Talking ELT

English proficiency testing is changing, and fast. In this special episode of Talking ELT, Sara Pierson OBE and Anthony Green unpack what the future holds for English proficiency testing, drawing on insights from a new white paper created in partnership with Times Higher Education. The conversation explores integrated skills, the ‘authenticity gap’, hybrid assessment models and the growing impact of AI, alongside what universities really need from language tests. Grounded in decades of assessment experience, this episode offers a human-centred view of how English testing can better prepare learners for higher education. Download the full white paper here: https://oxelt.gl/4eWHS7b 

What is emergent language, and why is it becoming increasingly relevant to the ELT classroom? In this special episode of Talking ELT, emergent language experts Danny Norrington-Davis and Richard Chinn join Andrew Dilger and Ed Dudley to explain the concept and how these moments of spontaneous, unplanned language that appear organically in the classroom often lead to some of the most powerful learning opportunities. The conversation explores what emergent language is, how it differs from target language, and its connection to the Dogme movement in ELT. It also looks at why these moments matter for engagement and motivation, and shares examples from real lessons along with practical ways to make the most of them. Whether this concept is new or familiar, this episode offers fresh insights and ideas to deepen understanding of how language learning really happens.

How can assessment be used to support learning, not just measure it? This final episode of our series on the impact of assessment on teaching and learning explores alternative assessment methods like portfolios, peer feedback, and gamification — and how AI is reshaping the future of feedback and test design. Jo Szoke and Nate Owen also tackle ethical concerns and the importance of keeping humans in the loop.

Can reforming exams lead to better teaching and learning? In the third episode of this series, we explore the institutional and policy-level impact of assessment. From integrated skills testing to equity and standardization, Nate Owen and Jo Szoke discuss how assessment design can influence national education systems, and why teacher buy-in is essential for lasting change.

What does assessment literacy really mean for teachers? Episode 2 in our series on the impact of assessment on teaching and learning focuses on the classroom with Jo Szoke and Nate Owen exploring how teachers can design assessments that support learning. We discuss reliability, fairness, rubrics, and how to balance exam preparation with communicative language teaching — plus tips for managing student expectations and motivation.

What is the real impact of assessment on learning? In this opening episode of our series exploring the dynamic relationship between assessment and learning in English Language Teaching, host Ben is joined by ELT Assessment experts Jo Szoke and Nate Owen to explore the concept of washback, the influence of tests on teaching, and how it can be both positive and negative. Nate and Jo share personal stories, classroom experiences, and research insights to help us rethink how assessment can support motivation and progress.

The focus shifts to classroom culture and the teacher’s role in shaping it in the final episode of our Motivation and Social Learning series.   Fiona Mauchline, Nick Thorner and Ed Dudley discuss how to build safe, inclusive, and motivating environments from day one. They look at everything from managing group dynamics and identifying key influencers, to setting classroom norms and scaffolding risk-taking.   The episode also explores how rules, routines, and micro-objectives can empower learners, and how teachers can balance correction with encouragement to foster confidence.

How do we blend the best of digital and face-to-face learning? In the third episode of our Motivation and Social Learning series, Fiona Mauchline, Nick Thorner and Ed Dudley explore the practicalities and pedagogical implications of blended learning in ELT.   From QR code quizzes to multimodal communication and anonymous participation, the episode offers real classroom examples of how technology can enhance—not replace—human connection. The panel also discusses the risks of over-reliance on digital tools, the importance of boundaries, and how to maintain classroom focus and inclusivity in tech-rich environments.

In episode 2 of our Motivation and Social Learning series, Fiona Mauchline, Nick Thorner and Ed Dudley unpack the concept of social learning and its critical role in language acquisition.   They compare solitary learning experiences with group-based classroom dynamics, highlighting how peer interaction, relevance, and belonging can dramatically affect learner outcomes. The discussion also touches on the teacher’s role in building rapport, the importance of group motivation, and how online learning environments can both support and hinder social connection.

