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”
Review: Activities for Alternative Assessment – Leo Selivan
Delta Publishing produced two of my favourite resource books for teachers – Activities for Task-Based Learning and Activities for Mediation. No joke, these books are the most popular in the academy – I even have to tell teachers NOT to take them home! So, I was over the moon when I was able to getContinue reading “Review: Activities for Alternative Assessment – Leo Selivan”
Teaching exam classes – Some questions to consider
Last week, I ran a workshop for a small group of teachers, and we focused on preparing learners for exams. Whenever I run a workshop, I always keep an eye out for teachers’ doubts, questions, etc. and then I write these down. At the end of the session, I then include a ‘thinking questions’ stage,Continue reading “Teaching exam classes – Some questions to consider”
Sponge Chats – Perspectives on money management and investing for ELT professionals with Nicola Prentis
So, after a long-ish break, Sponge Chats are back! Although, we are branching out a little now, and we have a new ‘sub-series’: Perspectives. The Sponge Chats Perspectives series will be intereviews with ELT professionals who are specialists within a certain field, and we’ll go into detail about the what, why, when and how ofContinue reading “Sponge Chats – Perspectives on money management and investing for ELT professionals with Nicola Prentis”
Review: Cambridge Elements – Mediating Innovation through Language Teacher Education – Martin East
Here we are again with another review of another Cambridge Element! Martin East is someone who really needs no introduction, especially to those in the TBLT world. When I heard that he was releasing an Element that focused on innovation, with TBLT as the ‘focus’, and it was done so from a teacher education perspective,Continue reading “Review: Cambridge Elements – Mediating Innovation through Language Teacher Education – Martin East”
TTEdSIG Mentoring conference notes
This weekend, the TTEdSIG held another amazing online event, Mentoring for Teacher Educators. What follows here are my notes from the sessions 🙂 Christine Coombe – Mentoring: An essential skill for leadership development There are many definitions of mentoring, although they are evolving. Christine’s definition is that both the mentor and the mentee gain fromContinue reading “TTEdSIG Mentoring conference notes”
Review: Cambridge Elements – Language Teacher Educator Identity – Gary Barkhuizen
Back in February of 2021, Cambridge published the first Cambridge Element in Language Teaching (they have loads of other really interesting Elements series for those that are interested) – Language Teacher Educator Identity, written by Gary Barkhuizen. I recently got myself a copy, and as usual the Element delivered. This Element, however, was perhaps oneContinue reading “Review: Cambridge Elements – Language Teacher Educator Identity – Gary Barkhuizen”
SPONGE ELT 