The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast

The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast
  • 5.0 (4)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

A podcast for reflective practice for teachers of English around the world

  1. OCT 3

    E75 - Generative AI in Education: A Teacher’s Guide

    In this episode of The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast, we sit down with Sara Davila, a self-described “learning alchemist,” to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping education. With her trademark mix of research, theory, and classroom pragmatism, Sara takes us on a journey from the evolution of AI and deep learning to the practical ways teachers can use large language models (LLMs) today. Together, we dig into questions educators everywhere are asking: What exactly can AI do for teachers? How can we use it responsibly? And what frameworks can guide us as we experiment and adapt? Sara shares practical applications—from using AI as a personal assistant to update lesson plans, to managing schedules and streamlining teacher workflows. She also addresses the ethics of AI, the role of professional development, and why experimentation and play are essential in this new era. 💡 Reflect with us: How do you see AI supporting your role as a teacher? What frameworks of reference do you have in place to ensure effective and ethical implementation? What excites you most—and what worries you most—about AI in education? Where might AI help you reclaim time or energy in your teaching practice? 🧰 Resources & Tools: History of AI graphic by Sara Davila AI Timeline 2022-Present When to Use Predictive AI vs. Generative AI How AI Chatbots Work The Algorithmic Future of Education – Audrey Watters From Revolution to Evolution: What Generative AI Really Means for Language Learning (Cambridge) AI and English Language Teaching: Affordances and Challenges (BJET) Using Early LLMs for Corpus Linguistics (ScienceDirect) What We Talk About When We Talk About AI in Education – Audrey Watters 🎙 This episode is sponsored by Ellii Use code THINKALOUD for 15% off your first membership term. Admins can also request a two-month free trial to pilot Ellii for your program. 📚 Chapters: 00:00 Sponsor Message 01:12 Introduction to the Podcast 01:23 Episode Overview 04:02 Meet Our Guest: Sarah Davila 05:55 Understanding Large Language Models (LLMs) 06:23 The Evolution of AI 08:07 Deep Learning and Natural Language Processing 10:55 Generative AI and Transformers 17:29 Recap and Key Concepts 20:30 Frameworks for Teachers Using AI 21:37 Understanding the Rapid Evolution of AI 21:53 Introducing UNESCO's AI Framework for Teachers 22:37 Human-Centered AI: The Core Principle 23:15 Ethics in AI: Teacher Responsibility 26:13 Practical Use Cases for AI in Education 28:09 Leveraging AI for Personal and Professional Development 34:36 Exploring AI Tools in Microsoft and Google Ecosystems 38:41 Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Educators #AIinEducation #EdTech #AIforTeachers #TeacherThinkAloud #LanguageTeaching #ReflectivePractice #TESOL #ELT #TEFL #AItools #EdTechInnovation #FutureofEducation #TeacherPD #ESLteachers #DigitalPedagogy #EduAI #ClassroomInnovation #TeacherGrowth #LLM #TeacherReflection #ProfessionalGrowth #TeacherDevelopment #TeacherAgency #ELTcommunity #EFLteachers #ELTchat #TEFLlife #EdChat #TeacherLife #EduGrowth #GlobalEd #TeachersOfInstagram #TeachersOfLinkedIn

