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When print textbooks are outdated the moment they're published, what do you do? If you’re Renata Kucharska, you build an alternative that can keep pace with the fast-developing needs of learners who are training for the workplace. In this episode, Renata shares how she ventured into tech to build a custom, gamified vocabulary app for her teenage mechatronics and programming students. We talk about the reality of teaching niche vocational English, how a simple leaderboard got her teenagers voluntarily running their own tournaments outside of school hours, and why a 'less is more' approach to design is as crucial as the content itself. Watch with closed captions here. TALKING POINTSThe vocational resource gap: Why traditional textbooks can't keep pace with fast-moving technical industries.Accidental engagement: How adding points and a leaderboard got teenagers voluntarily studying outside of school hours.The developer's golden rule: Why simple user experience and layout will always beat a complex system.The classroom payoff: How instant digital feedback translated to an unexpected boost in student reading and speaking confidence.ABOUTRenata Kucharska is an experienced teacher of English with over 25 years in ELT. She is the founder of Idiom Be Heard English and E-Solutions for ELT, where she combines language teaching with practical EdTech solutions. Renata designs courses, creates exam-prep and vocational English learning applications, including vocational English for mechatronics students and programmers. She also creates websites, e-learning platforms, and automations for educators and online businesses, helping them build independent, professional online offers. RESOURCES & REFERENCES🔗 E-Solutions for ELT website 🔗 Connect with Renata on LinkedIn 🔗 Follow Renata on Instagram 👉 Contact Renata on LinkedIn or her website to get teacher-level access to check out the app's functions SUPPORT US☕ Buy us a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/tesolpop ⭐ Leave a review wherever you listen THE PRODUCER'S EDITGet inspired to record more. Weekly stories, insights, and content tips for standout educators delivered to your inbox. 👉 Subscribe here: https://communicating-for-impact.myflodesk.com/the-producers-edit CREDITSProducer: Laura Wilkes Editor: Haven Tsang Special thanks to our guest, Renata Kucharska Production by Communicating for Impact TIME STAMPS01:13 - The vocational gap 02:05 - What inspired Renata to build an app 02:29 - How leaderboards sparked engagement 03:14 - The "Duolingo for Mechatronics" concept 05:35 - The surprise response 07:30 - Classroom impact 08:49 - The developer's golden rule 10:50 - How to connect with Renata to test the app Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From textbook dependency to a "Starter, Main Course, and Dessert" approach. Fiona Hunter, founder of Kids Club English shares how to confidently step away from set materials to create authentic, play-based language experiences for young learners. From managing the psychological hurdles of letting go of the coursebook to structuring lessons around picture books, Fiona explains how stepping back allows young learners to take true ownership of their language. Watch with captions here. TALKING POINTS 1. The textbook tension: engagement, syllabus pressure, and the progress gap 2. Why moving away from a coursebook requires us to rethink our teaching 3. The "Starter, Main Course, and Dessert" framework for structuring lessons 4. How giving young learners ownership over their activities sky-rockets motivation ABOUT Fiona Hunter is a teacher, teacher trainer and the founder of Kids Club English. Originally from Scotland and now based in the south of Spain, she has worked in ELT for over twenty years, teaching in Spain, the UK, Argentina and South Korea, including at the British Council. She holds a DELTA with Merit and specialises in teaching preschool and primary learners. Now working independently, Fiona creates her own flexible, play-based courses built around stories, songs, games, crafts and drama - without relying on coursebooks. Through Kids Club English, she shares classroom-tested resources and runs an online Teacher Membership supporting freelance teachers and small language school owners who want to feel more confident, less overwhelmed and better equipped to build engaging, language-rich lessons for young learners. RESOURCES & REFERENCES 🔗 Kids Club English Website: https://kidsclubenglish.com/ 🔗 Download Fiona’s Quick Start Guide to Flexible Units (available in the teaching tips section) 🔗 Watch Fiona’s 4-part video series on teaching without coursebooks on her website 🔗 Kids Club English  @kidsclubenglish582  Fab Videos on Kids Club English YouTube: Getting Personal with Puppets - Teaching TipsHow to Prepare for Reading a Story -Teaching TipsSports Spinner Game Craft SUPPORT US ☕ Buy us a coffee https://ko-fi.com/tesolpop ⭐ Leave a review wherever you listen THE PRODUCER'S EDIT Get inspired to record more. Weekly stories, insights, and content tips for standout educators delivered to your inbox. 