Richard Gabbrielli

A prudent question is one half of wisdom. – Francis Bacon (philosopher) 1561–1626 Invariably, when I invite my students to ask me questions to get to know me (better), especially on the first day of class to create the right atmosphere and to establish a conducive teaching-learning environment, a familiar pattern of questions emerges. I also realised that this happens regardless of whether the questions come spontaneously from individuals around the classroom in an open-floor format or in written form (anonymously) on paper in small, structured groupwork after a process of interaction. Common questions asked of me tend to be of the...

Using a standard pack of playing cards as prompts the teacher sets up the framework for learners to use their imagination to create a story.

These activities can be adapted for any level.

The article describes the different approaches to reading we all have. The author suggests teachers encourage reading as a bridge to the outside world.

An activity to practise extended speaking

The article provides a lot of practical tips for recognising and dealing with stress and advocates an approach to teaching and managing teachers which aims to reduce it.

Using body language, pausing, using intonation, repairing and completing are among the micro skills covered in this article. How can you cover these elements in regular speaking practice?

Research shows that the value of groupwork is clear in terms of developing a safe area with  a positive atmosphere, collaborative tasks and well-planned activities.

Dictations have many aims including recycling of grammar and lexis, encouraging noticing the links between spoken and written forms, providing a low energy activity to balance the more dynamic interaction of other parts of the lesson as well as activating learners’ communication strategies.

Richard Gabrielli discusses Teaching for the Two-Sided Mind: A Guide to Right Brain/Left BrainEducation.

Why do we go into teaching? What are we trying to offer? What are the constraints? Richard Gabbrielli reflects on his own personal journey and considers what he has learned.

Richard Gabbrielli describes how he uses this particular tool.