Lessons my teenage learners have taught me! After years in academic management, going back into the teen classroom was an eye opener. Teenage learners had changed; they were somehow more sophisticated, more aware and much more ready to take on the world. I soon realised that this would be a steep learning curve. Here are some of the things my teenage teachers taught me. 1 Show an interest in our lives and tell us about yours too! One of…
With my CELTA in hand, I was ready for my first teaching job. My timetable included 9 – 12 year-olds. No sweat! I’d worked on play schemes for children and so I imagined teaching them would be the same. How wrong I was! All my new CELTA techniques just didn’t work and I was soon shouting for help. Here are some of the things I wish I’d been told before I started: 1 Learn your students names and use them!…
Aunque no lo parezca, hemos estado muy a gusto contigo. Although we may not show it, we’ve been really happy with you. No, the second ‘ELT Teacher’ in the title isn’t a mistake. I’ve worked as an ELT professional since 1989. I’ve been a teacher, senior teacher, young learners coordinator, Director of Studies, Director of Education and Director of Education & Operations and in my other life I also write coursebooks. So, when one of the publishers approached me with…