TESOL Pop TESOL Pop

Author of How to Write Inclusive Materials, Tyson Seburn, talks about a disruptive approach to building greater empathy and inclusion in the language classroom. In this interview, Tyson walks through the five stages of the disruptive approach and suggests topics, questions, materials and activities we can use for each lesson stage.

KEY TALKING POINTSDefining a Disruptive Approach
Tyson defines a disruptive approach as integrating marginalised voices' experiences into lessons to raise awareness and foster inclusivity.
Identifying Unfair Social Norms
Tyson highlights unfair social norms, like beach access barriers for disabled individuals or discriminatory dress codes. Educators can empower students to recognise and challenge these injustices by discussing relevant themes.
Situating Social Norms
Tyson recommends using visual aids and critical questions to deepen students' awareness of social inequalities. By presenting scenarios such as beach access or dress codes, educators prompt discussions on societal norms.
Bringing in Authentic Experiences
Tyson stresses the importance of incorporating real experiences of marginalised individuals to nurture empathy and comprehension among students.
Building Personal Connections
Encouraging empathy, Tyson prompts students to engage personally with the challenges faced by marginalised communities, fostering solidarity and understanding.
Working Towards Solutions
Tyson emphasises collaborative problem-solving to address social injustices, engaging students in meaningful language practice while advocating for positive change.
ABOUTTyson Seburn (MA EdTech & TESOL, University of Manchester) is a lecturer and assistant director of an EAP foundation year at the University of Toronto and a tutor on Oxford TEFL Barcelona’s Trinity DipTESOL course. He has volunteered on local and international teacher association committees, most recently as IATEFL TDSIG Coordinator. His personal and professional experiences inspired his interest in Queer and racialised ELT experiences and, thus ways to better practices and materials. He is the author of Academic Reading Circles (2015) and How to Write Inclusive Materials (2021). He is @seburnt everywhere online. Search #howtoinclusive on social platforms for more.

REFERENCES
Seburn, T. (2021) How to Write Inclusive Materials. ELT Teacher 2 Writer
TRANSCRIPT
Watch with closed captions.
SUPPORT
Say thanks by buying us a coffee here.
JOIN OUR EVENTS
Upcoming lives and workshops
CREDITS
Producer Laura Wilkes
Editor Haven Tsang
Thanks to our kind guest, Tyson Seburn.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Founder of Fluent Language, Kerstin Cable, discusses the difference between teaching and coaching. Kerstin walks through key elements of her language habit system, which focuses on a cycle of planning, tracking, reviewing and goal setting to set learners up for success.

KEY TALKING POINTS
Defining Coaching
Coaching focuses on understanding the learner's goals and empowering them to find their own solutions.Kerstin emphasises the importance of autonomy in the coaching process, allowing learners to make decisions and take ownership of their learning journey.
The Power of Habits
Kerstin discusses the significance of habits in language learning, drawing from Gretchen Rubin's framework.She highlights the effectiveness of small, consistent actions over grand, unsustainable efforts.Kerstin shares her experience developing a language habit system and its evolution.
Flexibility and Adaptability
The habit system allows for flexibility and adjustment based on individual needs and preferences.Kerstin emphasises the importance of understanding one's motivations and adjusting habits accordingly.
Applicability Across Contexts
Laura reflects on her own language learning journey and the shift from traditional methods to a habit-based approach.Kerstin explains how the habit system can be tailored to various goals and contexts, whether for citizenship exams or personal enjoyment.
ABOUTKerstin Cable is a language learning coach, speaker, and podcaster living in England. She is the woman behind Fluent Language.
Kerstin is the author of more than 15 books and courses for language learners, co-founder of AI Language Club and the Women in Language conference, and creator of the Fluent Show podcast.
She is a native German speaker who hails from the beautiful Moselle valley. Kerstin studied six languages in Germany and has added 4 more so far, including her language crush, Welsh. Kerstin is a popular speaker at universities and events, and has been featured on BBC World Service, in Süddeutsche Zeitung, Bloomberg Businessweek and The Cut.

