A Disruptive Approach to Teaching and Materials with Tyson Seburn

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 ApproachTyson defines a disruptive approach as integrating marginalised voices' experiences into lessons to raise awareness and foster inclusivity.Identifying Unfair Social NormsTyson 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 NormsTyson 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 ExperiencesTyson stresses the importance of incorporating real experiences of marginalised individuals to nurture empathy and comprehension among students.Building Personal ConnectionsEncouraging empathy, Tyson prompts students to engage personally with the challenges faced by marginalised communities, fostering solidarity and understanding.Working Towards SolutionsTyson 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.REFERENCESSeburn, T. (2021) How to Write Inclusive Materials. ELT Teacher 2 WriterTRANSCRIPTWatch with closed captions.SUPPORTSay thanks by buying us a coffee here.JOIN OUR EVENTSUpcoming lives and workshopsPODCASTING TRAINING AND SERVICESVisit Communicating for Impact hereCREDITSProducer Laura WilkesEditor Haven TsangThanks to our kind guest, Tyson Seburn. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.