SPONGE ELT

If you're a true fan of Sponge ELT and Sponge Chats, you'll have seen Lara's name before! She recently co-authored a book with Alison Mackey called the Art and Science of Language Teaching, and she has been on before to talk about task-based language teaching from the teacher education side of things. In short, she was the right person to ask about what we know about corrective feedback and how we should be going about it in our classrooms. You can find more about Lara on her site here, and whole list of things she's been involved in here.

Dyslexia (and other Specific Learning Difficulties) is something that a large percentage of the population deals with, and this is something that I really wanted to explore from a language education perspective. Dr. Martin Bloomfield is an expert within the area of Dyslexia, and has a huge presence online, disseminating information about the what of Dyslexia, and how we can make certain accommodations when working with learners with dyslexia. I had a great time with this one, and I learnt a lot. You can find Martin and loads of his videos and resources at Dyslexia Bytes.

The next guest is one who probably needs no introduction - Geoff Jordan. Geoff is a polarising figure within ELT, but his perspectives on how ELT is moving forward, and the importance of SLA findings (and how teachers and trainers are not working with these) are important to consider, in my opinion. In this chat, I was lucky enough to have Geoff explain the difference between explicit and implicit knowledge (as well as teaching), and he also identified how both of these link to modern day language teaching - and identified where we might be going wrong! Geoff, along with Mike Long, wrote and recently published one of the must-reads for teachers, trainers and researchers with ELT - English Language Teaching Now and How It Could Be. You can also find Geoff on his blog Applying TESOL.

We kick off Bridge the Gap, with Masatoshi Sato, who has actually done quite a bit of research into the what and why of the research-practice gap, and has also written extensively about how the research community could move forward in a more collaborative manner. For those of you interested, Masatoshi is also the co-founder of TESOL Graphics, a brilliant site that summarises research using infographics (among other things!). Highly recommended :) Also, Masatoshi has just co-authored a book with Shawn Loewen called A Practical Guide to Second Language Teaching and Learning - cannot wait to get my hands on this!

In the latest Sponge Chat, I had the pleasure to sit down and chat with the business mindset queen, Rachael Roberts. I look forward to hearing your thoughts!

I have the great pleasure to speak with TBLT researcher and teacher educator Lara Bryfonski. We went into detail about teacher education considerations, working with individual differences, TBLT and young learners, and many other cool stuff. 00:00 Introduction 03:00 Sponge Chats 04:00 Who is Lara? 08:00 How and why did Lara move into research? 11:00 Why should teachers be aware of TBLT? 14:30 How do we bring TBLT to teachers? 17:45 Assessment 20:00 TBLT or tblt? 24:00 Individual teacher differences 28:00 TBLT observation schemes 34:00 The impact of courses on teachers' implementation of TBLT 37:00 Tasks and young learners 45:00 A return to assessment 48:00 Lara's recent projects! 55:00 Lara's piece of advice for TBLT teacher educators 59:00 Book recommendations (and Lara's upcoming book!)

In this Sponge Chat, I had the pleasure to sit down with renown teacher training and author, Peter Lucantoni. Peter was kind enough to share his thoughts on teacher training, with a specific focus on early-career teacher trainers. We spoke about how one might move into teacher training, how trainers can develop, and also the importance of being proactive as a teacher who wants to be a teacher training position. 00:00 Introduction 03:00 Sponge Chats 03:55 Who is Peter? 06:00 Teacher training qualifications 13:20 Difficulties early-career teacher trainers face 17:15 How do trainers develop? 20:30 Is training 'giving ideas'? 25:00 Peter's preference: INSET or PRESET or Train the Trainer? 29:30 The importance of breadth and depth as a trainer 33:30 The importance of context 37:00 Peter's advice for those looking to move into teacher training 42:00 Peter's book recommendations (and an overview of From Teacher to Trainer!)

In the latest Sponge Chat, I had the pleasure to talk with EdTech specialist, Joe Dale. We talked tech, predictions for the future and, of course, Chat GPT.

In this Sponge Chat, I had the pleasure to sit down with Daniel O. Jackson so discuss his views on TBLT. We spoke about the 'what' of TBLT, the role of implicit and explicit learning, teacher noticing and many other good things. 00:00 Introduction 02:30 Hi Daniel! 05:30 Sponge Chats 06:00 Who is Daniel? 11:15 Daniel's PhD journey 17:30 Where did Daniel's interest in TBLT start? 27:00 What is TBLT? 35:00 TBLT and needs analyses 42:00 Implicit learning 53:30 Teacher's role in TBLT and Teacher noticing 01:06:00 TBLT and critical pedagogy 01:15:00 Advice to teacher educators 01:18:00 Daniel's recommended reading

