Professional Development Videos

  • Language, Society and Culture

Until recently, culture has been the ‘elephant in the room’ with language teachers. There was a reluctance to admit that while teaching the English language we are also teaching the culture that goes along with that language. This attitude has changed, however, as research has revealed time and time again that language and culture have a very tight, un-severable relationship - we can’t teach one without teaching the other. The courses in this section provide language teachers with a greater understanding of the relationship between language and culture as well as ideas for teaching culture in the language classroom in a way that is respectful and pragmatic.

Context Matters: WHERE you Teach Affects HOW you Teach

When we plan and teach our English language courses and lessons, our focus is usually on the language learning activities and materials we will use to meet student needs.  Lost in this planning and teaching process is the impact of the context in which we are teaching.

English as a Global Language

In this video, we look at the phenomenon of English as a Global Language. In recent decades, the use of English has extended to every corner of the globe. English is so widespread that it is now commonly regarded as a global language.

ESL Student & Teacher Interviews: Canadian Culture

As English language teachers, we don't just teach the English language, we also teach the culture that goes along with the English language.  In this video, you'll see a series of interviews with both ESL students and ESL teachers on the topic of Canadian culture.  The ESL students share with us

ESL Student & Teacher Interviews: Types of Classes

The English language teaching field is becoming more and more specialized and therefore, as teachers, we need to become capable of teaching different types of classes.

ESL Student Interviews: First Language Background

Research has clearly established that a student's first language background significantly impacts his/her ability to learn English.  In this video, you'll watch a series of interviews with English language learners who have different first language backgrounds.  These students will offer their pe

ESL Student Interviews: Language Proficiency Level

In this video, you'll watch a series of interviews with English language learners who have different English language proficiency levels - from beginner to high advanced.  The purpose of this series of interviews is to help you become familiar with what students can and cannot do as they move thr

ESL Teacher Interviews: Other Paths for Career Development

One of the exciting things about working in English language education is that there are many different career opportunities available to teachers with a little bit of teaching experience.  In this video, you will see a series of interviews with teachers that have taken their careers in different

Language and Diversity

In this session, we will look at defining key terms when it comes to the connection between language use and ethnic diversity. We will discuss diversity, race, ethnicity, stereotyping, discrimination and racism and how they connect to individual choices when it comes to language use.

Language and Identity

Researchers have a keen interest in the relationship between language and identity. Current research shows that there is a strong connection between our language use and language choices and our identity.

Language and Multilingual Societies

Every society has a number of choices to make in terms of which language will be used in that society and when.

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