Jim@SpongeELT

The Three Series: Three books for the conference presenter

This is part of The Three Series. Conference presenting is something many of us take on at some stage within our career. Those of us that have a desire to move into academic management, teacher education, or simply raise our profile often start by presenting at conferences. And, of course, there are many teachers andContinue reading “The Three Series: Three books for the conference presenter”

Sponge Chats – Perspectives on TBLT with Daniel O. Jackson

This blog post is part of the Sponge Chats video series. For those avid Sponge ELT fans, you will all know that some time ago I reviewed Daniel O. Jackson’s brilliant Cambridge Element – Task Based Language Teaching. After this, I was lucky enough to get in touch with Daniel, and he agreed to come on forContinue reading “Sponge Chats – Perspectives on TBLT with Daniel O. Jackson”

Conference notes: TESOL Spain Madrid 2023

Last weekend, I had the pleasure to not only attend but also present at the TESOL Spain Madrid conference. It was a massive conference, with over 140 sessions spread out over three days, and by the end of it was physically and mentally drained – but it was entirely worth it. What follows here areContinue reading “Conference notes: TESOL Spain Madrid 2023”

Article notes – Exploring Emotions in Language Teaching – Jack C. Richards

‘Article Notes’ is a set of blog posts in which I write down my notes about articles that I read. These notes are not meant to be ‘academic’ or ‘formal’; rather, they are my ramblings and immediate thoughts in reaction to the content I read. I’ve written them up to help me remember the article,Continue reading “Article notes – Exploring Emotions in Language Teaching – Jack C. Richards”

The Three Series: Three evidence-based ways to start your class

This is part of The Three Series. Every teacher has their way of opening a class. I can remember all the way back to my CertTESOL (initial teaching qualification) when the trainers gave us a list of openers and closers. I’ve found myself going back to this list again and again, but as I’ve becomeContinue reading “The Three Series: Three evidence-based ways to start your class”

The Teacher Trainer Diaries: Workshop planning

I used to find workshop planning a little daunting – now I love the process. I am lucky enough to be in a position in which I work with teachers who want to run their first workshop, and I get to mentor them through the whole process (through which I learn so much as well!).Continue reading “The Teacher Trainer Diaries: Workshop planning”

Musings of an academic manager – It’s not always sunshine and rainbows!

I don’t think that anyone moves into a DoS position thinking it’s going to be easy, which is a good thing as there are times when being a DoS is quite stressful. The last month is a good example of some of the proverbial lemons life can throw an LTO manager. But, I’m a firmContinue reading “Musings of an academic manager – It’s not always sunshine and rainbows!”

Sponge Chats – Perspectives on Assessment with Fatime Losonci

This blog post is part of the Sponge Chats video series. In the latest Sponge Chat, I spoke with assessment expert, Fatime Losonci. This chat was really interesting for me as assessment is one of those areas that I have read a little about, but nowhere near enough – and I certainly have no experience with itemContinue reading “Sponge Chats – Perspectives on Assessment with Fatime Losonci”

Sponge Chats – Materials writing and OtterELT with Laura Broadbent and Billie Jago

This blog post is part of the Sponge Chats video series. We’re back again with another Sponge Chat, and this time I was lucky enough to sit down with not just one amazing guest – but two! Laura Broadbent and Billie Jago from OtterELT took some time out of their busy schedules to speak with me forContinue reading “Sponge Chats – Materials writing and OtterELT with Laura Broadbent and Billie Jago”

Sponge Chats – Perspectives on TBLT with Martin East

Within the world of TBLT, Martin East is one of the most recognisable names. His work spans decades (and numerous articles, books, conferences, etc.), and he has been involved in both TBLT and second language teacher education for much of that time. As an advocate of TBLT myself, I felt quite lucky to have theContinue reading “Sponge Chats – Perspectives on TBLT with Martin East”