In this Sponge Chat, I was lucky enough to sit down with assessment expert, Fatime Losonci. We discussed the what and the why of assessment, looked at some important concepts, and even spoke about test item writing. As usual, I hope you enjoy this Sponge Chat! 00:00 Introduction 03:05 Sponge Chats 05:15 Who is Fatime? 10:25 What is assessment? 18:00 The learner's perspective 25:00 Item writing 32:00 Teaching vs. Testing skills 36:00 What are sub-skills? 41:00 Fatime's Masterclass 44:30 Test-taking strategies 51:30 Fatime's book recommendations

In this Sponge Chat, I was lucky enough sit down with Laura Broadbent and Billie Jago from OtterELT to speak about their journeys into materials writing as well the what, why and how of OtterELT. Be sure to watch and let me know your thoughts! OtterELT's website: https://www.otterelt.com/ 00:00 Introduction 01:50 Sponge Chats 03:30 Who are Laura and Billie? 08:45 Motivations for moving into materials writing 17:00 What is OtterELT? 22:00 Were there any problems with setting up OtterELT? 27:20 How to get involved with OtterELT? 32:00 Some differences between digital and print 45:00 The importance of support from management 49:00 Advice for teachers looking to move into materials writing 55:30 The realities of being a freelancer 01:01:00 Book recommendations

In this "Perspectives" Sponge Chat, I had the pleasure to speak with TBLT expert Martin East. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did! 00:00 Introduction 03:09 Sponge Chats 05:02 Who is Martin East? 05:30 Why the move into SLTE? 08:15 Some differences between PRESET and INSET 10:20 The importance of working from teacher values, attitudes and beliefs 11:25 What sparked your interest in TBLT? 14:30 A brief overview of TBLT 16:00 What should teachers focus on regarding working with tasks? 17:30 Takeaways for language teacher educators 19:00 Why.a task-supported syllabus might be better 28:00 The future of TBLT 31:00 Tips for teacher educators 34:00 Real-world needs and tasks 37:30 Tasks and Young Learners 39:45 Martin's book recommendations 43:00 What's next for Martin? 46:00 S-STEP

In this Sponge Chat, Nicola and I delved into money and ELT - and why you should check out her Chilled Investor course: https://chilledinvestor.com/product/the-chilled-investor-course/ 00:00 Introduction - Evolved Sponge Chats! 02:29 Hello! 04:30 Sponge Chats and Sponge Perspectives 05:00 Who is Nicola Prentis 06:30 The origins of The Chilled Investor 1030: Financial literacy 13:00 Nicola's false sense of security 17:30 What should ELT professionals consider doing financially? 23:00 Different types of investing 24:00 The Chilled Investor course 26:30 How much do you need to start? 30:30 What do I do when I see my investments going down? 35:00 Nicola's recommended resources 42:00 Nicola's three tips for you!

In the latest Sponge Chat, I sat down with teacher, trainer and author, Adrian Tennant. We got to speak about some really interesting aspects of teacher training, especially the importance of understanding the context in which you are working.

In this Sponge Chat, I had the pleasure to sit down with Matthew Ellman, a teacher, trainer and co-author of the new book, From Teacher to Trainer. 00:00 Introduction 03:00 Sponge Chats overview 03:45 Who is Matthew Ellman? 07:00 Matt's journey into teacher training 12:00 Some difficulties with teacher training 18:00 Impact 28:45 Positives about being in a teacher educator role 35:00 From Teacher to Trainer 43:10 Advice for those looking to move into teacher training 46:00 The importance of Delta/DipTESOL and other qualifications 50:00 Book recommendations

In this Sponge Chat, I got to sit down with EFL Creative Ideas owner and materials writing, Silvina Mascitti. We spoke about her experience moving into the materials writing world, some challenges she has faced along the way, advice she has for others, and a whole load of book and blog recommendations.

In this Sponge Chat, I had the pleasure to sit down and talk about materials writing (and to a lesser extent teacher training and editing) with authors Riccardo Chiappini and Ethan Mansur. I hope you enjoy!

In this Sponge Chat, I had the pleasure to sit down with teacher, trainer, materials writer and graphic facilitator, Emily Bryson. Be sure to let us know what you think! 00:00 Introduction 01:13 Who is Emily Bryson 06:30 Emily's move into materials writing 13:00 Emily's move into teacher training 15:00 In-house or conferences 25:00 Imposter syndrome in teacher training 30:00 What is graphic facilitation? 37:17 Emily's work in ESOL and ESOL policy 43:15 What went into the Voices course book series 49:30 Emily's advice for future material writers and teacher trainers 53:00 Book recommendations

In this Sponge Chat, I had the chance to sit a talk with ELT powerhouse, Sandy Millin. We spoke about loads of stuff - from teacher training to management. I hope you enjoy!

A short time ago, I had the pleasure to sit down with materials writer, teacher trainer, content developer and, of course, teacher, John Hughes. We spoke about John's journey into teacher training and materials writing, as well as some other really interesting topics.

I recently had the pleasure to sit down with teacher, trainer and TESOL Teacher of the Year 2021 award recipient, Khanh-Duc Kuttig. We got to talking about her journey in ELT, some problems she has faced along the way, advice she has for others and some book recommendations. We also touched on 'native speakerism', issues with qualifications in ELT, and her work with ELTA-Rhine and IATEFL TTEdSIG.