In this opening episode of our series on Motivation and Social Learning, Ben is joined by ELT experts Fiona Mauchline, Nick Thorner and Ed Dudley to explore the evolving nature of learner motivation in today’s digital-first world.   Drawing on personal teaching experiences and research insights, the conversation delves into intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation, the impact of dopamine-driven apps like Duolingo, and the challenges of sustaining engagement over time. The panel also reflects on how motivation is not just internal but deeply social, and how teachers can foster it through purposeful interaction and classroom design.

In this special episode of Talking ELT, we explore how content creation and microlearning are transforming the world of English Language Teaching (ELT).   Host Andrew is joined by two standout influencers in the ELT space: Mariwan Abdalla (English with Rahel) and Alex Fielder (Teacher Alex).   They share their journeys from classroom teaching to building global audiences online, discuss how Gen Alpha learns differently, and reveal how AI is shaping the future of education. You’ll hear practical tips on creating engaging content, avoiding burnout, and staying authentic while building a digital teaching brand.   Whether you're a teacher, learner, or content creator, this episode is packed with insights on how to thrive in the evolving ELT landscape.   Follow Alex here: https://www.instagram.com/alexworldwide0/   Follow Mariwan here: https://www.instagram.com/englishwithrahel/  

In the final episode of our Generation Alpha series, we explore the heart of modern classroom challenges: how to engage students with shorter attention spans and tech-shaped expectations.   Our expert guests unpack the neuroscience of motivation, the power of chunking and multimodality, and the role of gamification—both its benefits and its pitfalls. Discover practical strategies for boosting attention, fostering intrinsic motivation, and co-creating learning experiences that resonate with Gen Alpha.   Plus, we dive into the importance of growth mindset, real-world relevance, and how to involve parents in meaningful ways. A must-watch for educators navigating the evolving landscape of 21st-century learning.   For more insights and practical strategies, explore Erika Galea and Olga Sayer’s book Generation Alpha in the Classroom: New Approaches to Learning—a neuroscience-informed guide for teaching today’s learners - > https://oxelt.gl/4lkXtwU

In the third episode of our Generation Alpha series, we tackle the intersection of technology, AI, and education. Discover how Gen Alpha’s relationship with tech affects attention spans, emotional regulation, and classroom engagement. Our guests share insights into the evolving role of teachers—from content deliverers to facilitators of metacognition and emotional intelligence.   Learn how to use tech meaningfully, avoid overstimulation, and build deeper connections with students in a rapidly changing educational landscape.   For more insights and practical strategies, explore Erika Galea and Olga Sayer’s book Generation Alpha in the Classroom: New Approaches to Learning—a neuroscience-informed guide for teaching today’s learners - > https://oxelt.gl/4lkXtwU

In episode 2 of our Generation Alpha series, we explore the social side of Generation Alpha—how they connect, communicate, and collaborate in a digital-first world.   Our guests unpack the neuroscience behind empathy, mirror neurons, and emotional development, revealing how online interaction impacts offline social skills. Learn practical strategies for fostering face-to-face communication, empathy, and emotional regulation in the classroom.   This episode is a must-listen for educators navigating the complexities of teaching socially aware but digitally immersed learners.   For more insights and practical strategies, explore Erika Galea and Olga Sayer’s book Generation Alpha in the Classroom: New Approaches to Learning—a neuroscience-informed guide for teaching today’s learners - > https://oxelt.gl/4lkXtwU

In this eye-opening episode of Talking ELT, we dive into the defining traits of Generation Alpha—students born into a world of digital immersion and rapid change. Our expert guests explore how Gen Alpha's brains are neurologically wired for fast-paced, tech-driven learning, and how their dopamine-driven motivation and cognitive flexibility shape classroom behavior.   Discover how educators can adapt to these shifts, redefine their roles, and harness Gen Alpha’s strengths for more effective teaching. Perfect for teachers, parents, and education professionals seeking to understand the future of learning.   For more insights and practical strategies, explore Erika Galea and Olga Sayer’s book Generation Alpha in the Classroom: New Approaches to Learning—a neuroscience-informed guide for teaching today’s learners - > https://oxelt.gl/4lkXtwU

In this episode, we look more closely at what it actually means in practice to adopt a Concept-based Inquiry approach, and when it’s most appropriate. This includes a lot of practical advice on how to get started with this, if this is something new to you.