👉 Subscribe here: https://communicating-for-impact.myflodesk.com/the-producers-edit CREDITS Producer: Laura Wilkes Editor: Haven Tsang Special thanks to our guest, Fiona Hunter Production by Communicating for Impact @laurawilkes TIME STAMPS 00:00 - Introduction to Fiona Hunter and the episode overview 01:12 - The three biggest engagement and pressure challenges of coursebooks 04:36 - The mindset shift: Rethinking your underlying teaching philosophy 06:39 - Moving from "off-piste" projects to a semi-structured storybook approach 11:08 - The "Starter, Main Course, and Dessert" lesson staging framework 11:36 - Fostering learner identity and confidence through classroom roleplay 12:00 - Where to find bite-sized teaching resources and closing thoughts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From outgrowing textbooks to collaborating across continents. Christian Fischer, Head of English at Gymnasium Schillerschule Hannover, shares how the Global Literature Circle project is transforming how teenagers engage with reading. From digital collaboration using Padlet to fostering student agency, Christian explains how giving learners creative freedom and a global audience can turn reading into a powerful, social experience. Watch with closed captions. TALKING POINTSThe challenge of students who outperform traditional textbooksWhy 'resilience' is the missing key in modern teenage reading habitsHow Global Literature Circles connect classrooms worldwideUsing 'freeze frames' and digital tools for meaningful communicationWhy letting 'good players play' is the secret to engagement ABOUT Christian Fischer teaches English and History at Gymnasium Schillerschule Hannover in Germany, which also offers the IB Diploma program. He is the head of the department of English and faces a growing number of students whose English proficiency has outgrown standard ESL textbooks. He is, to quote him, baffled that so many English teachers around the world teach English to students who could, technically, in their respective classrooms go back to speaking their Native language when teachers around the world could connect students to work in English only. That is the main idea behind his project “Global Literature Circle”, in which he connects students from around the world to work on literature through collaborative, creative, and engaging tasks. RESOURCES & REFERENCES 🔗 Substack @christianfischer1 🔗 Contact Christian for more details about the Global Literature Circle: [email protected] Backman, F. (2016) My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry. Atria Books Ganda, M., Alifirenka, C., and Welch, L. (2016) I Will Always Write Back: How One Letter Changed Two Lives. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers Nazario, S. (2014) Enrique's Journey. Random House Noah, T. (2016) Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood. Random House Publishing Group SUPPORT US ☕ Buy us a coffee or leave a review wherever you listen CREDITS Producer: Laura Wilkes Editor: Haven Tsang Special thanks to our guest, Christian Fischer Production by Communicating for Impact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From one class pack to a million hours of environmental education. ELT author and creator of Picker Pals, Patrick Jackson, shares how a single idea grew into a movement that’s transformed classrooms and communities. From storytelling and sustainability to litter-picking with families, Patrick explains how Picker Pals empowers children to take action, while learning along the way. Watch with closed captions. TALKING POINTSHow Patrick’s early ELT materials inspired Picker PalsWhat a classroom teddy has to do with environmental actionWhy creative projects lead to bigger career breakthroughsThe joy and power of collaboration — even with competitorsHow to bring real-world issues into the classroom ABOUT Patrick Jackson is an ELT author known for publications such as Everybody Up and Shine On. From 1996 to 2008, he lived and taught in Japan, and has since travelled widely as a speaker, sharing practical, common-sense approaches to language education. Patrick is especially interested in how classrooms can connect meaningfully with the wider world — and believes they’re at their best when they become places of purpose. Since 2018, he has been the Creative Director of Picker Pals, an award-winning programme that motivates and equips primary school children to lead their families on litter-picking adventures and build a positive environmental mindset. Picker Pals has now been adopted by 72% of Irish primary schools and is expanding internationally. RESOURCES & REFERENCES 🔗 Picker Pals World 🔗 Follow on LinkedIn SUPPORT US 💻 Sponsor us ☕ Buy us a coffee ⭐ Leave a review wherever you listen THE PRODUCER'S EDIT Get inspired to record more. Weekly stories, insights, and content tips for standout educators delivered to your inbox. 