Storytelling in Language Learning

🎙️ ESL Talk: Season 9, Episode 10 🎙️A podcast for English Teachers, by English Teachers.Language learning is often reduced to grammar charts, vocabulary drills, and standardized test prep. Yet throughout human history, the most enduring way we build comprehension, empathy, and voice is through narrative. So why do traditional language classrooms so often sideline literature and creative storytelling, and what happens when we invite students' imaginations back into the learning process?In this episode of ESL Talk, we’re joined by sci-fi author and former performer/educator David Deane Haskell for an inspiring conversation on the power of storytelling in language education. Drawing from his creative journey, from nearly a decade at Disney and Universal to navigating creative shutdown and publishing speculative fiction, including his newest novel The Solarian Deep (Book 1 of the series).David explores how stories bridge the gap between mechanical drills and authentic human connection.From demystifying the fear that literature is "too advanced" for lower-level learners to navigating the role of creative expression in an AI-dominated landscape, David helps us unpack what makes narrative such an empowering pedagogical tool. We examine how speculative fiction and worldbuilding foster critical thinking, how collaborative storytelling transforms classroom dynamics, and how teachers can easily integrate low-prep narrative activities into their daily routines.Whether you already use creative writing with your learners or are looking for practical ways to make your lessons more engaging, this episode offers an eye-opening look at how story can transform language learning.🎧 New episodes drop regularly. Subscribe so you never miss one!🚀 Listen to all episodes at: https://esltalk.ca🌟 Connect with us on Instagram: @esltalkpodcast📧 Want to be a guest or have a question? Reach us at: [email protected] with David Deane Haskell:🌐 Website: https://daviddeanehaskell.com📖 Current Novel (The Solarian Deep): https://mybook.to/solariandeep🎁 Free Sci-Fi Novel (Emergence): https://reads.daviddeanehaskell.com/emergence📚 Memoir (Wounded Angels): https://mybook.to/woundedangels📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daviddeanehaskell✉️ Email: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️ ESL Talk: Season 9, Episode 9 🎙️A podcast for English Teachers, by English Teachers.Artificial intelligence is already reshaping language education. Students are using it to write essays, check grammar, translate content, practice conversations, and navigate academic life in a second language. But as AI becomes an increasingly influential language model, an important question emerges: whose English is it teaching?In this episode of ESL Talk, we're joined by Dr. Aigerim Shilibekova for a thought-provoking conversation about the intersection of artificial intelligence and English language education. Together, we explore the opportunities, challenges, and ethical questions surrounding AI's growing role in ESL and EAP classrooms.From linguistic bias and digital equity to student autonomy and teacher identity, Dr. Shilibekova helps us unpack what happens when learners turn to AI as their most accessible source of language input and feedback. We examine whether AI reinforces existing power structures in global English, how students are actually using these tools, and what educators need to understand to guide learners responsibly in an AI-driven world.In this episode, we discuss:How AI is currently being used by English language learnersThe benefits and limitations of AI in ESL and EAP contextsWhether AI tools promote certain varieties of English over othersLinguistic bias, cultural representation, and "The AI Accent"The difference between using AI as a scaffold versus a crutchDigital equity and the emerging AI divide in educationThe irreplaceable role of human teachers in language learningWhat ESL educators need to know about AI right nowPredictions for the future of AI and language educationWhether you're excited about AI, skeptical of its impact, or somewhere in between, this episode offers a balanced and insightful look at one of the most important conversations currently shaping our profession.🎧 New episodes drop regularly. Subscribe so you never miss one!🚀 Listen to all episodes at https://esltalk.ca🌟 Connect with us on Instagram: @esltalkpodcast📧 Want to be a guest or have a question? Reach us at: [email protected] with Dr. Aigerim Shilibekova💼 LinkedIn: Search Dr. Aigerim Shilibekova Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️ ESL Talk: Season 9, Episode 8 🎙️A podcast for English Teachers, by English Teachers.What does it actually mean to build a more equitable, inclusive, and responsive ESL classroom? This week on ESL Talk, we're joined by Farnaz Karimian, an educator, teacher trainer, curriculum developer, and leader in Ontario's ESL community, for an insightful conversation about amplifying marginalized voices in English language education.With over 15 years of experience across the ESL sector, Farnaz has worked as a classroom teacher, academic coordinator, curriculum developer, professional development organizer, and teacher trainer. She is a former President of TESL Toronto, currently serves on the TESL Ontario Board of Directors, and is the host of the podcast Learning off the Syllabus.In this episode, we explore how educators can move beyond traditional textbooks and create learning experiences that truly reflect the realities of adult language learners. Farnaz shares practical insights into Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Critical Digital Pedagogy, and what it really means to decolonize the ESL curriculum in meaningful, actionable ways.We also discuss:Why many standard ESL materials fail to represent learners' lived experiencesHow UDL can help remove barriers for adult immigrants and language learnersUsing technology to empower student voices rather than simply digitize worksheetsPractical first steps toward building more inclusive and equitable classroomsHow educators can navigate difficult conversations around equity with confidenceThe systemic challenges facing the ESL sector todayWhether you're a classroom teacher, teacher trainer, academic coordinator, or simply passionate about the future of language education, this conversation will challenge you to think differently about what happens both on and off the syllabus.