In this episode of The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast, co-hosts Shé and Anna sit down with Dr. Lillian Ardell—founder of Language Matters—for a timely and deeply reflective conversation about monolingual bias and how it shapes English language education around the world. Together, they unpack how the assumption that English should dominate learning environments shows up in policies, classroom practices, assessment, and even well-intentioned instructional decisions.

Rather than framing monolingual bias as an abstract concept, this conversation names how it operates in real contexts—and why it persists even in institutions that claim to support multilingualism. The episode invites educators to rethink whose language practices are valued, whose are marginalized, and how teachers can act with intention and integrity within complex systems.

📚 Resources Mentioned in the Episode

• Language Matters (Dr. Ardell’s work and advocacy platform)

• Disrupting the Monolingual Bias: A Framework for Teacher Advocacy (Dr. Ardell’s book)

Related Teacher Think-Aloud episodes:

• Episode 53 - Teachers as Advocates: You can do it too! 

💡 Reflect with us:

• Where do you see monolingual bias showing up in your teaching context or institution?

• What classroom or institutional practices unintentionally reinforce English-only norms?

• What might quiet, everyday advocacy look like in your role?

• How can honoring students’ full linguistic repertoires strengthen learning rather than “distract” from it?

This episode is sponsored by Ellii, one of the world’s leading content libraries for English language teachers. Looking for ready-made lessons that get students talking? Visit Ellii.com. Use code THINKALOUD for 15% off your first membership term. Admins can also request a two-month free trial to pilot Ellii for your program.

📚 Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message

00:30 Welcome to the Teacher Think Aloud Podcast

00:42 Introducing the Topic: Monolingual Bias

02:19 Guest Introduction: Dr. Lillian Ardell

02:22 Dr. Ardell's Background and Work

05:32 The Monolingual Bias in Education

13:43 Common Classroom Manifestations of Monolingual Bias

18:00 Advocacy and Overcoming Monolingual Bias

18:31 Dr. Ardell's Upcoming Book and Advocacy Framework

25:23 Teacher Advocacy in Practice

29:24 Self-Care and Resistance Capital

34:32 Final Thoughts and Reflections

40:37 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode of The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast, Shé and Anna are joined by global educator and ESL teacher Andrea Collados for a timely and deeply reflective conversation about algorithms, echo chambers, and the urgent role of critical thinking in English language teaching. Together, they unpack how algorithm-driven media environments shape what our students see, believe, and share—and why the English language classroom may be one of the last spaces where learners can slow down, question information, and encounter perspectives beyond their digital bubbles.

Rather than framing technology as something to reject, this episode invites teachers to interrogate it thoughtfully. Andrea shares classroom-ready ideas for embedding critical thinking into everyday lessons without overwhelming teachers or students, reminding us that language is not neutral—and that teaching English today means teaching discernment, empathy, and media literacy alongside grammar and vocabulary.

📚 Resources Mentioned in the Episode

• The Social Dilemma (Documentary)

• Teaching Critical Thinking by bell hooks

• 1984 by George Orwell

• Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

• The Truman Show (Film)

Related Teacher Think-Aloud episodes:

• Episode 39 - Media Literacy 101: Bias and perspective-taking

• Episode 41 - Media Literacy 102: Misinformation, propaganda, and conspiracy theories… oh my!

• Episode 24 - Like. Share. Post.

💡 Reflect with us:

• How do algorithms shape the information you consume—and trust—on a daily basis?

• What’s one small shift you could make to encourage more critical questioning in your lessons this week?

• How can empathy deepen critical thinking in language learning?

🎧 SponsorThis episode is sponsored by Ellii, one of the world’s leading content libraries for English language teachers. Looking for ready-made lessons that get students talking? Visit Ellii.com. Use code THINKALOUD for 15% off your first membership term. Admins can also request a two-month free trial to pilot Ellii for your program.