REFERENCES
Cable, K. (2021) Language Coaches: What they are and how to work with themThe Fluent Show - a podcast about loving, living and learning languagesRubin, G. (2020). The Four Tendencies. Two Roads
TRANSCRIPT
Watch with closed captions.
SUPPORT
Say thanks by buying us a coffee here.
JOIN OUR EVENTS
Upcoming lives and workshops
CREDITS
Producer Laura Wilkes
Editor Haven Tsang
Thanks to our fab guest, Kerstin Cable.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Founder of Pronunciation with Emma, Emma Walker, addresses myths surrounding teaching pronunciation, from misconceptions about the skills we need as teachers to common mixups between accent and pronunciation.

KEY TALKING POINTS
Myth 1: Certain Teachers Can't Teach Pronunciation
Emma emphasises the importance of mindset shifting among teachers, learners and the wider community. Teachers who speak English as a second language can still effectively teach pronunciation and provide an inspiring role model for learners. Resources like Emma's YouTube channel provide valuable guidance for building confidence in teaching pronunciation.
Myth 2: Accent Equals Pronunciation
While accent and pronunciation are connected, they are not the same. Accent refers to regional or cultural speech patterns, while pronunciation focuses on specific sounds. Emma illustrates the distinction with practical examples and highlights the importance of intelligibility.
Myth 3: Pronunciation Lessons Are Limited to Short Activities
Emma challenges the misconception that pronunciation lessons can't fill an entire class. She recommends resources like Mark Hancock's "English Pronunciation in Use" series for structured lesson planning. Elementary-level materials can be adapted for advanced learners, providing clarity and simplicity in pronunciation instruction.

ABOUTEmma Walker has been teaching for over 15 years and decided to focus on helping English learners improve their pronunciation and listening skills after noticing that many of her students (who were living and working in the UK), were struggling to understand other people in the UK. She started making videos on social media back in 2018 and has amassed a following of over 1 million English learners and over 22 million views. Emma is also a copywriter and ghostwrites social media content for some of the biggest ELT companies. Visit Pronunciation with Emma to learn more.
REFERENCES
Baker, A. (2006) Ship or Sheep? Book and Audio CD Pack: An Intermediate Pronunciation Course. Cambridge University Press; 2nd editionBaker, A. (2006) Tree or Three?: An Elementary Pronunciation Course. Cambridge University Press; 2nd editionHancock, M. (1995) Pronunciation Games. Cambridge University PressHancock, M. (2017) English Pronunciation in Use. Cambridge University Press
TRANSCRIPT
Watch with closed captions.
SUPPORT
Say thanks by buying us a coffee here.
JOIN OUR EVENTS
Upcoming lives and workshops
CREDITS
Producer Laura Wilkes
Editor Haven Tsang
Thanks to our fun guest, Emma Walker.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Teacher and materials writer Silvina Mascitti shares three lesson plans from her library of free materials at EFL Creative Ideas. Silvina walks through the various lesson stages for each lesson and shares insights into how she uses the materials with her adult learners.
KEY TALKING POINTS
Lesson Structure
Silvina outlines her typical lesson structure: before, while, and after framework focusing on meaningful language points. Each lesson includes engaging activities such as discussion questions, visuals, and follow-up tasks to reinforce learning.
Lesson 1: Are you a Foodie? (A2 Elementary level)
Silvina introduces a relatable lesson on food, utilising an advert and visual elements to engage low-level students. Lexical focus includes phrases like "sounds fancy" and "looks good," with a follow-up task on discussing dining experiences.
Lesson 2: The Power of Surprise (B1 Intermediate level)
This lesson adapted from Psychology Today encourages discussion on surprise, with activities including mind maps and reading comprehension tasks. Lexical focus includes words related to self-confidence, with a follow-up role-playing scenario.
Lesson 3: Memories (B2 Upper-Intermediate level)
Designed for higher levels, this lesson integrates visual elements and discussions on memories. It includes excerpts from Marcel Proust's work and connects to Maroon Five's song "Memories," with activities including vocabulary mind mapping and discussions on childhood memories.

ABOUTSilvina Mascitti is an enthusiastic, qualified teacher of English and materials writer from Buenos Aires, Argentina. She has worked in ELT for more than 20 years. She taught English in schools and companies in Argentina. She got a Fulbright scholarship and taught Spanish at a university in the USA. Currently, she lives in Spain and teaches adults online. She also creates materials for her own lessons and shares them for free on her website EFL Creative Ideas. Silvina also works as a freelance materials writer for highly-recognised platforms and language schools.
REFERENCES
Lesson 1: Are you a foodie?
Lesson 2: The power of surprise
Lesson 3: Memories
TRANSCRIPT
Watch with closed captions.
SUPPORT
Say thanks by buying us a coffee here.
JOIN OUR EVENTS
Upcoming lives and workshops
CREDITS
Producer Laura Wilkes
Editor Haven Tsang
Thanks to our lovely guest, Silvina Mascitti.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Retired teacher Chris Starling shares a few of his favourite works of literature that inspired him as a linguaphile and educator. We hope Chris' book list inspires you to continue the conversation by sharing your favourite titles with your teaching community and in the comments section on the TESOL Pop website.