    41 min

  2. SEP 15

    E74 - Foundations of Reflective Practice with the DIESOL Podcast, Part 2

    In Part 2 of our collaboration with the DIESOL Podcast, we reunite with Brent and Ixchell, this time with our signature Teacher Think-Aloud style, with more narrative and reflective interruptions as we delve into actionable strategies. In this episode, we explore the practical side of reflective pedagogy in English language teaching: How to implement tech tools to enhance reflection The balance between spontaneous and intentional reflection Building a sustainable reflective practice that prevents burnout This episode is packed with hands-on inspiration and strategies, designed to empower teachers to bring meaningful reflection into their classrooms. 🎧 Join us as we uncover ways to stay connected, nurture professional growth, and keep the joy of teaching alive through reflection. 💡 Reflect with us: Have you had any ‘aha’ moments during unplanned reflection? What are your favorite strategies for reflection? (How) do you integrate technology into reflection?  What tools or tips have helped you sustain reflection over time?  🧰 Resources & Tools: YouTube Playlist: Introduction to Reflective TeachingDIESOL PodcastReflective Practice Starter KitReflective Practice Resources🎙 This episode is sponsored by Ellii Use code THINKALOUD for 15% off your first membership term. Admins can also request a two-month free trial to pilot Ellii for your program. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 01:12 Welcome to the Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast 01:46 Reflective Practice: Part Two 02:23 Meet Brent and Ixchell 02:41 Unplanned Reflection Moments 03:53 Intentional Reflection Strategies 08:45 Reflection in Action vs. Reflection on Action 09:51 Using Reflection for Goal Setting 18:48 Integrating Technology in Reflection 23:49 Using Commute Time for Reflection 24:33 Marco Polo for Teacher Collaboration 26:06 The Role of Accountability Partners 27:16 Tech Tools for Reflective Teaching 33:04 Collective Reflection and PLNs 36:55 Avoiding Teacher Burnout 41:27 Final Thoughts and Resources

    44 min

  3. SEP 1

    E73 - Foundations of Reflective Practice with the DIESOL Podcast, Part 1

    In this special crossover episode of The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast, Shé and Anna team up with Brent Warner and Ixchell Reyes of the DIESOL Podcast (Developing Innovation in English as a Second or Other Language) for a lively conversation about reflective practice—the foundation of our podcast and a shared passion between both shows. Instead of our usual format, you’ll hear the DIESOL style: less commentary, more conversation, and plenty of banter across all four of us. In Part 1, the group explores the why of reflective pedagogy and its core principles: What reflective practice really means in the context of English language teaching Why reflection matters for teachers’ professional growth and students’ learning How to move from superficial reflection to deeper engagement  This episode offers both philosophical grounding and practical inspiration, setting the stage for Part 2, where the conversation will dig more into actionable strategies for bringing reflection into the classroom. 🎧 Tune in to hear how reflective practice can empower teachers, shape learning experiences, and sustain professional joy—while enjoying the energy of four educators learning from each other. 💡 Reflect with us: How do you currently define reflective practice in your own teaching? When was the last time reflection helped you shift or adapt your teaching approach? In what ways can reflection become a shared practice in your teaching community rather than an isolated one? 🧰 Resources & Tools: YouTube Playlist: Introduction to Reflective Teaching DIESOL Podcast Reflective Practice Starter Kit 🎙 This episode is sponsored by Ellii Use code THINKALOUD for 15% off your first membership term. Admins can also request a two-month free trial to pilot Ellii for your program.

    42 min

  4. AUG 8

    E72 – Greening ELT: Addressing Sustainability in the English Language Classroom (with Harry Waters)

    In this episode, co-hosts Shé and Anna sit down with climate activist, teacher trainer, and founder of Renewable English, Harry Waters, for an energizing conversation on integrating environmental sustainability into English language teaching. 🌱🌍 Harry shares how his early activism and global teaching experiences led him to reimagine ELT as a platform for climate awareness, youth empowerment, and project-based learning. From fifth graders launching school-wide recycling campaigns to international litter-picking initiatives, his stories show that students don’t need permission to make change—they just need space to act. 🚮📚 Whether you’re teaching beginners or advanced learners, Harry offers practical and empowering tips for embedding sustainability into everyday lessons—not as a one-off Earth Day unit, but as a consistent, student-centered context for meaningful communication. 💬 💡 Reflect with us: What’s one small shift you can make this week to model sustainability for your students? How can you transform your classroom into a space where environmental agency is possible? What’s a “local” issue your students care about that connects to a global theme? How might you use a grammar point (like conditionals) to explore real-world topics? 🧰 Resources & Tools: Renewable English – Harry’s platform with free resources for climate-focused ELT Activities for a Green Mindset – Harry’s book with 30 adaptable projects and lessons UN Sustainable Development Goals – A flexible framework to ground student inquiry 🧭 Related Episodes: E 44 - Global Citizenship: Opening the view to the possible (with Brantley Turner) E 27 - Why we 3 project-based learning  E 21 - Addressing current events in the classroom 🎙 This episode is sponsored by Ellii Use code THINKALOUD for 15% off your first membership term. Admins can also request a two-month free trial to pilot Ellii for your program. #GreeningELT #EnvironmentalEducation #ClimateInELT #SustainabilityInEducation #ReflectiveTeaching #ProjectBasedLearning #YouthActivism #TeacherThinkAloud #ESL #EFL #GlobalCitizenship #ClimateAction #SDGs #ELTCommunity