📚 Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message

00:29 Welcome to the Teacher Think Aloud Podcast

00:44 Critical Thinking and Algorithms

01:52 Introducing Our Guest: Andrea Collados

02:30 Icebreaker: Trusting Algorithms vs. Colleagues

03:36 The Role of Educators in Critical Thinking

05:50 Media Literacy and Bias

13:50 The Impact of Algorithms on Student Thinking

16:37 The Impact of Fake News

17:23 The Role of Critical Thinking in Education

18:54 Incorporating Critical Thinking in the Classroom

19:48 Practical Activities for Critical Thinking

24:32 Understanding Misinformation and Disinformation

26:18 Empathy and Critical Thinking

28:46 Resources and Recommendations

30:38 Conclusion and Reflections

On this episode, co-hosts Shé and Anna take us back to the roots of the podcast: reflection. The episode integrates the voices of teachers around the world, who reflect on their teaching goals for the new year—from addressing student motivation and needs assessments to integrating AI tools and promoting trauma-informed teaching. Each contributor offers a unique insight, making this episode a treasure trove of practical advice and inspiration for educators seeking to enhance their teaching practice in 2026. Happy New Year and happy teaching!

💡 Reflect with us: What are your teaching goals for 2026? Leave us a comment!

🎧 Further listening: 

• E7 – Building Rapport on Day 1

• E73 – Foundations of Reflective Practice, with the DIESOL Pod

• E78 – Training the Trainers, with Tabitha Kidwell

• 2024 Friends of the Podcast: AI in ELT

  E34 – Trauma-sensitive teaching, with Sherry MacKay

🎙 This episode is sponsored by Ellii Use code THINKALOUD for 15% off your first membership term. Admins can also request a two-month free trial to pilot Ellii for your program.

📚 Chapters:

00:00 Sponsor Message from Ellii

00:57 Introduction to the Episode

01:27 Reflective Practice and Voice Memos

02:39 Michelle Land on Individualizing Lessons for SLIFE Students

04:30 Lauren Johnson on Needs Assessments in Business Tutoring

08:06 Andrea's Mission: Lifelong Learning and AI Integration

10:31 Stephanie Hanson on Teaching with AI

12:08 Tabitha Kidwell on Supporting Full Class Discussions

13:58 Luz María Parra on Student Motivation in K-12 Classrooms

16:03 Sherry MacKay on Trauma-Informed Teaching

17:32 Lorena Ojeda on Mindfulness and Universal Design for Learning

21:06 Lewis on Lesson Planning Post-Master's

22:48 Joel Tillman on Building a Resource Library

24:45 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

#TeacherThinkAloud #TeachingGoals #NewYearsReflection #ReflectivePractice #TeacherGrowth #AIinEducation #TraumaInformedTeaching #SLIFEstudents #NeedsAssessment #UDL #MindfulnessInTeaching y #LessonPlanning #ELTcommunity #TESOL #EFLteachers #ESLteachers #ReflectivePractice #Reflection #GoalSetting 

In this episode of The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast, Shé and Anna interview Tabitha Kidwell, an esteemed teacher educator, about her research on the preparation and professional development of teacher trainers. The conversation explores various models and approaches for teacher training, the need for formalized support, and the essential skill sets for effective teacher training. The episode also emphasizes the importance of ongoing professional development and the role of professional learning communities in supporting teacher trainers.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone leading—or aspiring to lead—professional learning in ELT. Gain insight into how intentional mentorship, structured preparation, and reflective networks can transform teacher development for the better.

💡 Reflect with us:

• What skills or mindsets do new teacher trainers need most?

• How can institutions better prepare and mentor those who facilitate PD?

• What forms of teacher learning—beyond workshops—have most influenced your own practice?

Contribute to our 2026 Friends of the Podcast episode!🧰 Resources & Tools:

• I Shouldn’t Have to Fumble My Way Around: Supporting TESOL Teacher Educators Kidwell, T. (2021).
•  Train-the-Trainer Course by TESOL International Association
• The benefits of formal TESOL training

🎙 This episode is sponsored by Ellii: Use code THINKALOUD for 15% off your first membership term. Admins can also request a two-month free trial to pilot Ellii for your program.

