Abstract Despite decades of educational research, evidence-based practices remain marginalised in teacher training, curriculum design, & classroom implementation. Instead, unproven fads continue to dominate. This article argues that education’s failure to mature into a profession grounded in empirical research (unlike medicine, accounting, or engineering) is the root cause. We examine ideological resistance, weak research standards,… Continue reading Why education experts resist evidence-based practices & embrace fads: A call for professional maturity
Category: Curriculum
Declarative vs. procedural memory in language learning: What every learner & teacher should know
Introduction Why do so many people spend years studying a language; memorising verb tables, drilling grammar rules, passing exams; yet still struggle to speak fluently? The answer lies in how the human brain learns. Language learning isn’t just about knowledge, it’s about memory & not just any memory, but the right kind. Most traditional language… Continue reading Declarative vs. procedural memory in language learning: What every learner & teacher should know
Reconciling task-based & genre-based approaches in language teaching
Introduction Much of the pedagogical discourse in English language teaching has positioned Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT) & Genre-Based Instruction (GBI) as separate, distinct, & sometimes competing theoretical & instructional views. However, this dichotomy may be misleading. In practice, both approaches address different, yet complementary dimensions of language learning. Tasks describe what language users do in… Continue reading Reconciling task-based & genre-based approaches in language teaching
The transformative potential of open educational resources in English language teaching: Benefits for organisations, teachers, & students
Introduction Imagine a world where every English language teacher has free access to a rich library of teaching materials; textbooks, videos, assessments, & interactive tools; without concerns about cost, copyright, or inflexibility. Picture students worldwide starting their courses fully equipped with engaging, personalised resources tailored to their needs. In many educational sectors, this vision has… Continue reading The transformative potential of open educational resources in English language teaching: Benefits for organisations, teachers, & students
Methodology: An introduction to Genre-Based Instruction
Introduction: Why Genre Matters in the Classroom Imagine walking into a classroom where students are not just writing for grades, but crafting texts that mirror the real world; explaining scientific phenomena, arguing social issues, narrating personal experiences, or reporting historical events with confidence & clarity. This is the promise of genre-based pedagogy. Rather than teaching… Continue reading Methodology: An introduction to Genre-Based Instruction
Arguments for ELT publishing reform
The English Language Teaching (ELT) publishing industry suffers from significant systemic & structural issues that have raised concerns among educators, institutions, & curriculum developers. While publishers continue to produce materials used by millions of learners worldwide, there is increasing evidence that current practices in the sector are misaligned with the needs of students, teachers, &… Continue reading Arguments for ELT publishing reform
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: A fundamental 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: A fundamental principle
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