    34 min

  5. JUL 18

    E71 - From English Language Teaching to Instructional Design (with Sharon Tjaden-Burkes)

    In this episode, co-hosts Shé and Anna sit down with Sharon Tjaden-Burkes, Senior Instructional Designer and founder of the IDEA Networking Sessions, to explore what it really takes to move from the English language classroom into instructional design. 🎙️  Sharon shares a candid look at what sparked her transition, the emotional toll of adjunct life, the joy of upskilling through tinkering and tech tools, and how her teaching background became a superpower in her new role. 🎯💻 Whether you're already eyeing a move into L&D or still wondering if it’s even possible, this conversation is packed with realistic advice, reflective insights, and hard-won encouragement. Sharon reminds us that sustainable careers are not just about the paycheck—they're about peace, purpose, and knowing your worth. 🌱 💡 Reflect with us: What part of your teaching role feels unsustainable—and what might that be telling you? What are your non-negotiable values in your next career move? Are you open to trusting others in collaborative work, or are you still holding up the sky solo?What other teaching-adjacent roles would you like to learn more about?🧰 Resources & Tools: IDEA Networking Sessions – Free monthly Zoom meetups for transitioning teachers: Join here PowerDirector by Cyber Link– Sharon’s go-to video editing software Camtasia – Screen recording and editing tool Articulate Storyline & Rise – Industry-standard authoring tools for e-learningSakai, Canvas, Blackboard – LMS examples used to demonstrate Sharon’s course design🧭 Related Episodes: E 60 - From teaching to materials writing: a chat with Ellii (with Ben Buckwold and Tara Benwell) E 35 - Be brave enough to say ‘I don’t know’ (with Lina Jurkunas) E 16 - It’s okay to just exist E 15 - So you’ve lost your zest for teaching Just for fun: Why Some of Us Don’t Have One True Calling | Emilie Wapnick | TED Anna actually gifted Shé Emily’s book, How to Be Everything: A Guide for Those Who (Still) Don't Know What They Want to Be When They Grow Up a few years ago. It’s a useful guide that helps you reframe your professional narrative and unique skillset. Definitely recommend picking it up if you’re thinking of a change, or curious about what it means to be a multipotentialite. 🎙 This episode is sponsored by Ellii Use code THINKALOUD for 15% off your first membership term. Admins can also request a two-month free trial to pilot Ellii for your program. #ELTtoID #InstructionalDesign #TeacherTransition #ID #L&D #LearningandDevelopment #ReflectiveTeaching #OnlineLearningDesign #TeacherThinkAloud #LDtools #TeacherSustainability #CareerPivot #WomenInEdTech

    37 min

  6. JUN 27

    E70 - Summer Reading Special: Stories That Cross Borders

    In this episode, co-hosts Shé and Anna share their 2025 summer reading list—13 unforgettable books that move across cultures, borders, and languages. Whether you're traveling, lesson planning, or just in need of some inspiration, this curated collection will offer powerful perspectives on migration, memory, identity, and resistance. 🧳💬 From a nine-year-old’s journey across Central America in Solito, to reflections on travel privilege in Airplane Mode, and explorations of family legacy in Homegoing and The Covenant of Water, these stories will expand your worldview and spark classroom ideas for deeper cultural engagement. 🌍✍️ Need inspiration for PD book clubs or classroom literature units? We’ve got you. These texts aren't just for pleasure reading—they’re powerful teaching tools. 🎧 Listen now and join us for a literary journey across generations and geographies! 💡 Reflect with us: What are you reading this summer to challenge cultural assumptions? What literature have you brought into your classroom to increase cross-cultural understanding and build empathy? What’s your favorite way to engage students with world literature? 🎧 Related Resources: E43: Culture through stories Warsan Shire’s poem “Home”📖 Books Mentioned: The Covenant of Water – Abraham Verghese (India)Solito – Javier Zamora (El Salvador → U.S.)Beautiful Country – Qian Julie Wang (China → U.S.)The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane – Lisa See (Akha community, China & U.S.)Braised Pork – An Yu (China)Ghost Music – An Yu (China)Airplane Mode – Shahnaz Habib (Nonfiction: Travel privilege, global movement)The Penguin Book of Migration Literature – Edited by Dohra AhmadKaikeyi – Vaishnavi Patel (India; Hindu epic reimagined)10 Minutes, 38 Seconds in This Strange World – Elif Shafak (Türkiye)Homegoing – Yaa Gyasi (Ghana & U.S.)A Woman Is No Man – Etaf Rum (Palestine & U.S.)Everything Inside – Edwidge Danticat (Haiti, U.S., Caribbean)🎙 This episode is sponsored by Ellii Use code THINKALOUD for 15% off your first membership term. Admins can also reach out for a two-month free trial!