📚 Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message

01:13 Welcome to the Teacher Think Aloud Podcast

01:26 Today's Topic: Training Teachers

02:43 Meet Tabitha Kidwell

03:35 Tabitha's Academic Pet Peeves

05:33 Discussing Tabitha's Study

08:21 Study Design and Methodology

10:43 Central Findings and Reflections

13:55 The Importance of Structured Support in TESOL

14:38 Essential Skills for Teacher Trainers

16:22 Formal Preparation and Induction Programs

20:58 Alternative Forms of Teacher Training

27:33 Institutional Support for Teacher Educators

31:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

#TeacherTraining #TrainingOfTrainers #ELTPodcast #TESOL #TeacherEducators #ProfessionalDevelopment #ReflectivePractice #TeacherThinkAloud #TeacherGrowth #ELTcommunity #EdChat #TeacherPD #MentorshipInELT #TESOLTraining #GlobalEd #TeacherAgency #EFLteachers #ESLteachers

In this lively episode, Shé sits down with Ben Buckwold (Founder & CEO of Ellii) and Tara Benwell (VP of Publishing at Ellii) to explore the story behind one of Ellii’s most creative classroom tools: Ellii Dilemmas. The discussion centers on Ellii’s newly introduced interactive classroom tool designed to foster critical thinking and discussion among students. Listeners get insights into the development of Ellii Dilemmas, its practical applications in diverse teaching contexts, and the unique features of this tool, including its roots in teacher feedback and informal brainstorming sessions.

Tune in and discover how play, curiosity, and compassion can turn classroom conversation into authentic connection.

Contribute to our 2026 Friends of the Podcast episode!

💡 Reflect with us:

• How do you create space for genuine dialogue in your classroom?

• What kinds of dilemmas—ethical, cultural, or social—could spark meaningful language use for your learners?

• How can teachers balance linguistic goals with the development of empathy and critical thinking?

🧰 Resources & Tools:

• Ellii Dilemmas

• Ellii Polls
  

🎙 This episode is sponsored by Ellii Use code THINKALOUD for 15% off your first membership term. Admins can also request a two-month free trial to pilot Ellii for your program.

📚 Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message

01:12 Welcome to the Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast

01:23 Meet Ben Buckwold and Tara Benwell from Ellii

02:07 The Origin of Ellii Dilemmas

04:06 How Ellii Dilemmas Works

11:27 Real-Life Examples of Ellii Dilemmas

19:44 The Impact of Ellii Dilemmas on Teaching

22:13 Conclusion and Free Resources
#ElliiDilemmas #ELTPodcast #LanguageTeaching #TeacherThinkAloud #ClassroomDialogue #EdTech #TESOL #EFLteachers #ESLteachers #ReflectivePractice #CriticalThinking #EmpathyInEducation #EdTechInnovation #GlobalEd #TeacherGrowth #ELTchat #EdChat

In this episode of The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast, Shé and Anna discuss the importance of the Lexical Approach in teaching English, featuring insights from guest Erin O’Byrne. They explore how focusing on lexical chunks—common phrases and expressions—rather than isolated words or strict grammar rules can enhance both learner autonomy and teacher effectiveness. Erin shares her journey of adopting the Lexical Approach, practical strategies for classroom implementation, and the significance of allowing students to notice and internalize language patterns. 

💡 Reflect with us:

• How often do you teach words in isolation rather than as part of a chunk?

• What “Matrix moment” have you had in noticing patterns of real-world English?

• How might creating more space for emergent language shift your classroom dynamic?

🧰 Resources & Tools:

• Contribute to our 2026 Friends of the Podcast episode!

• Everything EFL Podcast by Erin O’Byrne

• The No Nonsense Lexical Toolkit (Erin’s 4-week practical course)

• Google NGram Books Viewer – for exploring word frequency and corpus data

• Eduling App - “The hub for task-based teaching and learning” 

• Four Idioms with Tasks with Dr. Linh Phung

• English Vocabulary with Eduling: Flourish with Dr. Linh Phung

🎙 This episode is sponsored by Ellii Use code THINKALOUD for 15% off your first membership term. Admins can also request a two-month free trial to pilot Ellii for your program.

📚 Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message

01:12 Welcome to the Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast

01:24 Exploring Teaching Strategies

02:32 Introducing the Lexical Approach with Erin O'Byrne

03:16 Icebreaker: Favorite English Phrase or Idiom

04:40 Teaching Idioms and Cross-Cultural Communication

05:14 Corpus Linguistics in Language Teaching

09:01 Empowering Teachers and Learners with the Lexical Approach

16:19 Embracing the Lexical Approach in Practice

18:55 Recognizing Lexical Patterns in Everyday Language

19:19 Practical Strategies for Teaching Lexical Chunks

20:40 The Importance of Noticing in Language Learning

22:22 Reusing Materials for Better Retention

22:59 Balancing Receptive and Productive Knowledge

28:21 Guiding Teachers to Shift from Rules to Real Language

34:30 Introducing the No Nonsense Lexical Toolkit

36:50 Building a Supportive Teaching Community

37:49 Reflecting on the Lexical Approach

#LexicalApproach #ELT #LanguageTeaching #ReflectivePractice #TESOL #TeacherThinkAloud #EFLteachers #TEFL #TeacherDevelopment #EmergentLanguage #Chunking #VocabularyTeaching #EverythingEFL #TeacherGrowth #AppliedLinguistics #ELTCommunity

