If you want to boost your skills in understanding your context, this is the perfect place to get started.
The free tools and resources below have been specially selected to help you:
- understand and reflect on your context at different levels, from your classroom within your school and community, to the education system within your country and the impact it has on teaching and learning
- understand why people learn English, their attitudes towards it and how this impacts your teaching, and consider the differences between using English for instruction and learning it as a subject
- identify and describe the possibilities and limitations for teaching and learning in your context (e.g. being creative and innovative with the available resources; identifying possibilities to exercise your own agency and decision making; identifying opportunities to work with other subject teachers and/or English language teachers).
There is no set order for the resources below. Choose what to do according to the time you have and the topics that are most interesting for you.
- Video: English-medium education and gender equality (3 minutes)
Does using English as the language of teaching and learning help keep girls in education in low- to middle-income contexts? This video gives a brief overview of the research into gender equality in education carried out by the Open University in secondary schools in two linguistically, culturally and ethnically diverse contexts, Nepal and Nigeria.
Click here to find out more about the research and download the report
- Video: English across the fracture lines (5 minutes)
Can English be helpful in building bridges between people in regions where there is instability or political challenges? This video outlines some of the stories and findings from a British Council publication exploring contexts in which English is being used and taught as a means of alleviating conflict. The book also provides recommendations on how all of us involved in ELT can promote participation in global dialogues through English, keeping hope alive in challenging times by promoting security, stability and peace.
- Article: Content-based instruction (10 minutes)
In this article, Nik Peachey explains what content-based instruction (CBI) is, gives an example of a CBI lesson and discusses the advantages and potential problems of this teaching approach.
- Article: CLIL: A lesson framework (10 minutes)
In this article, Steve Darn looks more closely at how content and integrated language learning (CLIL) is realised in the classroom and suggests a framework for planning CLIL lessons.
- Publication: On language teachers as agents of cultural relations (30 minutes)
This essay, commissioned by the British Council, recognises the important role that English teachers across the world play in their communities and education systems and the contribution they make to cultural relations. Pages 9–13 focus on 'agency' and give examples of language teachers' agency in official development assistance (ODA) contexts.
- Podcast: How can the ELT sector become fairer for all teachers? (30 minutes)
This podcast (series 2, episode 9) looks at some areas within the ELT sector in which significant improvements could be made in terms of fairness in working conditions, inclusion in the workplace and gender balance. Rachel Tsateri, a prominent advocate for the rights of non-native-speaking English teachers, draws on her own experience of being discriminated against.
- Webinar: Using resources that aren't textbooks (60 minutes)
In this webinar, Cecilia Nobre explores the Dogme teaching approach in English language teaching, which emphasises real-life conversations and uses authentic materials instead of textbooks. You will learn how to use everyday items and ideas from learners themselves to make learning more interesting and directly connected to their lives.
As you watch the webinar, make notes: which of these ideas could you use with your classes, and why?
After watching the webinar, share your answer to the discussion question in the comments section below.
If you watch the recording and comment on it, we'll be happy to send you the link to an attendance certificate for the session.
- Webinar: How can we develop as teachers? (60 minutes)
In this panel discussion, three teachers from around the world show you different ways that they connect with other teachers, take part in action research and take charge of their professional development.
Click here to watch all three webinars from the Developing as teachers mini-event
- Lesson plans (40–60 minutes)
Friendship (A1 level – primary)
In this creative lesson, learners are introduced to the International Day of Friendship (30 July) by reviewing vocabulary related to friendship, reading a short text about what makes a good friend and making classroom posters to celebrate friendship.
Too young to vote (B2 level – secondary)
In this reading and speaking lesson, learners talk about what it means to be an adult and what makes a good citizen as well as discuss the best age for young people to have political responsibility.
Too young to vote teaching materials
Other cultures (C1 level – adults)
In this discussion-based lesson, learners will be able to share their views and knowledge of other cultures. The speaking activity is based on themes from the British Council OPENCities project.
- Workbook: Understanding your context
If you want to develop further in Understanding your context, this workbook will help you take your skills to the next level. It's designed to help you create a regular learning habit and apply what you've learned in the classroom. You'll find an overview of the theme and recommended learning materials. You'll also find support to reflect on and personalise your learning. You can use the workbook in different ways – do what works for you! We hope you find it beneficial.
Click here to access the workbook