The English teachers voice

  How to Create Truly Effective Student-Centered Classes (Practical strategies, examples, templates and pitfalls — ready to use tomorrow) Student-centered teaching isn’t a buzzword — it’s a mindset and a set of practices that put learners’ needs, voices and agency at the centre of every lesson. When done well, it increases motivation, deepens understanding, builds autonomy and prepares students for real-world problem solving. This guide gives you practical steps, ready-to-use examples and a simple lesson template so you can design student-centered classes that actually work. What “student-centered” really means Student-centered learning shifts the classroom focus from “teacher transmits information” to “students construct meaning.” Core ideas: Learners actively do the thinking (not passively listen). Learning tasks are meaningful and connected to students’ lives. Students have voice and choice in how they learn and demonstrate understanding. Assessment supports growth (formative, a...

  What is Paraphrasing? Paraphrasing is using your own words to express someone else's message or ideas. In a paraphrase, the ideas and meaning of the original source must be maintained; the main ideas need to come through, but the wording has to be your own. Avoiding Plagiarism using Paraphrasing and Synonyms Plagiarism is a serious issue for students who are trying to achieve a proficient level of English and/or who want to study in an English-speaking country. It is particularly serious for university students because plagiarizing someone else’s work in a study document can diminish or even destroy their grades or credibility. When researching or studying, any works that you refer to in your writings that are not your original thoughts or ideas should be correctly cited and referenced.  Must students always use direct quotations? Not necessarily, but any part of the original text that you include in your paraphrased text should be in quotation marks. Paraphrasing allows us ...

Phonics is one of the most powerful tools for helping children learn to read, write, and pronounce English correctly. For young learners, especially those in 1st to 4th grade, phonics turns strange letter combinations into familiar sounds , unlocking the magic of language. Whether you teach native speakers or  EFL students , understanding how to teach phonics systematically and creatively is essential for building strong reading foundations. What Is Phonics, and Why Is It So Important? Phonics is the relationship between  letters (graphemes)  and  sounds (phonemes) . When children learn phonics, they don’t just memorize words, they  decode  them. For example, the word  cat  isn’t learned by memory. Students learn that: c = /k/ ,  a = /æ/ ,  t = /t/  → /kæt/ This decoding skill helps children read   any word, even if they’ve never seen it before. Phonics improves: Reading comprehension Spelling accuracy Pronunciation c...

Spelling in English can be one of the most frustrating parts of language learning, not just for students, but for teachers too! Unlike many languages where words are spelled exactly as they sound, English spelling can feel unpredictable. Why is  “phone”  not spelled  “fone” ? Why is  “through”  different from  “though”  or  “thought” ? For  non-English-speaking students , learning to spell accurately requires patience, creativity, and clear strategy. This article explores the  best tips and methods for teaching spelling  in EFL classrooms,  and how to make it fun and meaningful for learners of all ages. 1. Understanding Why Spelling Is So Difficult in English Before teaching spelling effectively, it helps to understand why English is so tricky. English borrows words  from many languages (French, Latin, Greek, etc.), which means it follows multiple spelling systems. Pronunciation doesn’t always match spelling : the same sou...

  Boosting Grammar Skills through the Use of Acronyms In the world of language learning, grammar often gets a bad reputation. For many learners, it feels complicated, rigid, and full of exceptions. However, what if grammar could be learned in a simpler, more memorable, and even fun way? One of the most effective strategies for making grammar stick is through the use of acronyms, short, catchy abbreviations that help learners remember complex rules with ease. Acronyms have long been used in education, medicine, business, and technology to simplify and retain complex information. When applied to grammar instruction, they can transform dull rule memorization into an engaging learning experience. Let’s explore how acronyms can supercharge grammar learning, why they work, and how to create and apply them effectively in any English classroom. 1. Why Acronyms Work: The Psychology Behind Memory and Learning Acronyms work because they engage two of the brain’s strongest memory tools: associ...

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly become a powerful tool for students. Platforms like ChatGPT, Grammarly, and other AI writing assistants can generate essays, solve math problems, and even write computer code in seconds. While these technologies offer incredible learning support, they also pose a serious challenge for educators: how to ensure that homework and assignments truly reflect a student’s own understanding and effort. Preventing students from relying on AI for homework doesn’t mean banning technology, it means adapting teaching methods, assessment strategies, and classroom culture to promote authentic learning. Below are practical strategies teachers can use to guide students toward ethical and meaningful learning in the age of AI. 1. Redefine What Homework Looks Like Traditional homework often focuses on repetitive writing or research tasks, exactly the type of work AI tools excel at. Instead, teachers can assign activities that emphasize critical thinking, perso...

  Inequality in the classroom occurs when students do not have the same opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed because of barriers such as poverty , language differences, physical disabilities, learning difficulties, mental health challenges, or family and social circumstances. Inequality can show up in subtle ways—like who gets called on to answer questions, who has access to resources, or whose voices are valued—and it can also appear in more visible ways, such as lack of materials, exclusion, or bullying . A teacher’s role is to recognize these barriers and actively create an environment where all students feel included, respected, and supported. Objectives for Teachers in Achieving Equality in the Classroom 1. Ensure Equal Access to Learning Guarantee that every student has the tools, support, and encouragement they need to participate fully in classroom activities. 2. Promote Inclusivity and Respect Build a culture where diversity is valued, and differences are se...