In this episode of The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast, we sit down with Sara Davila, a self-described “learning alchemist,” to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping education. With her trademark mix of research, theory, and classroom pragmatism, Sara takes us on a journey from the evolution of AI and deep learning to the practical ways teachers can use large language models (LLMs) today.

Together, we dig into questions educators everywhere are asking: What exactly can AI do for teachers? How can we use it responsibly? And what frameworks can guide us as we experiment and adapt? Sara shares practical applications—from using AI as a personal assistant to update lesson plans, to managing schedules and streamlining teacher workflows. She also addresses the ethics of AI, the role of professional development, and why experimentation and play are essential in this new era.

💡 Reflect with us:

• How do you see AI supporting your role as a teacher?

• What frameworks of reference do you have in place to ensure effective and ethical implementation?

• What excites you most—and what worries you most—about AI in education?

• Where might AI help you reclaim time or energy in your teaching practice?

🧰 Resources & Tools:

• History of AI graphic by Sara Davila

• AI Timeline 2022-Present

• When to Use Predictive AI vs. Generative AI

• How AI Chatbots Work

• The Algorithmic Future of Education – Audrey Watters

• From Revolution to Evolution: What Generative AI Really Means for Language Learning (Cambridge)

• AI and English Language Teaching: Affordances and Challenges (BJET)

• Using Early LLMs for Corpus Linguistics (ScienceDirect)

• What We Talk About When We Talk About AI in Education – Audrey Watters

🎙 This episode is sponsored by Ellii Use code THINKALOUD for 15% off your first membership term. Admins can also request a two-month free trial to pilot Ellii for your program.

📚 Chapters:

00:00 Sponsor Message

01:12 Introduction to the Podcast

01:23 Episode Overview

04:02 Meet Our Guest: Sarah Davila

05:55 Understanding Large Language Models (LLMs)

06:23 The Evolution of AI

08:07 Deep Learning and Natural Language Processing

10:55 Generative AI and Transformers

17:29 Recap and Key Concepts

20:30 Frameworks for Teachers Using AI

21:37 Understanding the Rapid Evolution of AI

21:53 Introducing UNESCO's AI Framework for Teachers

22:37 Human-Centered AI: The Core Principle

23:15 Ethics in AI: Teacher Responsibility

26:13 Practical Use Cases for AI in Education

28:09 Leveraging AI for Personal and Professional Development

34:36 Exploring AI Tools in Microsoft and Google Ecosystems

38:41 Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Educators

#AIinEducation #EdTech #AIforTeachers #TeacherThinkAloud #LanguageTeaching #ReflectivePractice #TESOL #ELT #TEFL #AItools #EdTechInnovation #FutureofEducation #TeacherPD #ESLteachers #DigitalPedagogy #EduAI #ClassroomInnovation #TeacherGrowth #LLM #TeacherReflection #ProfessionalGrowth #TeacherDevelopment #TeacherAgency #ELTcommunity #EFLteachers #ELTchat #TEFLlife #EdChat #TeacherLife #EduGrowth #GlobalEd #TeachersOfInstagram #TeachersOfLinkedIn

In Part 2 of our collaboration with the DIESOL Podcast, we reunite with Brent and Ixchell, this time with our signature Teacher Think-Aloud style, with more narrative and reflective interruptions as we delve into actionable strategies. In this episode, we explore the practical side of reflective pedagogy in English language teaching:

• How to implement tech tools to enhance reflection

• The balance between spontaneous and intentional reflection

• Building a sustainable reflective practice that prevents burnout

This episode is packed with hands-on inspiration and strategies, designed to empower teachers to bring meaningful reflection into their classrooms. 🎧 Join us as we uncover ways to stay connected, nurture professional growth, and keep the joy of teaching alive through reflection.

