Creating learner-centred language classrooms – webinars

Understanding your context In the first event in our series of webinars on practical approaches for your teaching context, two of our course tutors introduce strategies for making your teaching relevant to your learners, your classroom and your wider context. The second session focuses on designing projects that celebrate local culture and cultural exchange while building communication, teamwork and creativity. These activities strengthen learner confidence and place an understanding of culture and context at the heart of your classroom. The live event took place on 17 April 2026. In this practical introduction to the professional practice Understanding your context, our course tutors will explore how you can adapt materials and resources to suit your learners' needs, interests and backgrounds. They will share resources and strategies for teaching large, mixed-level classes. You will find out how your learners' home languages and cultures can become valuable resources in the classroom.

Understanding your context In the first event in our series of webinars on practical approaches for your teaching context, two of our course tutors introduce strategies for making your teaching relevant to your learners, your classroom and your wider context. The second session focuses on designing projects that celebrate local culture and cultural exchange while building communication, teamwork and creativity. These activities strengthen learner confidence and place an understanding of culture and context at the heart of your classroom. The live event took place on 17 April 2026. This workshop gives you practical ideas to help you celebrate culture in your classroom through collaborative projects. You learn how to design a clear project framework for learners to present cultural content, which will help them develop communication skills, collaboration and creativity. Including cultural content in your classes can encourage empathy and intercultural understanding as well as boosting learner confidence. Watch the session to find out more!

This session brings together two teacher educators to discuss how multilingual realities shape English teaching in Southeast Asia. Speakers explore how teachers use learners' home languages as a resource, challenge 'English-only' assumptions and promote inclusive, culturally responsive practices. Donna Lim focuses on young learners and Yustinus Calvin Gai Mali talks about pre-service teachers. Learn about strategies that you can use in your classroom, wherever you teach. About the speakers Mai Tuyet Ngo is an associate professor in TESOL and applied linguistics at Flinders University, Australia. She has been working as an English language teacher educator for 30 years, and has coached and mentored many young early-career Vietnamese schoolteachers, university lecturers and leaders to become healthier and happier. Her research interests are teachers' social well-being and happiness pedagogies.   Donna Lim is a lecturer with the National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. She specialises in primary English language teaching methodology courses. Her area of interest is in developing literacy with a focus on teaching writing. She has considerable teaching experience with young learners.  Yustinus Calvin Gai Mali is an associate professor in the Masters of English language education at Satya Wacana Christian University (Salatiga, Indonesia). He holds a PhD in Language, Literacy and Technology Education. He also serves as the director of publications at Indonesia Technology Enhanced Language Learning ( iTELL ) journal. 

This session focuses on teacher and learner well-being, drawing on classroom practice to explore how joy, emotional safety and positivity can enhance English learning. The presentation shares practical ways teachers can create happier, more connected classrooms.  About the speakers Mai Tuyet Ngo is an associate professor in TESOL and applied linguistics at Flinders University, Australia. She has been working as an English language teacher educator for 30 years, and has coached and mentored many young early-career Vietnamese schoolteachers, university lecturers and leaders to become healthier and happier. Her research interests are teachers' social well-being and happiness pedagogies.   Donna Lim is a lecturer with the National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. She specialises in primary English language teaching methodology courses. Her area of interest is in developing literacy with a focus on teaching writing. She has considerable teaching experience with young learners.  Yustinus Calvin Gai Mali is an associate professor in the Masters of English language education at Satya Wacana Christian University (Salatiga, Indonesia). He holds a PhD in Language, Literacy and Technology Education. He also serves as the director of publications at Indonesia Technology Enhanced Language Learning ( iTELL ) journal. 

Join us for the ELT Conference 2027 where you'll have the opportunity to network with fellow ELT professionals English UK members should use their member number on the ticket page as the Promo Code to access their discount The event is our largest annual gathering of academic English language teaching staff. This conference is for English language teaching professionals looking for professional development, the latest tools and techniques in our sector, and a space to discuss best practice in ELT management and teaching.