eltnews – Page 3 – Katherine Reilly

July 4, 2024

September Blues and Classroom Hues

by Katherine Reilly

Could someone please enlighten me on the matter of mandatory school attendance? Don’t get me wrong, I am clearly aware of the importance of education and identify as an avid supporter. Nonetheless, the fact that we dread the prospect of returning to our classrooms is, without a doubt, a surging feeling we have all experienced at least once in our careers. Is it our apprehension of the individuals who must surround us for the foreseeable future? The demands of our duties which, to be honest, consume a great portion of our daily routine? Bullying, demeaning behaviors, obnoxious colleagues and students, infinite papers to correct with little to no recognition of our endeavors, jeopardizing our own sanity and peace of mind…

May 21, 2024May 21, 2024

Perpetual Learning: Drawing the Line Between Reverence and Relevance

by Katherine Reilly, Author | Teacher Trainer

originally published in ELT NEWS printed magazine.

Educators of times past gone have always been depicted amidst the surroundings of literary works. Their receding foreheads and hunched backs are illustrated prominently as they are presented in such a fashion as to infer that their everyday occurrences strictly revolve around the never-ending accumulation of knowledge. Their lengthy beards and withered spectacles, a symbol of dedication to the sciences, literature and arts, have inspired younger scholars of our days to follow suit. Enter Artificial Intelligence (AI) along with other modern technological advancements, which expose humanity’s potential to levels of evolution never before conceived. Research requires mere minutes, if not seconds to complete. Whereas, educators of old would dedicate hours or even days to simply gain access to materials and bibliography usually restricted to an entitled few. Ah yes, we now live in the Golden Age of Information and Innovation. ELT has thrived in this context as the blooming question arises, ‘Do we need to uphold or even surpass our personal limitations as educators?’

May 6, 2024May 6, 2024

Grammar Woes and Laughs: How to Thrive Amidst Linguistic Lunacy

by Katherine Reilly, Author | Teacher Trainer (originally pulished in ELT NEWS magazine)

After more than two decades of teaching grammar, I can assuredly attest to the notion that language teaching has become the embodiment of God’s sense of humor. Bold claims to be held, albeit with concrete justification. I cannot begin to comprehend the turmoil and frustration faced by a language learner when interpreting Greek idioms which baffle them beyond explanation. “Slow the much oil” or “You’ll eat wood” are but a few examples to consider. Of course, this works both ways as learners of English would be scratching their heads when hearing the expression “Bite the bullet” or “I’ll spill the beans”. I can only imagine how upset a host would be upon hearing his guest say the latter, fretting for his clean, shiny floor. Admittedly, I have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and preserving a spotless kitchen floor is a constant painstaking endeavor.