TESOL Pop

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.

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, respectively.

Characteristics of Great Writing

Paul highlights the importance of precision, clarity, persuasiveness, and engagement in great writing, emphasising its power to change the reader's thinking and entertain.

Tips for Developing Writing Skills

Paul shares tips for coaches to help students develop writing skills, including thoughtful analysis of strengths and weaknesses, customised programs, targeted feedback, and iterative revision.

ABOUT

Paul is a Canadian English teacher, writer, content creator, and coach who works with writers to develop and enhance their skills. In addition to being the co-host of the Trouble With Writing Podcast, he is also known on Youtube as The Grammar Detective. On that channel, he hosts the weekly livestream Hard-Boiled English Live, and the web series English Weirdness. Recently, he has launched a brand new Youtube channel focused on English writing skills called The Writing Workshop.

Learn more about Paul's work by following him on LinkedIn here.

TRANSCRIPT

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CREDITS

Producer Laura Wilkes

Editor Haven Tsang

Thanks to our fab guest, Paul Duke.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

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 language and various topics covered in the media. Examples from Samvidha's classes, including the TV show "Young Sheldon," illustrate the effectiveness of using relevant media.

Selecting Appropriate Material:

Samvidha shares her top priorities when choosing media for language classes, emphasising cultural appropriateness and relevance to students, and matching the material to students' language proficiency levels.

Implementation Strategies:

Differentiated materials and support are essential for addressing the diverse needs of learners in the classroom.

Long-term media use (2 to 4 months or a school semester) allows for deeper engagement and language production from students.

ABOUT

Samvidha is currently training to become a teacher at secondary school level and specialises in teaching languages. She not only loves teaching, but is also a passionate language learner herself. She is fluent in five languages and is learning Korean and Japanese. 

Apart from this, Samvidha is also a writer and blogger. She runs her own blog called books and coffee (BOCO for short) where she writes about language learning, education and everything else she’s passionate about.

To learn more about Samvidha's work, visit her blog.

TRANSCRIPT

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CREDITS

Producer Laura Wilkes

Editor Haven Tsang

Thanks to our lovely guest, Samvidha Srinath.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

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 condition and not a vision issue. Thus, alternative fonts do not effectively aid dyslexic learners in reading. Ania stresses the importance of teaching reading skills rather than relying on fonts.

Myth 2: Color Overlays

Similarly, Ania explains that colour overlays do not alleviate dyslexia-related challenges in reading. She clarifies that dyslexia is rooted in brain function and recommends focusing on structural language approaches to address dyslexic learners' needs.

Myth 3: Specific Teaching Methods

Ania highlights the misconception that specific teaching methods are superior for dyslexic students. She advocates for a structured approach to language learning, emphasising phonological aspects. Ania discourages methods that oversimplify reading or attribute dyslexia to vision issues.

Tips for Teachers

Ania provides practical advice for teachers working with dyslexic students. She suggests starting with a needs analysis, identifying areas of difficulty in writing, and focusing on fundamental language structures. Ania stresses patience, gradual implementation of changes, and fostering open dialogue with learners.

ABOUT

Ania is the founder of PolCa Languages, where she shares her research and learning on dyslexia in bilingual children.

She is also an English Philologist, Orton Gillingham and Phonographix educator, as well as the mother to a bilingual dyslexic son.

To learn more about Ania’s work, visit her website.

TRANSCRIPT

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CREDITS

Producer Laura Wilkes

Editor Haven Tsang

Thanks to our fab guest, Ania Karwowska.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 emphasises that gathering feedback helps in understanding learners’' needs, improving teaching practice, and ensuring learners feel comfortable and valued.

Creating a Safe Space for Feedback

Kate suggests creating a safe atmosphere in lessons where learners feel comfortable expressing their feelings and opinions. By encouraging open dialogue and assuring learners that their feedback is valued, teachers can create a conducive environment for constructive feedback.

Ways to Collect Feedback

Various methods for collecting feedback are shared, including anonymous surveys like Google Forms, reflection at the end of lessons or courses, and informal one-on-one chats with learners. These approaches provide opportunities for learners to share their thoughts and feelings openly.

Implementing Feedback

Kate suggests analysing feedback, identifying actionable changes, and creating an action plan for implementation. She emphasises the importance of implementing changes gradually, monitoring their effectiveness, and seeking further feedback to ensure continuous improvement.

Building Trust and Dialogue

The episode closes with a discussion about the importance of conveying feedback changes to students, fostering trust, and encouraging ongoing dialogue. Teachers can strengthen teacher-student relationships and create a supportive learning environment by building a culture of open communication and demonstrating responsiveness to feedback.

ABOUT

Kate is a CELTA and Delta-qualified EFL professional who has been teaching English for more than 10 years. 

