Reflections of a teacher

alessandrocastagna1978
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As a teacher, I’ve always found myself reflecting on my experiences in the classroom – the challenges, the triumphs, and the ever-evolving world of education. ”Reflections of a Teacher” will be a space where I’ll share my insights, offer practical teaching strategies, and delve into various aspects of education. Think of it as a cozy virtual café where we can meet up, sip some imaginary coffee, and have engaging conversations about teaching and learning. I’ll be sharing personal anecdotes, my thoughts on glottodidactics, the impact of mindfulness on my teaching, and even the power of music in classroom management. It’s my first podcast, so it’s a learning journey for me too! New episodes will drop every Monday. I invite you to join me on this journey of exploration and reflection. Let’s learn together!

Episodes

  1. 03/17/2025

    Native-speakerism and diversity

    In this episode we explore the topic of native-speakerism through the lens of a native. How can we engage in a constructive dialogue between native and non native teachers? How can we bridge cultural gaps and engage students?  How can this diversity benefit students?

    12 min

  2. 02/24/2025

    Native-speakerism

    What is native-speakerism? How can we define it? What impact does it have on teachers and on students? We discuss all this with a special guest and a friend of mine, Salvo.  Let me know your thoughts on this!

    11 min

  3. 02/10/2025

    Mindfulness in education

    Mindfulness, as conceptualized within contemplative neuroscience and increasingly integrated into educational research, involves intentionally attending to the present moment without judgment. This non-reactive awareness allows us to observe our thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations as they arise, without becoming entangled or overwhelmed by them. It's not about suppressing thoughts or achieving a blank mind, but rather developing a meta-cognitive awareness of our internal experience.

    7 min

  4. 02/03/2025

    The exploitation of art in teaching a language

    Have you ever thought about using a single brushstroke or a tiny detail from a painting as a storytelling prompt in the language classroom? It’s something I’ve found incredibly effective in engaging students, especially young learners. Today, I want to reflect on how we can exploit art to enhance language learning and critical thinking.

    9 min

  5. 01/27/2025

    Online teaching

    Teaching English online offers a unique and rewarding experience. It allows educators and teachers to connect with a diverse global community of learners, build flexible schedules, and contribute to the ever-evolving landscape of education. What are your experiences with online teaching? What challenges and rewards have you encountered?

    4 min

  6. 01/20/2025

    Pragmatics and non-verbal communication

    A glance can say so much. A quick, affirming look can be the most powerful form of praise, encouraging a child to continue exploring and learning. Sustained eye contact can engage a distracted student, bringing their focus back to the lesson. A gentle, knowing look can motivate a hesitant child to take a risk, whether it's sharing their ideas or attempting a new challenge. And sometimes, a subtle shift in gaze can channel a child's energies, guiding them back on track.

    7 min

  7. 01/13/2025

    Barriers to inclusion

    As teachers, we’re not just imparting knowledge—we’re building pathways for our students to succeed. That means asking tough questions: Are my lessons accessible? Am I considering the diverse needs of my students? What barriers might I be overlooking? Reflecting on these questions has been humbling for me. I’ve realized that even small adjustments in how we teach can have a huge impact.

    5 min

  8. 01/06/2025

    Equality or equity?

    An equitable approach to education isn't about lowering standards. It's about creating a level playing field where every student has the opportunity to thrive. By understanding and addressing individual needs, we can foster a more inclusive and supportive learning environment where all students feel valued and empowered.

    6 min

  9. 12/30/2024

    What makes a good teacher?

    Can you list the qualities of a teacher? They can create a great syllabus, engaging lesson plans, motivate students. That's paramount. And then? What might be less considered, but sill essential? Listen to the podcast and let me know if you agree!

    4 min

  10. 12/23/2024

    The power of the pause

    Teaching is like music—it’s not just about the notes you play but the spaces between them. Just as silence shapes a melody, pauses during a lesson create rhythm and meaning. These moments allow the teacher to breathe and the students to absorb, turning a steady stream of information into a dynamic, living experience. Without pauses, both music and learning lose their depth, becoming noise instead of something transformative.

    4 min
  • 10 Episodes

About

As a teacher, I’ve always found myself reflecting on my experiences in the classroom – the challenges, the triumphs, and the ever-evolving world of education. ”Reflections of a Teacher” will be a space where I’ll share my insights, offer practical teaching strategies, and delve into various aspects of education. Think of it as a cozy virtual café where we can meet up, sip some imaginary coffee, and have engaging conversations about teaching and learning. I’ll be sharing personal anecdotes, my thoughts on glottodidactics, the impact of mindfulness on my teaching, and even the power of music in classroom management. It’s my first podcast, so it’s a learning journey for me too! New episodes will drop every Monday. I invite you to join me on this journey of exploration and reflection. Let’s learn together!

Information

  • Creator
    alessandrocastagna1978
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Reflections of a teacher