💡 Reflect with us:

🧰 Resources & Tools:

🎙 This episode is sponsored by Ellii Use code THINKALOUD for 15% off your first membership term. Admins can also request a two-month free trial to pilot Ellii for your program.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message

01:12 Welcome to the Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast

01:46 Reflective Practice: Part Two

02:23 Meet Brent and Ixchell

02:41 Unplanned Reflection Moments

03:53 Intentional Reflection Strategies

08:45 Reflection in Action vs. Reflection on Action

09:51 Using Reflection for Goal Setting

18:48 Integrating Technology in Reflection

23:49 Using Commute Time for Reflection

24:33 Marco Polo for Teacher Collaboration

26:06 The Role of Accountability Partners

27:16 Tech Tools for Reflective Teaching

33:04 Collective Reflection and PLNs

36:55 Avoiding Teacher Burnout

41:27 Final Thoughts and Resources

In this special crossover episode of The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast, Shé and Anna team up with Brent Warner and Ixchell Reyes of the DIESOL Podcast (Developing Innovation in English as a Second or Other Language) for a lively conversation about reflective practice—the foundation of our podcast and a shared passion between both shows.

Instead of our usual format, you’ll hear the DIESOL style: less commentary, more conversation, and plenty of banter across all four of us.

In Part 1, the group explores the why of reflective pedagogy and its core principles:

• What reflective practice really means in the context of English language teaching

• Why reflection matters for teachers’ professional growth and students’ learning

• How to move from superficial reflection to deeper engagement 

This episode offers both philosophical grounding and practical inspiration, setting the stage for Part 2, where the conversation will dig more into actionable strategies for bringing reflection into the classroom.

🎧 Tune in to hear how reflective practice can empower teachers, shape learning experiences, and sustain professional joy—while enjoying the energy of four educators learning from each other.

💡 Reflect with us:

• How do you currently define reflective practice in your own teaching?

• When was the last time reflection helped you shift or adapt your teaching approach?

• In what ways can reflection become a shared practice in your teaching community rather than an isolated one?

🧰 Resources & Tools:

• YouTube Playlist: Introduction to Reflective Teaching

• DIESOL Podcast

• Reflective Practice Starter Kit

🎙 This episode is sponsored by Ellii Use code THINKALOUD for 15% off your first membership term. Admins can also request a two-month free trial to pilot Ellii for your program.

In this episode, co-hosts Shé and Anna sit down with climate activist, teacher trainer, and founder of Renewable English, Harry Waters, for an energizing conversation on integrating environmental sustainability into English language teaching. 🌱🌍

Harry shares how his early activism and global teaching experiences led him to reimagine ELT as a platform for climate awareness, youth empowerment, and project-based learning. From fifth graders launching school-wide recycling campaigns to international litter-picking initiatives, his stories show that students don’t need permission to make change—they just need space to act. 🚮📚

Whether you’re teaching beginners or advanced learners, Harry offers practical and empowering tips for embedding sustainability into everyday lessons—not as a one-off Earth Day unit, but as a consistent, student-centered context for meaningful communication. 💬

💡 Reflect with us:

• What’s one small shift you can make this week to model sustainability for your students?

• How can you transform your classroom into a space where environmental agency is possible?

• What’s a “local” issue your students care about that connects to a global theme?

• How might you use a grammar point (like conditionals) to explore real-world topics?

🧰 Resources & Tools:

• Renewable English – Harry’s platform with free resources for climate-focused ELT

• Activities for a Green Mindset – Harry’s book with 30 adaptable projects and lessons

• UN Sustainable Development Goals – A flexible framework to ground student inquiry

🧭 Related Episodes:

• E 44 - Global Citizenship: Opening the view to the possible (with Brantley Turner)

• E 27 - Why we <3 project-based learning 

• E 21 - Addressing current events in the classroom

🎙 This episode is sponsored by Ellii Use code THINKALOUD for 15% off your first membership term. Admins can also request a two-month free trial to pilot Ellii for your program.

#GreeningELT #EnvironmentalEducation #ClimateInELT #SustainabilityInEducation #ReflectiveTeaching #ProjectBasedLearning #YouthActivism #TeacherThinkAloud #ESL #EFL #GlobalCitizenship #ClimateAction #SDGs #ELTCommunity