Alison Shepherd

‘I wouldn’t talk politics in the classroom as I don’t want to upset anyone.’ If this sounds familiar, this article explores such tensions – and opportunities – between critical and trauma-informed English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) for learners from forced migrant backgrounds in English-speaking countries where migration is a politically divisive topic. Trauma-informed teaching is increasingly recognised as important when teaching learners from forced migrant backgrounds – such as refugees, asylum seekers and internally displaced people. Although teachers are not trained to be therapists, in many contexts around the world ‘teachers are on the front line of coping...

The author argues that humour and a playful tone can both create a positive environment conducive to learning.

Alison Shepherd argues that online learning can be particularly stressful for some learners, depending on the mode and timing of the class and the skill being taught. She describes ways of helping learner wellbeing.

Alison Shepherd describes a training course for volunteer teachers.

What are the benefits of project-based learning? How can you trigger your students’ curiosity?

What is the best practical way to improve teaching performance? Alison Shepherd describes using Lesson Study to improve teacher training practice.