What happens when a newly qualified CELTA teacher is thrown into the intensity of Cambridge summer schools? My first summer of teaching taught me about classroom management, flexibility, resources — and confidence.
This week, I finished my CELTA. For the past six months, my Wednesdays have been filled with lesson planning, teaching practice, observations, assignments and feedback. It has been one of the most challenging and rewarding learning experiences of my life. I have also been fortunate enough to find a summer teaching job before finishing the…
A few months ago, standing in front of a classroom and teaching English felt both exciting and intimidating. This week, I finally did it. After months of CELTA training, lesson planning, observations and teaching practice, I spent my first full week teaching two groups of Turkish teenagers in Cambridge. It was challenging. It was exhausting….
Many language learners imagine that one day they will finally feel “ready” to speak English. Ready because their grammar is better. Ready because they know more vocabulary. Ready because their pronunciation sounds more natural. Ready because they make fewer mistakes. The problem is that this moment often never arrives. Many adult learners spend months, or…
One of the first things that confused me after moving to England wasn’t the language. It was the measurements. Even today, after living in England since 2006, I still stop and think when someone mentions stones, inches or yards. The interesting thing is that you don’t need to become an expert in British measurements to…
When people hear that I am studying for a CELTA qualification, they often ask the same question: “So, what is it actually like?” Most people have heard that CELTA is intensive. Many have heard stories about endless lesson planning, observations and feedback. Some people are considering taking the course themselves. Others simply want to know…
If you’ve ever felt like you’re falling behind in your language learning, you’re not alone. Many learners quietly carry the feeling that they should be progressing faster. Perhaps you’ve been studying English for months or even years and still make mistakes. Perhaps you compare yourself to colleagues who seem more confident. Perhaps you watch videos…
When people think about language learning mistakes, they often imagine grammar errors, pronunciation problems or limited vocabulary. But in my experience, the biggest mistake many adult English learners make has nothing to do with language itself. It is believing they need to be perfect before they start communicating. This belief can quietly slow progress for…
Over the past few years, artificial intelligence has become part of everyday life. People use AI to write emails, plan trips, solve problems, learn new skills and answer questions within seconds. In education, AI can explain grammar, generate exercises, provide feedback and even hold conversations with learners. As these tools become more powerful, many people…
Many adult learners want to practise English more often but feel nervous about making mistakes. In recent years, AI tools such as ChatGPT have created new opportunities for low-pressure language practice. Learners can practise privately, ask questions without fear of judgement, and build confidence at their own pace. In this article, we’ll explore how ChatGPT…