She’s taught general English to all age groups in one of the biggest English schools in Ukraine. She's experienced in preparing students for international exams and in creating modular courses, such as literature and soft skills for teenagers. Kate has also trained and mentored teachers through facilitating practical workshops.

Kate now works as a freelancer and helps teachers become their better selves by sharing her experience on Instagram, providing consultations and observations, and designing specific courses and workshops for teachers.

Follow Kate on Instagram at kate_the_teacher

TRANSCRIPT

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SUPPORT

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CREDITS

Producer Laura Wilkes

Editor Haven Tsang

Thanks to our brilliant guest, Kate Semerenko.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

KEY TALKING POINTS

Defining Freelancing vs. Business Ownership

Rachael explores the distinction between freelancing and business ownership, emphasizing the importance of viewing oneself as a business owner regardless of terminology.

Shifting Mindset for Success

Rachael highlights the significance of adopting a business mindset, empowering freelancers to take control of their careers and attract higher-quality clients.

Getting Started While Employed

Rachael addresses the common dilemma of starting a business while employed, offering practical advice on balancing employment with entrepreneurial pursuits.

Building Your Business Step-by-Step

Rachael shares strategies for launching a business gradually, emphasising the importance of identifying target clients, understanding their needs, and offering tailored solutions.

Organic Marketing for Educators

Rather than traditional sales tactics, Rachael advocates for organic marketing, which focuses on building relationships and providing value to attract ideal clients.

Sustainable Growth and Client Relationships

Laura and Rachael discuss the misconception that a successful business requires numerous clients, emphasising the value of cultivating long-term relationships with the right clients.

ABOUT

Rachael Roberts is a qualified coach with 30 years of ELT industry experience as a teacher, teacher trainer and materials writer, including 15 years as a thriving small business owner. Rachael is on a mission to help ELT freelancers break free from being underpaid and undervalued.

Through her foundation course (The Confident Freelancing Roadmap) and membership (The Confident ELT Freelancer Collective), as well as her group programme (Designed to Flourish), she aims to challenge the low expectations and the culture of ‘having to’ accept poor conditions, and teach ELT freelancers the steps they can take to build sustainable, fulfilling businesses.

Visit Earn Learn Thrive to learn more.

TRANSCRIPT

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Podcast Pathfinder programme

CREDITS

Producer Laura Wilkes

Editor Haven Tsang

Thanks to our inspiring guest, Rachael Roberts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 connect. She explains how the online events expanded to include work-along summits for teachers interested in starting their businesses.

About the Events

Abigail explains the structure of the events, including prerecorded sessions led by different guests and interactive workshops aimed at encouraging participation. She highlights the benefits, including exposure to different teaching styles and networking opportunities.

Keeping Events Free:

Abigail emphasises her decision to keep events free to reach a wider audience and foster connections between learners and teachers worldwide. She highlights how this approach helps to market her business.

Taking Action

Abigail offers tips for those interested in participating as speakers, attendees, or organisers, emphasising the importance of being specific and proactive.

ABOUT

Abbie founded Mums’ English Circle, a conversation club for mothers, and online events like Learn English Together and Momentum, the work-along summit for English language teachers. She’s absolutely lit up by connecting people, helping learners find their perfect teachers, and helping teachers make the money they deserve with learners they love teaching. 

She’s been teaching for over 15 years and now lives in Japan with her husband, two daughters and way too much craft material.

Visit English with Abigail to learn more about Abigail's work.

TRANSCRIPT

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SUPPORT

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JOIN MOMENTUM

The work-along summit for language teachers (Affiliate link)

CREDITS

Producer Laura Wilkes

Editor Haven Tsang

Thanks to our lovely guest, Abigail Fulbrook.

These show notes include affiliate links. Read more our affiliate links here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 personal factors contributing to the discomfort around discussing finances, particularly in service-based industries like teaching.

Three Ways to Grow Funds

Nicola emphasises the importance of pensions, tax-free investing options, and workplace pensions with employer-matching contributions.

Overcoming Financial Fear

Nicola provides insights on gradually making financial changes, treating financial management like administrative tasks, and exploring personal money beliefs.

ABOUT

Nicola’s been in TEFL for 20 years, first as a travelling teacher and then a materials writer with 2 award-winning Graded Readers and bits and pieces for most of the publishers. 

A couple of years ago, she could no longer ignore her dire finances and taught herself about pensions and investing – from podcasts mainly (of course!).

With this new interest in what she’d always thought of as “boring money stuff”, she wondered how to turn it into a job. And that’s how she ended up creating online courses about investing and personal finance for other people in ELT. 

She now spends barely any time managing her investments, in case you’re wondering, because it’s all passive. Visit The Chilled Investor to learn more about Nicola's work.