In this episode, we focus on why you should consider making use of the Concept-based Inquiry approach. We look at the benefits to the students, as well as what it means for the way the teachers engages with them in the class. This leads on to the question of whether this approach helps teachers better manage the diversity of learners in their classes.

In this episode, we look at how a Concept-based Inquiry approach works when teaching a language, such as English. We go into more detail about BICS and CALP, and even the concept of Common Underlying Proficiency. We also discuss how this relates to the use of the students’ L1 in the classroom.

In this episode, we discuss what Concept-based Inquiry really means, and how it relates to other inquiry based learning approaches. We also look at the use of ‘generalisations’ or Big Questions at the heart of the approach.

In this special episode of Talking ELT, we dive into the minds behind one of the most loved ELT course books around the world, English File.     Christina Latham-Koenig and Kate Chomacki, two of the authors of the series, share how English File was conceived and has developed over nearly 30 years from its humble beginnings to the launch of the much anticipated fifth edition this year. They share their personal stories, motivations and the collaborative process that has enabled them to craft this global ELT phenomenon.      Learn more about how its proven methodology came to pass and how they’ve evolved the fifth edition to keep it fresh and keep students talking in the modern ELT classroom. 

In this episode, we expand the notion of compassion in the world beyond the classroom. Does language learning link naturally to understanding other people outside our own experience? How does compassion fit into our development of global competencies? How might we extend this to compassion towards the planet and the environment?

Teaching for compassion is the conscious development of learners’ skills of caring for themselves, for others and for the planet. This episode focuses on the skills of self-compassion, including emotional regulation. This includes discussion of feedback, correction, and perfectionism.

In this episode, we focus on why and how teachers can develop a compassionate approach between their students. Language classrooms need students to be respectful and supportive to each other. How can teachers engender this mindset? How does this work in large classes?

What does a compassion-based approach to ELT look like in the classroom? This episode particularly focuses on how teachers can build an atmosphere of trust. How does compassion and class management come together in practice? How much of an issue is there with compassion fatigue?

Compassion isn’t just about being kind to people. This episode looks at how compassion requires both criticality and courage, to understand other people’s experience of the world. This also leads to a discussion of how AI and technology can impact positively and negatively on how we look at compassion-based approaches in ELT.

What do we mean when we talk about ‘compassion-based language education’? Why is this something important for English language teachers to think about?

We invited a marketer, an e-Learning specialist and an academic coordinator to discuss topics and challenges relevant to their specific teaching and learning context in Peru.

How will new technologies like A.I change the way we teach English pronunciation, and how can we use current technologies to improve learners’ skills more effectively? Explore these questions and more in this final episode of our pronunciation series!   You can get more advice and resources on the topic of pronunciation by downloading our position paper ➝ https://oxelt.gl/3Z20ydJ

Explore the most effective ways to assess your learners’ pronunciation skills, learn how you can motivate them to improve their intelligibility, and discover which accents are the most difficult for learners to understand.   You can get more advice and resources on the topic of pronunciation by downloading our position paper ➝ https://oxelt.gl/3Z20ydJ

How can we use our learners’ first language to support and improve their English pronunciation? What are the key areas to focus on when teaching pronunciation? Explore practical tips and ideas to improve your pronunciation teaching in this hands-on episode. You can get more advice and resources on the topic of pronunciation by downloading our position paper ➝ https://oxelt.gl/3Z20ydJ

Join us as we discuss some of the biggest challenges that pronunciation can cause for non-native speakers, as well as ways it can support and improve other language skills. You can get more advice and resources on the topic of pronunciation by downloading our position paper ➝ https://oxelt.gl/3Z20ydJ