KEY TALKING POINTS
Discussion of "Slouching Towards Bethlehem" by Joan Didion:
"Slouching Towards Bethlehem" is a collection of 1960s journalism by Joan Didion, offering a critical look at the counterculture movement.Chris appreciates Didion's style and personal approach to journalism, which invites readers into her world and provides insightful commentary.Favourite quote: "This is the California where it is possible to live and die without ever eating an artichoke…"
Discussion of "Fugitive Pieces" by Anne Michaels:
Chris describes "Fugitive Pieces" as a powerful exploration of memory, personal history, and self-construction set against the backdrop of the Holocaust.He praises Anne Michaels' poetic writing style and the depth of insight each reading offers.Favorite quote: "The past is never dead, it's never even past."
Discussion of "Bleak House" by Charles Dickens:
Chris highlights Charles Dickens' storytelling prowess in "Bleak House," emphasising its intricate plot and rich character development.He discusses Dickens' use of symbolism, particularly the fog, to represent societal issues and interconnectedness.Favourite quote: "Fog everywhere... Fog in the eyes and throats of ancient Greenwich pensioners."
ABOUT
Chris qualified as a librarian and then as a teacher of English, careers he followed with pleasure for over 30 years although he was drawn away from the librarianship side quite early. His longest service, over 20 years, was in a school where the students had over sixty home languages.
REFERENCES
Didion, J. (1968) Slouching Towards Bethlehem. Farrar, Straus and GirouxMichaels, A. (1996) Fugitive Pieces. McClelland & Stewart Ltd.Dickens, C. (1852-1853) Bleak House. Bradbury & Evans
Links to later editions of these title can be found on the TESOL Pop website.
TRANSCRIPT
Watch with closed captions.
SUPPORT
We'd love to record more special episodes like this one for you.
Please support us to make this possible by buying us a coffee here.
JOIN OUR EVENTS
Upcoming lives and workshops
CREDITS
Producer Laura Wilkes
Editor Haven Tsang
Thanks to our charming guest, Chris Starling.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Founder of Charlie's Lessons shares three key questions to remember when choosing technology for your teaching context.

KEY TALKING POINTS
Core Set of Tools
Charlie emphasises the significance of technology in his daily routine, relying heavily on the Google suite of apps for communication and organisation. He highlights the role of technology in facilitating communication with teachers, students, and school administrators.
Integration of AI (Artificial Intelligence)
The conversation shifts to the integration of AI in educational settings, with Charlie acknowledging its potential in catering to students' specific needs. However, he underscores the importance of testing and refining AI-generated materials to ensure their suitability for classroom use.
Tips for Choosing Technology
Charlie offers practical advice for educators navigating the vast array of available technologies, focusing on factors such as cost-effectiveness, ease of use, and unique functionalities. He emphasises the need to assess whether a particular technology addresses specific teaching challenges or merely adds to the existing toolkit.
ABOUT
Charlie, originally from Bath, ventured into TEFL in Thailand before teaching in South Korea. Despite intending to go to Japan, he settled for South Korea for a year in Busan. With 3 years of experience, he pursued a CELTA course at Bath College, enabling him to teach in Europe. Arriving in Cadiz, Spain in 2012, he later moved to Seville before returning to Cadiz as Director of Studies of Foreign Languages at CLIC IH Cadiz. With a DELTA qualification, he shares teaching experiences and educational technology expertise through his website and YouTube channel, injecting humour into his endeavours.
Learn more about Charlie's work by visiting his YouTube channel here.
TRANSCRIPT
Watch with closed captions.
SUPPORT
Say thanks with coffee.
JOIN OUR EVENTS
Upcoming lives and workshops
CREDITS
Producer Laura Wilkes
Editor Haven Tsang
Thanks to our great guest, Charlie.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.