👉 Subscribe here CREDITS Producer: Laura Wilkes Editor: Haven Tsang Special thanks to our guest, Patrick Jackson Production by Communicating for Impact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Business English gets a bad reputation — stiff, overly formal, and filled with irrelevant vocabulary lists. But what if it didn’t have to be that way? In this episode, Megan Nicholls, multilingual educator and founder of Mega Language Coach, invites us to reimagine how Business English can be taught. From high-stakes presentations to hallway small talk, Meg shares how she co-creates flexible, relevant lessons that reflect her students' real communication needs. Watch with closed captions. TALKING POINTSWhy “two experts in the room” is Megan’s go-to teaching philosophyHow she tailors sessions on the fly (including maternity leave vocabulary)Why spontaneous conversations can be more valuable than structured grammar drillsHer best tip for helping learners see their progress, even when they can’tWhat Business English teachers can learn from language learners themselves ABOUT Meg is from Manchester, UK. Her 10 years of teaching experience inspired her to start Mega Language Coach, offering individual classes online. Her speciality is Business English for professionals, interview preparation and improving spoken fluency, thanks to her background in marketing. She has plenty of experience living abroad and working in multilingual international environments. Meg speaks German and French and is currently learning Spanish, whilst travelling in Mexico. She aims to bring joy to the learning process, focusing on active speaking in the classroom. RESOURCES & REFERENCES 🔗 Mega Language Teaching 🔗 Follow on LinkedIn SUPPORT US 💻 Sponsor us ☕ Buy us a coffee ⭐ Leave a review wherever you listen THE PRODUCER'S EDIT Get inspired to record more. Weekly stories, insights, and content tips for standout educators delivered to your inbox. 👉 Subscribe here CREDITS Producer: Laura Wilkes Editor: Haven Tsang Special thanks to our guest, Megan Nicholls Production by Communicating for Impact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lewis Jaquest joins Laura to explore how emergent language and learner agency can transform the language classroom. In this episode, Lewis shares how he developed the Student Emergent Language Framework (SELF), reflects on his transition to bottom-up teaching, and unpacks what truly makes language learning meaningful. Watch with closed captions. TALKING POINTSWhat is Emergent Language? How Lewis discovered the power of emergent language through real-world teaching—and how it aligned with Dogme ELT and "Teaching Unplugged".Letting Go of Control: Why embracing messiness and letting go of rigid lesson plans can lead to more meaningful learning.The Student Emergent Language Framework (SELF): How SELF helps learners track, reflect on, and own their learning—plus how it can reverse-engineer an entire syllabus.Reflection as a Teaching Tool: Lewis shares how reflection (for both teachers and students) underpins his framework—and why it’s often overlooked.From Framework to Podcast: How Lewis’s learners used the SELF framework to create their own language podcast, showcasing language they truly needed. ABOUT Lewis Jaquest is a passionate English language and communication trainer and materials writer from Swansea, South Wales. He has worked in ELT for nearly 20 years. He began teaching English in Hamburg, Germany in 2007 and went on to do a Diploma in Teaching in Barcelona in 2019. Lewis founded his language and communication business, Wordsmithery, in the same year and transitioned to online teaching in 2020. He’s particularly interested in helping Business English learners communicate authentically and creates tailor-made materials for his online lessons which focus on exploiting emergent learner language to make learning experiences that are interactive, engaging and fun. He writes the regular newsletters “Gimme 5 “ for learners and “Bright Sparks - the Creative Business English Teacher” for educators.  RESOURCES & REFERENCES 🔗 The SELFI framework for emergent language 🔗 Wordsmithery.ELT SUPPORT US 💻 Sponsor us ☕ Buy us a coffee ⭐ Leave a review wherever you listen THE PRODUCER'S EDIT Get inspired to record more. Weekly stories, insights, and content tips for standout educators delivered to your inbox. 👉 Subscribe here CREDITS Producer: Laura Wilkes Editor: Haven Tsang Special thanks to our guest, Lewis Jaquest Production by Communicating for Impact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

