Beyond Words

  In the digital age, the contrast between social media writing and academic writing has become an essential topic for educators. While both are forms of communication, they differ significantly in tone, structure, and purpose. This article explores how teachers can navigate these differences, offering strategies to make writing lessons more engaging by blending the brevity and accessibility of social media with the depth and rigor of academic writing. It also examines how each form of writing can learn from the other to improve both clarity and credibility. For more, read the full article here .

  In a school setting, effective mentoring is essential for the professional growth of language teachers. This article explores the best practices for mentoring, emphasizing the importance of clear objectives, a collaborative learning environment, ongoing feedback, and the development of a supportive and trusting relationship. By focusing on these key strategies, mentors can help language teachers enhance their skills, improve classroom management, and stay motivated in their careers. Read more about how to establish a successful mentoring process for language educators here .

  Understanding group dynamics is essential for effective teaching and training. In our latest article on the CPD website, we explore key insights from Rupert Brown’s Group Processes and how they apply to educational settings. From the influence of social norms to the impact of leadership styles, this piece examines how group interactions shape learning experiences. Whether you're a teacher, trainer, or facilitator, these findings can help you create a more engaging and collaborative learning environment. Read the full article to discover how group dynamics can enhance—or hinder—educational success.

Can skills you learn in one context be successfully transferred to another? Now, more than ever, having an attractive professional profile is key. Whether you need to refresh your LinkedIn profile and your CV, make sure you showcase your skills. During Covid, many took online courses to explore new horizons or simply to stay active. The question is: When choosing a course, do you consider how transferable are the skills that you will learn?   First of all, what are transferable skills? “Transferable skills are exactly what they sound like: the skills that you use in every job, no matter the title or the field. Some transferable skills are “hard,” like coding or data analysis, and some are “soft,” skills like communication and relationship building. [1] ” The most common transferable skills that employers find desirable are:     Let us consider what skills people who attend a teacher training course leave with. For example, during a TAFL course (Teaching Arabic ...

  8 classroom activities to teach your students how to approach challenge and pressure with positivity In this article I will explain how these 8 simple activities, if included in your lessons, can help your students develop long-term strategies to cope with challenge and pressure. Let’s see how we can develop positivity and a proactive approach to pressure in our students.   The past 2 years forced educators to look further afield for different tools to engage and support students. I took inspiration from Terry Orlick’s work “In Pursuit of Excellence”: Terry Orlick is an internationally acclaimed sport psychologist, who helped hundreds of Olympic and professional athletes maximise their performances and achieve their goals. Why is mindset for learning important? Mental skills help students when facing challenges like learning new things or performing under pressure during an exam. All students are required to learn a set of knowledge during their studies; including ...

Becoming a stepmom at 43 was a life-changing experience, bringing with it a whirlwind of joy, nervousness, and countless questions. I remember meeting my two stepdaughters, Nour, then 14, and Ganna, 11, in Cairo after their father proposed to me. I was so eager to connect with them but also worried—Would they like me? Would I fit into their world? That trip to Makadi Bay marked the beginning of our journey together as ONE FAMILY , a diverse unit blending four nationalities, three languages, and two religions. Navigating this new family dynamic taught us all invaluable lessons in adaptability, empathy, and resilience—skills that I see now as vital “ soft skills ” for life. Embracing Adaptability When I joined their lives, Nour and Ganna welcomed me with warm smiles and open arms. As we adjusted to each other, we all learned to let go of assumptions and adapt to new family rules and routines. This flexibility allowed us to thrive as a blended family, showing me the power of adaptability....