TRANSCRIPT

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SUPPORT

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LEARN TO PODCAST WITH LAURA

Podcast Pathfinder programme

CREDITS

Producer Laura Wilkes

Editor Haven Tsang

Thanks to our fantastic guest, Nicola Prentis.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Business

Amy shares examples of the multi-media content she creates for social media and her website to support students and grow her online teaching business. Amy highlights the importance of creating cohesive, rather than stand-alone content, to provide value to prospective and current students.

Choosing A Platform

Amy reflects on why she focused on Instagram as her social media platform to complement her website. Amy points out that it's important to select a platform that aligns with her goals and her target audience.

Choosing Content

Amy emphasises the value of experimenting with various platforms and content formats to find what works best. She also stresses that with so many content formats, content creation does not require you to be front of camera all of the time to have a positive impact.

Content Creation Tips

Keeping things authentic, focusing on one platform and collaborating with others are among the best practices that Amy shares that have helped her grow as a creator.

ABOUT

Amy has been teaching English for 9 years. She’s taught English in various schools around the U.K, Germany, Italy and Malta. 

After spending several years working in language schools, she decided to take a plunge and start her own online teaching business three years ago, teaching students from around the world in private and small group sessions. Her blog, which can be found on her website English with Amy Online, includes lots of English tips and other collaborations with educators. To learn more about Amy's business, including examples of the type of content she creates, visit her website here.

TRANSCRIPT

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SUPPORT

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PODCASTING TRAINING AND SERVICES

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CREDITS

Producer Laura Wilkes

Editor Haven Tsang

Thanks to our inspiring guest, Amy.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 perceived as major challenges. Ian emphasises that these factors might be overrated and explores deeper dimensions.

Reflection on Attitudes

Ian suggests that individuals should reflect on their attitudes, assumptions, and adaptability. He highlights the importance of not jumping to conclusions and being flexible in communication styles.

Intro to Critical Incidents

Critical incidents are situations where interpersonal reactions, conflicts, or misunderstandings occur. Ian clarifies that "critical" refers to the need for critical thinking to reflect on the situation.

Example 1: Trust in Teams

A project leader constantly checks in on a team member's progress. Ian highlights how this situation could lead to misunderstandings and highlights the importance of discussing work preferences and expectations.

Example 2: Quality vs. Deadlines

A team member tasked with a marketing proposal faces a conflict with the team leader's deadline priorities. Communication and expectation-setting are crucial in avoiding blame and unexpected conflicts.

REFERENCES

Dignen, B. and McMaster, I. (2023) Trainingsbuch Business English: Kommunikation und Zusammenarbeit in Internationalen Team. Freiburg: Haufe Group

ABOUT

Ian McMaster is a business communications consultant, journalist and author. Originally from England, Ian has lived in Munich for 35 years and is a regular participant and speaker at international language-learning conferences.

Ian was editor-in-chief of the English-language magazine “Spotlight” in the 1990s and then editor-in-chief of the business communication magazine “Business Spotlight” from 2001 to 2021. Both magazines are published by ZEIT SPRACHEN, part of the ZEIT publishing group.

Ian’s latest book, with co-author Bob Dignen, is “Trainingsbuch Business English: Kommunikation und Zusammenarbeit in internationalen Teams”, published by Haufe. Despite its German title, the book is completely in English and looks at how people of all languages can communicate and work together better in international teams. Follow Ian's work on LinkedIn here.

LinkedIn Ian McMaster and Bob Dignen

TRANSCRIPT

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SUPPORT

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CREDITS

Producer Laura Wilkes

Editor Haven Tsang

Thanks to Ian McMaster, and Haufe Group for sending a copy of the book.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 provided a sense of relaxation and rejuvenation. He later experienced the need for a break during a hectic teaching schedule, leading him to discover forest bathing or shinrin-yoku.

Forest Bathing Benefits: David describes forest bathing as a slow and immersive experience, distinct from hiking. He emphasizes its role in clearing the mind, promoting relaxation, and its potential for alleviating teacher fatigue.

Personal Observations: David shares his observations on the benefits of forest bathing, including reduced blood pressure, increased energy, and enhanced focus.

References & Resources

Association of Nature and Forest Therapy. Available here. Accessed on 2 Jan 2024

Stepanczuk, D. (2020) How PAC Almost Got Me. Available at MIND BRAIN EDUCATION. Accessed on 2 Jan 2024

Stepanczuk, D. (2023) Meditation and Incense: How I Meditate, and Teacher Fatigue. Available on LinkedIn here. Accessed on 2 Jan 2024

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Credits

Podcaster & Producer Laura Wilkes

Audio-Video Editor Haven Tsang

With thanks to our knowledgeable guest, David Stepanczuk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.