University lecturer Anila Ruth Scott-Monkhouse joins Laura to share how she’s using academic debate to help STEM PhD students become more confident communicators. In this episode, Anila shares how debate boosts her students’ teamwork, critical thinking, and language skills. You’ll also hear how she integrates controversial topics, intercultural collaboration, and real-world research into her EAP classes. Watch with closed captions. TALKING POINTSWhy Debate? The benefits of debate for science students — from thinking on your feet to tackling tough questions at conferences.Debating the Unexpected: How students explore both sides of controversial issues, often arguing a side they don’t personally agree with.Not Just Language Practice: Why students are judged on the quality of their arguments and not their grammar.Teamwork & Mediation: What happens when physicists, chemists, and engineers work together across cultures.Winning Isn’t Everything: How structured competition builds confidence, curiosity, and deeper engagement in class. ABOUT Anila Ruth Scott-Monkhouse teaches general and academic English to undergraduate and PhD STEM students at the University of Parma, Italy. With qualifications including a degree in foreign languages, the Cambridge DELTA, and the CertPT, she brings a strong background in language education, assessment, and teacher training. Anila’s work explores teaching and assessing ESP/EAP, task-based learning, and the role of emotions in the classroom. She’s a regular conference presenter and has published widely on learner needs, teacher development, and academic communication. Above all, she’s passionate about helping learners and educators thrive through reflective practice and meaningful challenge. RESOURCES & REFERENCES 🔗 LinkedIn 🔗 Academia.edu 🔗 ResearchGate SUPPORT US 💻 Sponsor us ☕ Buy us a coffee ⭐ Leave a review wherever you listen THE PRODUCER'S EDIT Get inspired to record more. Weekly stories, insights, and content tips for standout educators delivered to your inbox. 👉 Subscribe here CREDITS Producer: Laura Wilkes Editor: Haven Tsang Special thanks to our guest, Anila Ruth Scott-Monkhouse Production by Communicating for Impact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scott Allis, experienced ESL teacher and travel creator, joins Laura to share hard-won lessons from a global teaching career that spans China, Iraq, Thailand and beyond. In this candid conversation, Scott unpacks five key things to check before signing a contract—and what to do when the job doesn’t match what was promised. Whether you're teaching abroad, considering your next move, or advising others on job offers, this episode is packed with practical advice and relatable stories to help you make informed career decisions. Watch with closed captions. TALKING POINTS What Looks Good on Paper Isn’t Always the Right Fit: Scott reflects on contracts that promised the world, but delivered far less—and how to read between the lines.What Scott Checks Before Signing: From checking the exit clause to aligning work expectations with your lifestyle.Knowing Your Priorities: Why your dealbreakers matter more than rankings or salaries.Tips for Confident Negotiation: How to ask for what you need—without feeling like you’re being difficult.ABOUT Scottie is an experienced ESL teacher with over ten years of teaching in places like Wuhan and Baghdad, currently based in Bangkok, Thailand. Today, he shares five essential lessons on finding the right contract as an ESL teacher—focusing on what works for your lifestyle, not just what looks best on paper. Alongside his teaching, Scottie creates mindful adventure travel content on Instagram and will soon launch YouTube content. Follow Scott on Instagram: @scottallis RELATED EPISODES S4E9: The problem with native-speakerism - with Meri Maroutian S8E3: Three ways to grow your money - with Nicola Prentis SUPPORT US 💻 Sponsor us ☕ Buy us a coffee ⭐ Leave a review THE PRODUCER'S EDIT Get inspired to record more. Weekly stories, insights, and content tips for standout educators delivered to your inbox. 👉 Subscribe here CREDITS Producer: Laura Wilkes Editor: Haven Tsang Special thanks to our guest, Scott Allis Production by Communicating for Impact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steven Schmidt, professional development consultant and long-time adult educator, joins Laura to share his journey from enduring uninspiring training sessions to leading transformative ones. In this episode, Steve reflects on what makes professional development meaningful, how he overcame self-doubt, and why fear never fully disappears — but can be used as fuel for growth. Watch with closed captions. TALKING POINTS Why “Bad PD” Sparked a New Mission. How sitting in the back of dull sessions inspired Steve to raise the bar on professional learning.The Baby Steps to Becoming a PD Leader. From Saturday workshops to national keynotes — how Steve gradually built his confidence.Facing the Fear (and Doing It Anyway). Insights from Dr Susan Jeffers’ “Five Truths of Fear” and how they apply to every educator.Redefining Failure as Learning. Why Steve sees setbacks as “O Flags” — opportunities for learning and growth — and how you can too.Practising What We Preach. A reminder that educators deserve the same self-compassion and encouragement we give our learners.ABOUT Steven Schmidt is a professional development consultant with decades of experience in adult education. After years working as a classroom teacher and programme administrator, Steve shifted into full-time PD, delivering training across the U.S. and sharing practical insights on confidence, connection, and lifelong learning. He currently supports educators through keynote talks, workshops, and one-on-one coaching. Connect on LinkedIn or send Steve an email here. References Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Dr Susan Jeffers SUPPORT US 💻 Sponsor us ☕ Buy us a coffee ⭐ Leave a review THE PRODUCER'S EDIT Get inspired to record more. Weekly stories, insights, and content tips for standout educators delivered to your inbox. 👉 Subscribe here CREDITS Producer: Laura Wilkes Editor: Haven Tsang Special thanks to our guest, Steven Schmidt Production by Communicating for Impact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Creators of TESOL Pop, Laura Wilkes and Technical Director Haven Tsang, report from IBC 2025 in Amsterdam with practical takeaways for educators using media. From live multilingual captioning and voice overdubs to richer, human-centred metadata and the storytelling craft behind Becoming Led Zeppelin, this episode unpacks the media tech shaping how we teach, learn, and share ideas. Watch with closed captions. TALKING POINTS Live Multilingual Captioning & Dubbing: Why real-time captions plus AI voice overdubs can open up lectures, events, and training to a truly global audience.Search That Thinks Like You: How richer semantic metadata makes archives more findable (think “green car in a courtroom” vs keyword guesswork).Story First, Always: Lessons from Becoming Led Zeppelin on research, restraint, and choosing a focused narrative over “everything we have in the archive.”Post Is Solved in Pre: Haven’s rule of thumb — plan the storyboards and coverage up front to save time (and headaches) in the edit.What Educators Can Do Now: Concrete ways to start using captions, smarter tagging, and tighter planning in your next course video or podcast.ABOUT Haven Tsang has 20+ years of experience in broadcast and post-production. He leads on workflow design, editing, colour and sound for client projects, and supports educators in bringing professional production standards to their videos and podcasts. REFERENCES IBC (International Broadcasting Convention)Becoming Led Zeppelin — special screening & Q&A insightsEverything TechIE Podcast with Justin DawsonThe Producer’s Edit newsletter — weekly insights for standout educatorsSUPPORT US 💻 Sponsor us ☕ Buy us a coffee ⭐ Review this episode THE PRODUCER'S EDIT Get inspired to record more. Weekly stories, insights, and content tips for standout educators delivered to your inbox. 👉 Subscribe here CREDITS Producer: Laura Wilkes Editor and Guest: Haven Tsang Production by Communicating for Impact Special thanks to IBC for the opportunity to be official content creators this year and for the incredible experience. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Joel Floyd, educator and founder of Ignite Career Foundation, joins Laura to share how his team creates an inclusive, learner-centred environment for adult English language learners in the US. In this episode, Joel shares student success stories, explores how community and compassion are embedded into their programmes, and reminds us of the power of reflective teaching. Watch with closed captions. TALKING POINTS A Student's Journey: From qualified pilot in Venezuela to English learner and future Delta Airlines pilot—with a little help from an inclusive learning environment.Meeting Students Where They Are: Why Ignite Career Foundation leads with empathy, compassion and student voice in all aspects of its work.Creating a Sense of Belonging: From first-day classroom observations to student mentors and coffee chats, small touches that help students feel ownership and pride in their learning space.Learning as a Two-Way Street: The importance of building reciprocal relationships in the classroom—and listening as much as teaching.A Call for Reflective Practice: Joel’s advice for teachers on staying curious, seeking feedback, and journaling to keep growing as educators. ABOUT Joel Floyd, PhD, is the founder and current Executive Director of the Ignite Career Foundation, formerly known as English for a Lifetime Language Institute, located in Norcross, Georgia, USA. He has held this role since 2012. Dr. Floyd also serves as a State Advocate Fellow for the Coalition on Adult and Basic Education (COABE), representing Georgia in a one-year appointment. In this capacity, he is deeply involved in advocacy efforts for adult education at the local, state, and federal levels. Dr. Floyd's research interests include teacher professional development in adult ELL (English Language Learners) classrooms, critical andragogy among adult ELLs and adult learners in general, and educational leadership in postsecondary non-traditional school settings. REFERENCES Ignite Career Foundation Joel Floyd on LinkedIn SUPPORT US 💻 Sponsor us ☕ Buy us a coffee ⭐ Leave a review THE PRODUCER'S EDIT Get inspired to record more. Weekly stories, insights, and content tips for standout educators delivered to your inbox. 👉 Subscribe here CREDITS Producer: Laura Wilkes Editor: Jess Li Thorkildsen Special thanks to our guest, Dr Joel Floyd Production by Communicating for Impact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jacqueline Aguilera, adult educator and digital equity advocate, joins Laura to explore how teachers can embed digital literacy into their lessons without needing separate “computer classes.” In this episode, Jacqueline shares practical tips for building digital skills with limited tech, discusses the impact of the digital divide in Texas, and encourages teachers to focus on what learners already use in their daily lives. Watch with closed captions. TALKING POINTS Silo Busting in Education: Moving beyond subject-specific instruction to integrate real-world digital skills into all areas of teaching.Digital Equity in Texas: Infrastructure, device quality, and access vary widely—even within cities—impacting learners’ experiences.Teaching with What Learners Have: From smartphones to QR codes, using everyday tech to develop essential digital skills.Creating a Learner-Driven Curriculum: Encouraging students to bring in examples from their environment and build personal connections to digital literacy.Empowering Educators: Why teachers don’t need to know everything about tech—and how curiosity can be a superpower in the classroom. ABOUT Jacqueline Aguilera is an experienced educator and instructional leader based in Austin, Texas. She specialises in adult education and digital literacy, with a focus on serving refugee communities, second language learners, and students returning to education later in life. With a passion for equity and access, Jacqueline trains instructors across the US to creatively integrate technology into their classrooms and meet learners where they are. REFERENCES The Mayor's Office for Adult Literacy, Houston Jacqueline Aguilera on LinkedIn SUPPORT US 💻 Sponsor us ☕ Buy us a coffee ⭐ Leave a review THE PRODUCER'S EDIT Get inspired to record more. Weekly stories, insights, and content tips for standout educators delivered to your inbox. 👉 Subscribe here CREDITS Producer: Laura Wilkes Editor: Jess Li Thorkildsen Special thanks to our guest, Jacqueline Aguilera Production by Communicating for Impact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kate Bodrova, co-founder and CEO of Amazy, explores how technology is positively impacting teaching. Kate shares insights on how Amazy helps educators create and share interactive, media-rich resources while streamlining workflows. In this episode, Laura and Kate also discuss current trends, including AI’s role in education, the rise of the teacherpreneur, and how educators can leverage technology to enhance—rather than replace—human connection in the classroom. Watch with closed captions. TALKING POINTS Introduction to Amazy: A platform that enables teachers to create and share interactive lesson materials, track student progress, and engage learners with various multimedia tools.Current Trends in EdTech: The growing influence of AI, the shift towards a creator economy for educators, and the importance of collecting data to optimize AI tools.Using AI to Empower Educators: How AI can streamline content creation, save time, and support personalized learning experiences without replacing teachers.Maintaining Human Connection in a Digital Age: Why technology should be a tool for enhancing education rather than diluting teacher-student relationships. ABOUT Kate Bodrova is the co-founder and CEO of Amazy.uk, a London-based edtech and creator economy startup transforming the way educators create and share interactive learning materials. With a background in ESL teaching and over a decade of experience in education and technology, Kate is the driving force behind Amazy.uk, on a mission to revolutionise how we create and share educational content. Amazy.uk, recognised as the Best Startup in Europe by EdTechX in 2024, also participated in the UCL EdTech Labs accelerator program. Kate is passionate about helping teachers become creators, enabling them to design and share their own materials. REFERENCES & RESOURCES Amazy.uk Follow Kate on LinkedIn ✨SPECIAL OFFER✨ Use code TESOLPOP30 for 30% off Amazy's annual subscription plan. SUPPORT US 💻 Sponsor us ☕ Buy us a coffee ⭐ Leave a review THE PRODUCER'S EDIT Get inspired to record more. Weekly stories, insights, and content tips for standout educators delivered to your inbox. 