What I read

short essays on key teaching and SLA concepts, from noticing and chunks to Dogme and fluency. Long reader debates under each post.

input-heavy, chunk-based teaching (the E.P.I. approach), sentence builders, and memory and listening research applied to the classroom.

research-informed commentary on listening, vocabulary and Paul Nation’s principles, plus book reviews.

SLA-based critiques of teacher training and coursebook-led teaching, and the case for task-based language teaching.

clear explainers on core concepts (comprehensible input, TBL vs TBLT, concept-checking questions, eliciting, pairwork).

pushing every learner to their next achievable step instead of settling for “task done”.

task-based speaking lessons and how to give feedback on emergent language.

teaching lexically, grammar through words, and reformulating learners’ language on the board.

collocation, word patterns, translation activities and vocabulary recycling ideas.

an A–Z of primary teaching (scaffolding, behaviour, praise, questioning, stories).

songs, chants, mini-books and listen-and-do activities for young children.

DELTA guides, reading lists, conference write-ups and teacher-training ideas.

DELTA tips (Language Skills Assignment essays, lesson plans, Module 3) and reflective practice.

methodology articles and a task-by-task guide to DELTA Module 1.

learner anxiety, pronunciation and intelligibility, DELTA preparation and lesson plans.

a trainer’s reflections on feedback, reflective practice groups and professional growth.

reflective journals, lesson observation, teacher talk and teacher development.

teacher development stories, including coaching, mentoring, CPD portfolios and action research.

musings on the art of teaching.

short, readable summaries of published language-teaching studies.

research-in-brief posts, vocabulary teaching and EAL in international schools.

learning science for teachers (spacing, retrieval, attention).

low-prep lesson ideas built on news and real-world topics, and feedback routines.

speaking games, task variations and free AI tools for teachers.

practical classroom tips from International House teachers.

thousands of free worksheets and games, including Cambridge and IELTS.

a critical look at edtech, gamification and AI in language teaching.

practical AI prompts and digital tools for lesson design.

online course design and giving feedback on written work.

essays on rewards, praise, grades and homework.

curiosity, learning and alternative education.

lesson plans, teacher development frameworks and research reports.

Cambridge exam preparation, speaking assessment and IELTS tips.

official handbooks and exam preparation materials.