Educational Blog
March 8th – International Woman’s Day
March 21st – International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
March 31st – Transgender Day of Visibility –> this one has been strategically removed from many websites including those powered by AI!
Hopefully my article will shed some light on how to render our classes inclusive and welcome to all our learners. Click below to view article.
This interactive session explores how gamification can enrich English language learning during the festive season. From digital games to hands-on activities, participants will discover strategies to foster engagement and language skills through Christmas-themed games. Through practical examples, attendees will design activities that promote collaboration, language production, and cultural exchange. By the end of the session, everyone will leave with practical ideas and a toolkit for incorporating festive gamification into classrooms.
Materials: click ‘continue reading’ for handout and presentation file
Continue reading “Engaging Festive Learning: Gamification Strategies for Christmas in ELT”I had the privilege of speaking on TESOL Pop about Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and how it can help educators identify hidden meanings, assumptions, and power dynamics within their teaching materials so we can make changes that foster a more inclusive and supportive environment.
Key talking points
Understanding Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA)
CDA is an approach that examines how language and imagery in teaching materials can shape social realities, reinforce stereotypes, and influence ideologies. Katherine emphasises the importance of ensuring materials reflect diverse voices, backgrounds, and experiences.
Gender and Stereotypes in Textbooks
Katherine shares examples of how textbooks can reinforce outdated gender roles, such as referring to professionals as “policemen” or “firemen” instead of using gender-neutral terms. She discusses how such representations can limit students’ perceptions of their future potential.
Adapting Materials for Inclusivity
Katherine stresses that no single textbook can fully meet the needs of all learners. Teachers should adapt materials to reflect different cultures, abilities, and perspectives. She encourages educators to use inclusive visuals, update resources, and incorporate diverse voices.
Katherine Reilly 