    26 min

  7. MAY 30

    E69 - Digital Hallways: Creating connection in the online classroom (with Bob Nguyen)

    In this episode of the Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast, hosts Anna and Shé discuss the importance of building rapport in the classroom, revisiting techniques adapted for online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Guest Bob Nguyen shares his journey of integrating technology into teaching, emphasizing authentic student connection through tools like Padlet, Mentimeter, and Gather Town. Bob also highlights the pedagogical principles that improved his teaching practices both online and in-person, focusing on inclusivity and genuine interactions. The episode concludes with reflections on transferring these insights back to traditional classroom settings. 💡 Reflect with us: What strategies have you learned over the years to build rapport in your classroom? How did teaching online enhance your practice? And what strategies have you brought back with you to the analog classroom? 🎧 Related Resources:  Episode 7 - Building Rapport on Day 1 Bob Nguyen’s YouTube channel ⚒️ Tech Tools on this Episode: MentimeterPadletGather Loom🎙 This episode is sponsored by Ellii Use code THINKALOUD for 15% off your first membership term. Admins can also reach out for a two-month free trial! #DigitalTools #TeachingOnline #Pandemic #VirtualLearning #OnlineLearning #OnlineTeaching #Gather #Padlet #Mentimeter #LanguageEducation #ReflectiveTeaching #TeacherThinkAloud

    30 min

  8. MAY 9

    E68 - Backpacks, Bandwidth & Burnout: The Realities of Being an ELT Digital Nomad (with Emily Bryson)

    In this episode of The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast, we pull back the curtain on the increasingly popular—yet often misunderstood—lifestyle of digital nomadism in English Language Teaching (ELT). Our guest, teacher trainer, materials writer, and visual thinking advocate Emily Bryson, joins us from the road to talk about the real logistics, trade-offs, and intentional choices that come with taking your ELT career on the move. We dig into everything from makeshift workstations and managing multiple income streams to travel-induced burnout, marketing myths around passive income, and the hidden labor of constant relocation. Emily also shares her evolving reflections on privilege and global mobility, climate impact, and what it means to work remotely in an ethical and grounded way. Whether you’re considering life as a digital nomad or are simply curious about how other ELT professionals manage remote work and international living, this episode offers practical insights and heartfelt reflection on finding balance between purpose, place, and profession. 💡 This episode is sponsored by Ellii – one of the world’s leading content libraries for English language teachers. Use our exclusive code THINKALOUD to save 15% on your first membership, or reach out for a free trial if you’re buying for a full program. Visit ellii.com. 📚 Links & Resources: Emily Bryson’s website: emilybrysonelt.com Emily’s blog post on becoming an ELT nomad (via Ellii) Ellii resources and discount: ellii.com 🎧 Related Episodes: Episode 61 - Travel with Purpose: Teaching and volunteering around the world (with Aileen Hale)  Episode 44 - Global Citizenship: Opening the view to the possible (with Brantley Turner) Episode 21 - Addressing current events in the classroom Episode 16 - It’s okay to just exist Episode 15 - So you’ve lost your zest for teaching ☕ Buy us a coffee  💬 Connect with Us: LinkedIn | Bluesky | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok teacherthinkaloudpod@gmail.com

    42 min
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About

A podcast for reflective practice for teachers of English around the world

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  • Creator
    The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    78
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast