey.