We talk a little about last month’s podcast, and then it’s WELCOME TO RETIREMENT for Charles. Sayonara lectures, student workshops, expectations, predictions, adjustments - it’s a packed episode, even without an April Fool joke. Full notes can be found here: Two Teachers Talking: twoteacherstalking.com ..read more

Instead of a look back at 2023, we examine how teaching English in Japan has changed since we stepped off a plane and into a classroom many years ago–and what hasn’t. Happy New Year! 明けましておめでとうございます！ Full notes can be found here: Two Teachers Talking: twoteacherstalking.com ..read more

In a pre-holiday frenzy, we tackle three not-so-mini-topics: - Syllabus preparation - Grading preparation - About that winter break Happy holidays, everyone! Full notes and past episodes can be found here: Two Teachers Talking: twoteacherstalking.com ..read more

Charles talks with his former student Taishi Watanabe about teaching English, and what it's like returning to school after working. Mentioned: Hattie, J. (2003). Teachers make a difference: What is the research evidence?  Australian Council for Educational Research Melbourne. Lukianoff, G., & Haidt, J. (2015, August 11). The Coddling of the American Mind. The Atlantic. https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2015/09/the-coddling-of-the-american-mind/399356/ Haidt, J. & Lukianoff, G. (2019). The Coddling of the American Mind. Penguin Books. Full notes can be found here ..read more

We take a second look at AI and ChatGPT, how they’re changing our teaching worlds, and suggest some ways to ease adaptation. Be sure to take a look at the list of works we used to create the podcast (on website). Appearance on the list is no indication of endorsement, and quality of the items is all over the map. Some educators asked for their ideas exhibit little understanding of what AI and GPT are. We can learn from that, too. My short list: Ferlazzo, Mills and Goodlad, Mollick, Qamar, Shipper. Full notes can be found here: Two Teachers Talking: twoteacherstalking.com ..read more

Tony and Charles struggle with that question and discuss the best ways to reach our students. It’s not simple. Mentioned, previous episodes: - 154 Desirable Difficulties - November 2022 - 130 Learning Styles - November 2020 - 118 Great Expectations Revisited - January 2020 - 60 Great Expectations - March 2015 ..read more

We discuss the value of mixing it up - using diverse deliveries, approaches, methods, activities, tasks, media, teachers. See also: 154 Desirable Difficulties and 130 Learning Styles ..read more

We can confirm that, yes, there are classes that are just BAD. For most of us those are few and far between, but we’ve all had one - or will.What can you do when it’s your turn? There are things you can do, and there are elements beyond your control. We hash it out ..read more

We look at another teacher movie: Stand and Deliver (Ramón Menendez, 1988). Based on a true story of success at an inner-city Los Angeles high school. Related: - Episode 60 Great Expectations, March 2015 - Episode 118, Great Expectations Revisited, January 2020 - Jaime Escalante Forever https://youtu.be/mX0jKFd0KEk ..read more

158. Dead Poets Society This month we are going to make some folks angry. We look at one of the landmark teaching/teacher movies and conclude…well…have a listen. If we shadows have offended, Think but this, and all is mended, That you have but slumbered here While these visions did appear. And this weak and idle theme, No more yielding but a dream, Gentles, do not reprehend: If you pardon, we will mend: And, as I am an honest Puck, If we have unearned luck Now to 'scape the serpent's tongue, We will make amends ere long; Else the Puck a liar call; So, good night unto you all. Give me your hand ..read more