🎧 New episodes drop regularly. Subscribe so you never miss one!🚀 Listen to all episodes at https://esltalk.ca🌟 Connect with us on Instagram: @esltalkpodcast📧 Want to be a guest or have a question? Reach us at: [email protected] with Farnaz Karimian📧 [email protected]📸 Instagram: @courage.mylove | @learningoffthesyllabus💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/farnaz-karimian-/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️ ESL Talk: Season 9, Episode 7 🎙️A podcast for English Teachers, by English Teachers.What does it mean to teach English in a country where it isn't the dominant language, where your students may never leave, yet the world increasingly expects them to show up fluent? This week, we're joined by Laura Herrera, an ESL teacher in the Mexican university system, for a conversation about global language demands, student motivation, and the realities of teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL).Laura serves as an educator at the university level in Mexico, where her work centers on navigating the unique cultural and academic landscapes of higher education. She works closely with students to balance local identity with global expectations, bringing first-hand classroom insights and research-backed strategies to the challenges of teaching English in a non-native environment.In this episode, Laura unpacks the distinct motivations and challenges faced by university students, how local culture shapes attitudes toward learning English, and what teachers on the ground actually need to succeed. It's a thoughtful, practical conversation for any educator working to understand the global perspective of ESL and what it truly takes to foster real connection in the multilingual classroom.🎧 New episodes drop regularly. Subscribe so you never miss one!🚀 Listen to all episodes at esltalk.ca🌟 Connect with us on Instagram: @esltalkpodcast📧 Want to be a guest or have a question? Reach us at: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️ ESL Talk: Season 9, Episode 6 🎙️A podcast for English Teachers, by English Teachers.How do we help our students bridge the gap between knowing English and actually owning it? This week, we're joined by Rachel Tobol, experienced ESL educator and communication coach, for a conversation about confidence, identity, and multilingual language acquisition.Rachel is a dedicated ESL educator who has spent years working directly with non-native speakers to help them unlock their full potential. Her work centers on the intersection of language learning and psychology, helping students navigate the complex emotional hurdles of fluency, overcome language anxiety, and develop an authentic voice in their second language.In this episode, Rachel unpacks why so many advanced learners feel like they are just "borrowing" English, how a student's personal identity connects to their language development, and what ESL teachers can do to foster true confidence in the classroom. It's a thoughtful, practical conversation for any educator working to help students move past the textbooks and truly make the English language their own.🎧 New episodes drop regularly. Subscribe so you never miss one!🚀 Listen to all episodes at esltalk.ca🌟 Connect with us on Instagram: @esltalkpodcast📧 Want to be a guest or have a question? Reach us at: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️ ESL Talk — Season 9, Episode 5 🎙️A podcast for English Teachers, by English Teachers.Does handwriting still matter in a digital world, especially for multilingual learners? This week, we're joined by Dr. Cheryl Lundy Swift, award-winning educational leader and literacy expert, for a conversation about handwriting, literacy, and multilingual language development.Dr. Swift serves as Professional Learning Director at Learning Without Tears, where her work centers on handwriting, structured literacy, and language development. She has led curriculum development for literacy programs across North America, hosts the Literacy Matters podcast, and works closely with educators to bring practical, research-backed strategies into the classroom.In this episode, Dr. Swift unpacks why handwriting remains a powerful tool for literacy and memory, how writing development connects to broader language acquisition, and what ESL teachers should understand about supporting multilingual students whose literacy journeys may not follow a traditional path. It's a thoughtful, practical conversation for any teacher working to support reading, writing, and long-term student success in a multilingual classroom.🎧 New episodes drop regularly. Subscribe so you never miss one!