Talking ELT

Trauma-Informed Teaching (Talking ELT Special #6)

What does trauma-informed teaching actually look like in practice, and why is it relevant to every classroom? In this special episode of Talking ELT, Hayo Reinders and Orsolya Dunn explore how trauma can shape learners’ experiences, relationships and capacity to learn. Drawing on research and their own classroom experiences, they discuss how trauma-informed practice can help teachers and institutions better support all students. The conversation explores how trauma can affect learning and classr

• Chapters

Digital Pedagogy: An Introduction to Digital Pedagogy

What does digital pedagogy really mean for English language teaching today? In the opening episode of the Talking ELT Digital Pedagogy series, Geoff Stead and Sophia Mavridi explore the foundations of this increasingly important concept. The conversation moves beyond tools to focus on pedagogy, examining how digital technologies reshape the context of teaching while leaving core learning principles intact. As the discussion unfolds, they explore how communication, learner autonomy, and trust are

Digital Pedagogy: Using Technology Effectively In The Language Classroom

How do you choose the right digital tools for your classroom? In Episode 2, Sophia Mavridi and Geoff Stead focus on what it really means to take a pedagogy-led approach to technology. They challenge the idea that all digital tools automatically improve learning, instead emphasising the importance of starting from clear teaching goals. The conversation also explores how teachers can select and evaluate tools based on student needs, context, and learning outcomes. By combining practical classroom

Digital Pedagogy: The Changing Role of the Teacher

What does digital pedagogy mean for teachers, and why can it feel so challenging? In this episode, Geoff Stead and Sophia Mavridi turn their attention to the teacher experience, exploring the pressures and uncertainties that come with teaching in a technology-rich environment. They acknowledge the sense of overload many teachers feel and emphasise that uncertainty is a natural part of change. As the discussion develops, they examine how the teacher’s role is evolving, particularly as students ga

Digital Pedagogy: The Future of Language Teaching and AI

What does the future of language teaching look like, and how should teachers prepare for it? In the final episode, Geoff Stead and Sophia Mavridi explore emerging trends and the future of language education. They reflect on a rapidly changing landscape shaped by new technologies, including advances in AI, alongside growing caution about how and when technology should be used in classrooms. The conversation introduces the idea of “teaching for the future,” encouraging teachers to focus on adaptab

Pre-primary English: What Should Teaching Very Young Learners Look Like?

What should we really aim for when teaching English to very young learners? In this episode, Sarah Hillyard and Faidra Faitaki explore how language learning for very young learners differs fundamentally from teaching older learners, and why a traditional focus on vocabulary and grammar is not enough in pre-primary English language teaching. Instead, they highlight the importance of supporting the whole child, where language develops alongside cognitive, social, and emotional growth. Through prac

Pre-primary English: The Importance of Play-Based Learning

Why is play central to learning in the early years and what does it really look like in a pre-primary English classroom? In this episode, Sarah Hillyard and Faidra Faitaki explore how play is not simply a classroom activity, but the natural way children explore the world and develop language. They discuss how language learning becomes meaningful when it is embedded in playful experiences such as storytelling, role play, music, and creative activities. Drawing on classroom examples, they explain

Pre-primary English: Managing The Pre-Primary Classroom

What are the biggest challenges of teaching English to very young learners, and how can teachers manage them effectively? In this episode, Sarah Hillyard and Faidra Faitaki focus on the realities of the pre-primary classroom, from behaviour and routines to engagement and lesson structure. They explore how clear routines, modelling, and playful interaction help create a supportive learning environment, and how teachers can balance guided input with opportunities for children to take the lead. By

Pre-primary English: Connecting Learning Beyond the Classroom

How does pre-primary English connect beyond the classroom? In this final episode, Sarah Hillyard and Faidra Faitaki look at the wider context of early language learning, exploring how teachers collaborate with colleagues, engage with parents, and align English with the broader curriculum. They discuss the importance of supporting both English and children’s first language, addressing common misconceptions about early bilingualism, and helping parents understand the value of play-based learning.