👉 Subscribe here CREDITS Producer Laura Wilkes Editor Haven Tsang Thanks to our lovely guest, Kate Bodrova. Production by Communicating for Impact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amira Salama shares insights on practitioner research and how everyday classroom experiences can contribute to meaningful research. She challenges traditional notions of research and highlights how teachers are already engaging in research without realising it. Watch with closed captions. TALKING POINTS 1. Research doesn’t have to be complex—any teacher reflecting on and improving their practice is engaging in research. 2. Sharing findings with colleagues, at conferences, or within schools is just as valuable as publishing in journals. 3. Teachers can use simple methods like student feedback, classroom observations, and collaborative discussions to gather insights. 4. Research helps educators take control of challenges like AI integration and curriculum development. 5. Contextualised, bottom-up approaches to teaching and research are more effective than applying generic ‘best practices.’ ABOUT Amira Salama is the Chair of the TESOL International Research Professional Council (2024-2025) and the Past President of Africa ELTA. She has an MA TESOL from the American University in Cairo with a research focus on teacher leadership and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in inclusive education. Amira is the winner of the TESOL Outstanding Advocate Honor Award in 2024. She has given a number of plenary and featured talks at local and international conferences and developed teacher training programs in Egypt and Africa with a focus on association leadership in low-resource contexts, classroom research, and women leadership. REFERENCES TESOL Research Report Africa ELTA (Mentoring programmes) SUPPORT US 💻 Sponsor us ☕ Buy us a coffee ⭐ Leave a review THE PRODUCER'S EDIT Get inspired to record more. Weekly stories, insights, and content tips for standout educators delivered to your inbox. 👉 Subscribe here CREDITS Producer Laura Wilkes Editor Haven Tsang Thanks to our lovely guest, Amira Salama Production by Communicating for Impact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jade Arthur explores the concept of gamification in teaching adult learners. In this episode, Laura and Jade dive into common misconceptions about gamification, discuss the importance of intrinsic motivation, and share actionable strategies for making learning fun, engaging, and effective for adults Watch the episode with closed captions. TALKING POINTS What is Gamification? Jade explains how gamification uses elements like points, challenges, and rewards to enhance learning. She highlights how it can create meaningful and enjoyable learning experiences when applied thoughtfully. Intrinsic Motivation: Discover why gamification works best when it moves beyond external rewards and fosters a genuine love for learning. Collaboration Over Competition: Jade emphasises the importance of designing games that build community and cater to diverse learner needs rather than simply focusing on competition. Gamification for Adults: Practical tips for making gamified activities engaging yet appropriate for adult learners. From tone-setting to purposeful game design, Jade shares strategies for creating a low-pressure, high-impact learning environment. ABOUT Jade is based in Tennessee, US, where she teaches adult English learners pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, and conversation skills online. She has worked for TutorABC, Tutlo, English for IT, and Twenix, helping students from a variety of countries, including Taiwan, Ukraine, Poland, and Spain. Her goal is to encourage students to embrace the joy of learning through gamified education and inspire them to achieve creative and financial freedom. Visit Jade's website or follow her on LinkedIn. REFERENCES & RESOURCES Roman Rackwitz and his work on non-Skinnerian gamification (LinkedIn)B. F. Skinner and his work in the 1900s on behavioural psychology (Wikipedia)Try these speaking game ideas with your adult and teen students. SUPPORT US 💻 Sponsor us ☕ Buy us a coffee ⭐ Leave a review THE PRODUCER'S EDIT Get inspired to record more. Weekly stories, insights, and content tips for standout educators delivered to your inbox. 👉 Subscribe here CREDITS Producer: Laura Wilkes Editor: Haven Tsang Thanks to our lovely guest, Jade Arthur Production by Communicating for Impact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.