🚀 Listen to all episodes at esltalk.ca🌟 Connect with us on Instagram: @esltalkpodcast📧 Want to be a guest or have a question? Reach us at: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️ ESL Talk: Season 9, Episode 4 🎙️A podcast for English Teachers, by English Teachers.How do you design lessons that truly work for every learner in the room? This week, we're joined by Mehdi Hajizadeh — an English instructor with over 25 years of experience across EFL, ESL, ELA, LINC, ESP, EAP, and multi-level EAL programs for a deeply practical conversation about accessibility, neurodiversity, and inclusive lesson design in the ESL classroom.Mehdi brings a wealth of expertise in curriculum development, academic coaching, and K–12 tutoring, with a career built around tailoring instruction to diverse learner needs across academic, workplace, and community contexts. In this episode, he unpacks how teachers can apply principles of universal design, metacognition, and inclusive practice to rethink the way they structure routines, deliver instructions, design activities, and approach assessment, all without adding more to their already full plates.Whether you're teaching a multi-level class, supporting neurodiverse learners, or simply looking for smarter ways to reach more students, this episode will give you fresh perspectives and actionable strategies you can bring straight to your classroom.Connect with Mehdi: Email: [email protected]/YouTube:www.youtube.com/@EnglishWithMeAndUncleMehdi | www.youtube.com/@mehdihajizadeh7761 🎧 New episodes drop regularly: subscribe so you never miss one!🚀 Listen to all episodes at esltalk.ca 🌟 Connect with us on Instagram: @esltalkpodcast 📧 Want to be a guest or have a question? Reach us at: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️ ESL Talk — Season 9, Episode 3 🎙️A podcast for English Teachers, by English Teachers.Online tutoring has never been more exciting — or more overwhelming. With new tools launching every week, how do you know which ones are actually worth your time? This week, Daniel and Fey dig into the tools they love (and the ones that didn't quite make the cut) before sitting down with a very special guest: Yan Weng, founder of HiClass, a brand-new AI-powered tutoring management system that's making waves in the online tutoring world.Yan is also the creator of Fun Class, a platform built with young learners in mind, and brings a wealth of experience at the intersection of language education and EdTech. In this episode, we explore what makes a great online tutoring tool, how AI is reshaping the way tutors manage and deliver lessons, and what HiClass is doing differently for ESL and EFL educators working online.Whether you're a full-time online tutor or just starting to build your virtual classroom, this episode is packed with practical insights and honest takes on the tools that are shaping the future of English-language tutoring.Get started for free at hiclass.app or get 25% off any paid plan with the Promo code ESLTALK25🎧 New episodes drop regularly — subscribe so you never miss one!🚀 Listen to all episodes at esltalk.ca 🌟Connect with us on Instagram: @esltalkpodcast 📧Want to be a guest or have a question? Reach us at: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️ ESL Talk — Season 9, Episode 2 🎙️A podcast for English Teachers, by English Teachers.What happens when a professional cartoonist steps into the ESL classroom? Pure magic. This week, we're joined by Wayne Logue, a freelance cartoonist of over 35 years, ESL teacher, and the creative mind behind Wordtoons, for a conversation about the power of creativity and visual learning in language education.Wayne has spent decades bringing ideas to life through cartoons, illustrations, and animations for books, posters, and websites. But for the past 12 years, he's been channeling that same creativity into ESL classrooms across Korea, Cambodia, and China.In this episode, Wayne shares how visual learning can transform the way students engage with English, why creativity is an underused superpower in language teaching, and how you can start incorporating illustrations and visual storytelling into your own lessons — no artistic talent required!If you've ever wanted to make your ESL classroom more dynamic, engaging, and memorable, this episode is for you.Connect with Wayne:Website: Wordtoons.netEmail: [email protected]: youtube.com/wordtoons🎧 New episodes drop regularly — subscribe so you never miss one! 🚀 Listen to all episodes at esltalk.ca 🌟Connect with us on Instagram: @esltalkpodcast 📧 Want to be a guest or have a question? Reach us at: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️ ESL Talk is Back! - Season 9, Episode 1: Assessment in the age of AI🎙️Season 9 kicks off with a conversation you won't want to miss! We're sitting down with Beth Konomoto to tackle one of the most pressing topics in English language education today: assessment in the age of AI.How do you assess students fairly and meaningfully when AI tools are just a click away?Beth brings her expertise and experience to unpack what AI means for ESL and EFL classrooms, how teachers can rethink their assessment approaches, and practical strategies you can start using right now. Whether you're overwhelmed by the pace of change or curious about how to embrace it, this episode will leave you with fresh ideas and renewed confidence in the classroom.This is the kind of honest, practical conversation that ESL teachers everywhere are having, and we're bringing it straight to your ears.🎧 New episodes drop every Wednesday: Subscribe so you never miss one!🚀 Listen to all episodes at esltalk.ca🌟 Connect with us on Instagram: @esltalkpodcast📧 Want to be a guest or have a question? Reach us at: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.