As schools increasingly embrace AI tools to enhance learning, some studies show that the inclusion of generative AI introduces both challenges and opportunities, particularly in EFL/ESL writing classes. Not only has AI changed the way students learn, but it has also affected how we teach. Although not all the changes are welcome, it is important to move with the times and welcome the new while retaining the old. Continue reading
All posts by Ozma Siddiqui
Why Use Kahoot! for Vocabulary Learning?

There is no doubt that the integrated skills approach to English language learning has become the order of the day due to the success rates. In her article, “Integrated Skills in the ESL/EFL Classroom,” ESL Magazine, Oxford states that “the integrated-skill approach, as contrasted with the purely segregated approach, exposes English language learners to authentic language and challenges them to interact naturally in the language.” However, technology driven instruction for targeted skills has also improved the classroom learning experience significantly. The advent of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) with an emphasis on gamification has led to more interactive classrooms. Online tools like Kahoot! transform traditional classrooms into dynamic learning platforms with more student engagement and consequently, a higher probability of language acquisition. Continue reading
Encouraging Critical Thinking in the Classroom

The recent buzzword in second language or foreign language teaching is critical thinking. Studies confirm that promoting critical thinking in the classroom yields long term rewards in terms of helping students to think for themselves, analyze the meaning of language and take ownership for their learning. Moreover, critical thinking enriches the language learning experience and makes it more meaningful.
The Magic of Inclusive Classrooms through Differentiated Instruction

Inclusive education means that all children have access to learning regardless of their social background, economic status, physical abilities or any trait which may potentially hinder them from their right to education. While this is a recent phenomenon influenced by Montessori methods and research on learner-centered classrooms, the shift actually has roots that go back hundreds of years to the one-room schoolhouse. It was formerly thought that all children learned in a similar way and at the same pace. It was only when achievement tests were introduced in 1912 that the disparity in the students’ grades became glaringly obvious. Continue reading
Establishing Rapport with Learners: Challenges & Solutions

Teaching is a rewarding profession, but it does come with its challenges. One important aspect of teaching is to establish a rapport with the learners. A teacher who is unable to communicate with her learners in the first few days is at risk of “losing” her class altogether. Research shows that learners learn better when they find the content interesting and like the teacher! In fact, a positive and favourable learning environment is necessary for effective communication in a classroom that learners find safe and supportive. This article will pose some challenges and offer solutions that will ensure student engagement.
Challenges of Large Classes
Advantages of Bigger Class sizes
Most public schools globally have larger class sizes than private schools. This is due to the fact that accommodating larger groups of students lowers the cost of building extra classrooms, buying extra equipment and hiring more teachers. On the other hand, it is often argued that children from diverse backgrounds bring different perspectives and experiences to the classroom, making for a varied learning environment.
Continue readingStudent Engagement Strategies That Work
As the day wears on, it’s not uncommon to see learners becoming unfocused, disengaged with classroom tasks, restless, noisy or silent. The most demotivating aspect of disinterested students is their unwillingness to learn. A Gallup student poll (2014) reports that nearly 50% of the learners were “either not engaged (28 percent) or actively disengaged (19 percent) in school” (Collier, 2015).
Teacher Time Management Strategies in the Classroom
One of the frequent challenges for teachers, even ones with experience is how to manage time in the classroom. One may well ask, why time management is so important. Effective time management is crucial to provide quality education. In fact, teachers don’t really have enough time to teach considering the breaks, learner attention span (which is typically half an hour or less); moving between classrooms for various activities and downtime between lessons and activities (Mehta, 2019). Continue reading
Managing Disruptive Behaviour
While teaching young people is often not easy, managing classrooms with students of mixed abilities and diverse backgrounds can be really challenging. Perhaps one of the biggest challenges is getting a class to be quiet. Picture this: it’s the first day of school and you are required to be the homeroom teacher for a class of boys in their early teens. Boys at this age can be a handful!
Creating Effective Lesson Plans
It is often said that if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. One of the challenges cited by teachers in the language classroom especially is creating effective lesson plans (Velikaya, 2020).
So, what is an effective lesson plan?
Continue reading