How does your accent impact your experience of learning English? Join us as we explore the relationships between pronunciation, identity, community, and accent prejudice. You can get more advice and resources on the topic of pronunciation by downloading our position paper ➝ https://oxelt.gl/3Z20ydJ

What goals should we pursue when teaching English pronunciation? Join Robin, Yordanka, and Montse as we explore the importance of international intelligibility, and the need to move past a native speaker model.You can get more advice and resources on the topic of pronunciation by downloading our position paper ➝ https://oxelt.gl/3Z20ydJ

How can publishers and teachers design effective materials to support learners' multimodal literacy? Let's discuss the best ways to help learners create and interpret multimedia with a new approach to teaching materials.   Get more practical advice and resources in our paper: https://oxelt.gl/4coShow

How can we assess learners' ability to both 'read' and express themselves through multimedia? Explore new ways to assess learners' communication skills in today's digital world.   Get more practical advice and resources in our paper: https://oxelt.gl/4coShow

How can we help learners express themselves creatively through images, videos, and other multimedia? Let's discuss how we can prepare learners for successful communication in a digital world.   Get more practical advice and resources in our paper: https://oxelt.gl/4coShow

Today's learners are surrounded by online videos, social media, memes, and more! Explore how we can update the way we teach literacy using some examples from popular memes.   Get more practical advice and resources in our paper: https://oxelt.gl/4coShow

How can we encourage learners to analyse, explore, and discuss the media around them? Let's discuss the best ways to foster a critical approach to viewing images, videos, and audio.   Get more practical advice and resources in our paper: https://oxelt.gl/4coShow

Discover why today's learners need to go beyond the four skills to achieve true literacy. Explore the oppurtunities and challenges of using videos, images, and other multimedia in the language classroom.   Get more practical advice and resources in our paper: https://oxelt.gl/4coShow

How can you assess a learner's ability to regulate and manage their own learning? How can you be sure your institution is supporting them effectively? And what role can technology play?   Get more practical advice and resources in our paper: https://oxelt.gl/3Sf1LuM 

How can you provide structured, sustainable support for self-regulated learning? Explore our practical framework and discover a clear roadmap to help you support independent learners.   Get more practical advice and resources in our paper: https://oxelt.gl/3Sf1LuM 

Although many institutions are interested in supporting independent learners, they sometimes struggle to do so. Explore the barriers that schools face, and discover the importance of taking a coordinated, whole-school approach.   Get more practical advice and resources in our paper: https://oxelt.gl/3Sf1LuM

How can we support self-regulated learning more effectively as teachers and institutions? Explore the ways we can provide more structure and support to help learners take control of their learning.   Get more practical advice and resources in our paper: https://oxelt.gl/3Sf1LuM

What is Self-Regulated learning and why does it matter? Discover the benefits and challenges of nurturing independent, self-directed learners, and explore the lessons we've learned from our own experience.   Get more practical advice and resources in our paper: https://oxelt.gl/3Sf1LuM

AI will continue to transform our lives over the next decade. Discover how educators can support the development of AI to help it solve the right problems and support human needs and wellbeing. Be a human in the loop!   Access more resources at: https://oxelt.gl/3tWRMR1

Is artificial intelligence a ticking time bomb or a road to new opportunities? Explore the risks around data and privacy, the potential to reduce global inequality, and the dangers of super-intelligence.

Artificial intelligence has the power to fundamentally transform the way we assess our language learners. Discover how it might solve some of our biggest difficulties, pose new challenges, and change the nature of exams.

AI could fundamentally transform the role of the teacher, changing everything from materials design to learner feedback and lesson delivery. Explore the benefits and challenges, and discover how you can shape the way we use AI in language education.

How will the arrival of artificial intelligence transform the future of language teaching? Discover what skills your learners will need to succeed in a world with AI, and explore some of the ways it will change the nature of teaching.