The Future of English Proficiency Testing (Talking ELT Special #5)

English proficiency testing is changing, and fast. In this special episode of Talking ELT, Sara Pierson OBE and Anthony Green unpack what the future holds for English proficiency testing, drawing on insights from a new white paper created in partnership with Times Higher Education. The conversation explores integrated skills, the ‘authenticity gap’, hybrid assessment models and the growing impact of AI, alongside what universities really need from language tests. Grounded in decades of assessmen

Emergent Language Explained (Talking ELT Special #4)

What is emergent language, and why is it becoming increasingly relevant to the ELT classroom? In this special episode of Talking ELT, emergent language experts Danny Norrington-Davis and Richard Chinn join Andrew Dilger and Ed Dudley to explain the concept and how these moments of spontaneous, unplanned language that appear organically in the classroom often lead to some of the most powerful learning opportunities. The conversation explores what emergent language is, how it differs from target l

The Impact of Assessment on Teaching & Learning: Assessment for Learning & The Role of AI

How can assessment be used to support learning, not just measure it? This final episode of our series on the impact of assessment on teaching and learning explores alternative assessment methods like portfolios, peer feedback, and gamification — and how AI is reshaping the future of feedback and test design. Jo Szoke and Nate Owen also tackle ethical concerns and the importance of keeping humans in the loop.

The Impact of Assessment on Teaching & Learning: Can Assessment Drive Real Change?

Can reforming exams lead to better teaching and learning? In the third episode of this series, we explore the institutional and policy-level impact of assessment. From integrated skills testing to equity and standardization, Nate Owen and Jo Szoke discuss how assessment design can influence national education systems, and why teacher buy-in is essential for lasting change.

The Impact of Assessment on Teaching & Learning: How Does Assessment Shape Learning?

What is the real impact of assessment on learning? In this opening episode of our series exploring the dynamic relationship between assessment and learning in English Language Teaching, host Ben is joined by ELT Assessment experts Jo Szoke and Nate Owen to explore the concept of washback, the influence of tests on teaching, and how it can be both positive and negative. Nate and Jo share personal stories, classroom experiences, and research insights to help us rethink how assessment can support m

The Impact of Assessment on Teaching & Learning: What Teachers Need to Know

What does assessment literacy really mean for teachers? Episode 2 in our series on the impact of assessment on teaching and learning focuses on the classroom with Jo Szoke and Nate Owen exploring how teachers can design assessments that support learning. We discuss reliability, fairness, rubrics, and how to balance exam preparation with communicative language teaching — plus tips for managing student expectations and motivation.

Motivation & Social Learning: Creating Culture & Motivating Through Community

The focus shifts to classroom culture and the teacher’s role in shaping it in the final episode of our Motivation and Social Learning series.   Fiona Mauchline, Nick Thorner and Ed Dudley discuss how to build safe, inclusive, and motivating environments from day one. They look at everything from managing group dynamics and identifying key influencers, to setting classroom norms and scaffolding risk-taking.   The episode also explores how rules, routines, and micro-objectives can empower learners

Motivation & Social Learning: Blended Learning & Making Digital Work for ELT

How do we blend the best of digital and face-to-face learning? In the third episode of our Motivation and Social Learning series, Fiona Mauchline, Nick Thorner and Ed Dudley explore the practicalities and pedagogical implications of blended learning in ELT.   From QR code quizzes to multimodal communication and anonymous participation, the episode offers real classroom examples of how technology can enhance—not replace—human connection. The panel also discusses the risks of over-reliance on digi

Motivation & Social Learning: Motivation & Social Learning: What is Social Learning?

In episode 2 of our Motivation and Social Learning series, Fiona Mauchline, Nick Thorner and Ed Dudley unpack the concept of social learning and its critical role in language acquisition.   They compare solitary learning experiences with group-based classroom dynamics, highlighting how peer interaction, relevance, and belonging can dramatically affect learner outcomes. The discussion also touches on the teacher’s role in building rapport, the importance of group motivation, and how online learni

Motivation & Social Learning: Motivation in the Modern ELT Classroom

In this opening episode of our series on Motivation and Social Learning, Ben is joined by ELT experts Fiona Mauchline, Nick Thorner and Ed Dudley to explore the evolving nature of learner motivation in today’s digital-first world.   Drawing on personal teaching experiences and research insights, the conversation delves into intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation, the impact of dopamine-driven apps like Duolingo, and the challenges of sustaining engagement over time. The panel also reflects on how mo

Content Creation & Microlearning in ELT (Talking ELT Special #3)

In this special episode of Talking ELT, we explore how content creation and microlearning are transforming the world of English Language Teaching (ELT).   Host Andrew is joined by two standout influencers in the ELT space: Mariwan Abdalla (English with Rahel) and Alex Fielder (Teacher Alex).   They share their journeys from classroom teaching to building global audiences online, discuss how Gen Alpha learns differently, and reveal how AI is shaping the future of education. You’ll hear practical