Language is more than just words & grammar, it is shaped by context, purpose, & social function & the way we use language depends on what we want to achieve. Every conversation, written text, or spoken exchange follows patterns that help us communicate effectively. These patterns provide structure, making interactions predictable & easier to understand. By… Continue reading Understanding language as whole texts
We need to talk about vocabulary instruction
“You shall know a word by the company it keeps.” – J.R. Firth (1957) Introduction J.R. Firth emphasised the importance of context in understanding vocabulary & that words are best learned in meaningful contexts rather than in isolation. Words tend to appear in predictable phrases with other words, e.g. “strong coffee” rather than “powerful coffee,”… Continue reading We need to talk about vocabulary instruction
Transfer appropriate processing in language learning: An essential principle
Introduction Effective language learning means engaging in meaningful tasks that develop the knowledge, skills, & attitudes that are necessary for real-world communication. Transfer appropriate processing (TAP) is a fundamental principle in instructional design that ensures learning activities develop the competencies students need to participate in their target discourse communities. By aligning educational experiences with real-life… Continue reading Transfer appropriate processing in language learning: An essential principle
How multitasking inhibits learning
In today’s tech, social media, & smartphone dominated world, multitasking is often believed to make us more productive. However, research suggests that this modern-day “skill” may be more harmful than helpful, particularly when it comes to learning. From impaired focus to decreased memory retention, the effects of multitasking can undermine our ability to process &… Continue reading How multitasking inhibits learning
Meaning first: Why connecting form and meaning is essential for language learning
Language learning is far more than memorising vocabulary & grammar rules; it is about understanding & using language meaningfully in real-world contexts. For learners, this involves making connections between linguistic forms & their functions in communication. Whether students aim to join discourse communities, handle everyday tasks, or succeed in high-stakes exams, the key to… Continue reading Meaning first: Why connecting form and meaning is essential for language learning
LLMs and students’ writing: Thinking it through
I’m just sharing my experiences and thoughts because I think it’s an important consideration for using large language models (LLMs), e.g. Google’s Gemini, OpenAI’s ChatGPT in language learning & teaching. It’s interesting to see people’s attitudes to AI generated content. I experimented with using an LLM to generate “thoughtful” responses to the content (ideas &… Continue reading LLMs and students’ writing: Thinking it through
It’s Time to Move on from Emergency Remote Teaching
Since the COVID-19 lock-downs the ELT industry appears to be equating emergency remote teaching (ERT) with distance education. This is highly problematic. ERT was a stop-gap measure, the best that teachers could pull together in a very short time with few resources & little or no knowledge of distance education. They rose to the occasion,… Continue reading It’s Time to Move on from Emergency Remote Teaching
Improving the quality of teaching
Who’d have thought it? According to a research review (Kini & Podolsky, 2016), students’ academic performance & attendance correlate with their teachers’ years of teaching experience. The effects are strongest within the first 2-3 years of experience, increase substantially in the following 7-8 years, & continue to increase significantly after that. The effect is particularly… Continue reading Improving the quality of teaching
Why do so many students drop out from online courses?
In the transition from presential face-to-face English language learning environments to online, it is not unusual for academies & other providers to experience low rates of student participation & high rates of student drop-out. Why is this & what can be done about it? In the following article, I’ll address some common issues & recommend… Continue reading Why do so many students drop out from online courses?
Reciprocal Reading: Process-oriented reading instruction
Reciprocal reading is a process-oriented classroom activity which divides & distributes critical reading responsibilities across four learners in an intensive critical reading group. It is particularly suitable for Trinity ISE & Cambridge B1 Preliminary, B2 First, & C1 Advanced reading instruction. It is also easily adaptable for online language learning courses, for example in discussion… Continue reading Reciprocal Reading: Process-oriented reading instruction