In this Sponge Chat, I spoke to Nik Peachey from PeacheyPublications Ltd (otherwise fondly known as Mr. Technology by some!). Nik shared his insights into teacher training, materials writing and freelancing. We had a great chat and shared some laughs along the way. #SpongeChats #NikPeachey #PeacheyPublicationsLtd #ELT

In this Sponge Chat, I had the pleasure to speak with Head of Teacher Education for Trinity College, Ben Beaumont. We got to speak about teacher training, reflection, books and the future of teacher training!

In this Sponge Chat, I had the pleasure to sit down with teacher trainer, content developer and climate activist, Harry waters from Renewable English. We spoke about his journey into teacher training and climate activism, some advice he has for teachers, and plenty of blog and book recommendations for you all!

In this Sponge Chat I sat down with teacher trainer and materials writer Cecilia Nobre. We look at her journey, some problems she has faced, and plenty of advice and book recommendations.

In this Sponge Chat, I sat down with experienced ELT editor, Zoe Smith. We looked at the different roles in editing, her journey and some advice she has for teachers thinking about moving into editing.

In this Sponge Chat, I had the pleasure to sit down with ELT management expert and co-author of Teacher to Manager, Andy Hockley. We spoke about some of the challenges people face when 'moving up' in ELT, some advice he has for teachers looking to move into management (or are already in management) and some book recommendations.

In this Sponge Chat, I got to sit down with Sue Kay and Karen Spiller from ELT Teacher 2 Writer. We discussed materials writing and the publishing process, as well as looked at some advice for ELT professionals looking to make moves into the materials writing/publishing worlds.

In this Sponge Chat, I had the pleasure to sit down with materials writer, Emma Heyderman. Emma gave me a raw breakdown of the materials writing process, her thoughts regarding her work, some advice she has for others looking to make similar moves, and some book recommendations.

In the ninth Sponge Chat, I got to sit down with Director of NILE and member of various organisations including Aquedtuo, Thom Kiddle. We spoke about teacher training, development, training trainers and whole load of other stuff. As usual, we also looked at some advice for teachers looking to move into teacher training as well as some book recommendations.

In the eighth Sponge Chat, I got to sit down with teacher trainer, Teresa Bestwick. We spoke about her journey into teacher training and, more recently, materials writing. We looked at a number of projects she has going on at the moment, including the TEFL Development Hub (which you all should check out!). And, of course, we looked at her advice for teachers looking to make similar moves.

In the seventh Sponge Chat, I sat down with Alan McDyre, President of ACEIA. Alan is extremely knowledgeable on the teaching situation in Spain as well as the legal documents that govern what we do in the language teaching sector. We sat down to talk about our 'convenio', the current teaching situation in Spain, and some advice he has for teachers looking to or currently working in Spain. He does mention quite a few documents and videos, all of which can be found on the blog: www.spongeelt.org

In the sixth Sponge Chat, I sat down with teacher, trainer, and materials writer, Richard Brown. We got to talk about his journey in ELT, teacher well-being, his project, English for Positive Change, and some advice he has for teachers. It was really inspiring to speak with Richard and see his vision of how we as teachers can create positive change in the world! Be sure to check out his site and courses: https://englishforpositivechange.comOr join his Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/791771607939944

In the fifth Sponge Chat, I got to sit down with teacher, trainer and materials writer, Linsday Warwick. She shared her journey from teacher to trainer/materials writer, some challenges she faced along the way, and some advice she has for teachers looking to make similar career moves within ELT.

In the fourth Sponge Chat, we got to speak about Monica's development as a trainer, the Cambridge Delta, some of the problems she has faced, her blog and, of course, some pieces of advice for teachers looking to move into teacher training.

In the third Sponge Chat, I sit down with teacher and trainer Rachel Tsateri. Rachel is in a unique position as she is the process of becoming an established teacher trainer, so her thoughts and reflections are likely to be very relevant to all teachers thinking about making the move now. We got to talk about many things, from how Rachel got to where she is to some pieces of advice she has for teachers looking to improve their teaching or move into teacher training. Rachel even gave us some nice book recommendations. Rachel is looking for newly-qualified teachers to work with as part of her trainer development. If you are interested in working with her, don't hesitate to get in contact via her blog contact page at: https://teflzoneracheltsateri.wordpress.com/contact/

In the second of the Sponge Chats, I got to sit down with teacher, trainer, author and chilli-jam concoction expert, Chris Roland. We discussed how he got into teacher training, the various pieces of advice he has for teachers looking to make similar moves, and some things to avoid doing when you are a trainer. We also did a surprise unboxing of his latest book, Understanding Teenage Language Learners Online.

In the first of the Sponge Chats, I sit down with Borja Uruñuela and we discuss teacher training, starting off, where to go and how to get there.