When Visual Support Becomes Visual Overload
Visual design, cognitive load and EAL learners Visual learning tools have become increasingly popular in education. One approach that has […]
cognitive load, EDUCATION, language learning
Activities, cognitive load, EDUCATION, language learning
Teaching Academic Language in the Classroom: Practical Strategies for Explain, Justify and Compare
Academic language in the classroom is often assumed rather than taught. Yet words such as explain, justify and compare carry
EDUCATION, language learning, Thoughts
Teaching About Language Isn’t the Same as Learning a Language
Many teachers explain language clearly, yet learners struggle to use it. Explore why teaching about language isn’t the same as teaching language and what to do instead.
cognitive load, EDUCATION, language learning, Thoughts
When Familiar Language Speeds Up
A reflective look at chunked language, processing time, and how familiar classroom instructions delivered at speed can overload EAL learners.
cognitive load, EDUCATION, language learning, Thoughts
What Five Days Back in Portuguese Reminded Me About Language Learning
Noticing the cognitive load of learning and living in another language At the end of last year I spent an
EDUCATION, language learning
Your Voice Is More Than a Tool: Why Teachers Must Protect It
I’ve lost my voice this week…completely.Not hoarse. Not croaky. Gone! And while I’m relieved I’m not in a classroom trying
Activities, cognitive load, EDUCATION, language learning
The Power of Wait Time in the Classroom
Teachers often feel pressured to keep lessons moving. Questions are asked, hands shoot up, and the fastest learner usually gets
EDUCATION
Transitioning to Translanguaging: From English-Only to Embracing Learners’ Languages
My English-Only Mindset For most of my teaching career, I held firm to the idea that learners should only use