TEFL Unlocked
Episodes
Teaching every mind: Neurodiversity in the classroom
01 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore how to support neurodiverse learners in ESL classrooms. Discover practical strategies like structured lessons, multi-sen...
Peer observation: Learning from other teachers
25 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Stuck in your teaching routine? This episode explores how observing fellow teachers can spark new ideas, improve classroom techniques, and help you gr...
AI and English teaching: Using AI without losing the human touch
18 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Curious about how AI can fit into your English lessons? Luan and Mairead explore how AI can save planning time, spark creativity, and personalise le...
Engaging teen learners – Part 2
11 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this follow-up episode, Luan and Mairead share practical, low-prep speaking activities for teens at every level. Discover simple classroom tasks ...
Engaging teen learners – Part 1
04 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Struggling to keep teens motivated in your English lessons? Luan and Mairead reveal top strategies for making lessons relevant, interactive, and fun –...
The 5-stage reading lesson that actually works
25 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this practical episode of TEFL Unlocked, Luan and Mairead break down the 5 stages of an effective reading lesson — from warmer to follow-on speak...
Why reading aloud is ineffective in TEFL
18 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Luan and Mairead discuss the common practice of reading aloud in TEFL classrooms. They argue against its effectiveness, highlighting ...
Your questions answered — More of what new TEFL teachers want to know
11 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Your Questions Answered — More of What New TEFL Teachers Want to Knowblurb: New to TEFL? Join Luan and Mairead as they tackle the most common quest...
Using songs in the ESL classroom: Activities that work
04 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Turn songs into learning tools! Luan and Mairead share practical ways to teach listening, vocabulary, grammar, and speaking — all through music, to ...
Mistakes teachers make when teaching grammar
28 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Grammar lessons can be tricky, even for experienced teachers. In this episode, Luan and Mairead explore common mistakes—over-explaining, correctin...
The language teaching toolkit with Dr Andy Goldhawk
21 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of TEFL Unlocked, Luan talks to Dr Andy Goldhawk about his new book, The Language Teaching Toolkit, and how it supports teachers at...
Recognising and overcoming your teaching saboteurs
14 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of TEFL Unlocked, Luan and Mairead explore the saboteurs that can hold teachers back. From the Critic to the Perfectionist, discover p...
Pre-class nerves? 8 strategies to teach Calmly and confidently
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
First-class nerves are real — whether it’s your first lesson ever or a new class. In this episode, Luan and Mairead share eight practical strategi...
Reflecting on TEFL in 2025: What shaped the year
31 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of TEFL Unlocked, Luan and Mairead reflect on TEFL in 2025. From the rise of online and hybrid teaching to microlearning, teacher upsk...
10 Reasons to do your TEFL straight after high school
24 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of TEFL Unlocked, Luan and Mairead explore ten reasons to start your TEFL journey straight after high school. As an internationally re...
10 Reasons to do your TEFL straight after high school
24 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of TEFL Unlocked, Luan and Mairead explore ten reasons to start your TEFL journey straight after high school. As an internationally re...
8 Low-Prep tasks for exam preparation students
17 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of TEFL Unlocked, Luan and Mairead share eight low-prep, classroom-ready tasks that work seamlessly for both Cambridge Main Suite and ...
10 Simple ways to keep young learners engaged online
10 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of TEFL Unlocked, Luan and Mairead share 10 practical tips to keep young learners engaged in online English lessons. From games and ...
Mastering classroom management techniques
03 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Tefl Unlocked, hosts Luan and Mairead delve into the essential topic of classroom management, discussing various techniques and str...
From general English to exam preparation
26 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The conversation explores the journey of teaching English, focusing on the transition from general English classrooms to the specialized field of exam...
International TEFL Day: Discover what's possible
19 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join Luan and Mairead as they explore the upcoming International TEFL Day 2025! Discover free CPD opportunities, expert panels, and interactive sessio...
Lesson planning on a budget
12 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this conversation, Luan and Mairead discuss practical strategies for lesson planning on a budget, emphasising the use of everyday materials, DIY re...
From fast food to the classroom: Lucas's TEFL journey
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of TEFL Unlocked, host Luan sits down with Lucas — a TEFL-certified teacher who made an inspiring career shift from the restaurant i...
5 Go-to activities for 1-to-1 lessons
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join Luan and Mairead as they share five flexible activities perfect for 1-to-1 lessons, whether online or face-to-face. These ideas are designed to h...
1-to-1 vs Group classes: Five key differences
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From solo sessions to buzzing classrooms, Luan and Mairead explore five key ways 1-to-1 and group teaching really differ—and how teachers can adapt,...
Is online teaching right for you?
15 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Luan and Mairead explore the realities of online teaching, weighing flexibility, independence, technology challenges, and isolation. They share insig...
5 TEFL Teacher Types: Which One Are You?
08 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, hosts Luan and Mairead break down five TEFL teacher types — Adventurer, Couch Commando, Digital Nomad, Career Climber, and Voluntee...
Unlocking student potential: How to improve English skills
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, hosts Luan and Mairead discuss practical strategies for English language teachers to help their students improve their language skill...
The silent key to language learning success
24 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, the hosts discuss the critical concept of processing time in language learning. They explore how processing time allows students to t...
Understanding student silence: A teacher's guide
17 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Luan and Mairead discuss the silent phase in language learning, a common experience for TEFL teachers, especially with beginners. The...
Engaging adult learners through games
03 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, host Luan discusses the significance of incorporating fun into adult learning environments. She shares eight engaging games designed ...
How getting TEFL certified changed my life
27 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Tefl Unlocked, host Luan speaks with Nancy about her transformative journey from being an accountant to becoming a TEFL teacher. Th...
The power of Language: Transforming lives through TEFL
20 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, hosts Luan and Mairead discuss the various ways TEFL teachers can give back to their communities. They explore opportunities to suppo...
The complete guide: Nailing your TEFL job interview
13 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Landing your dream TEFL job starts long before the first day in the classroom—it begins at the interview. In this episode, Luan and Mairead break do...
The TEFL Oscars: Celebrating teaching favorites
06 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, hosts Luan and Mairead share their favorite aspects of teaching English as a foreign language in a fun and engaging format inspired b...
Embracing change: TEFL for the mature teacher
30 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this uplifting episode, hosts Mairead and Luan explore the inspiring rise of individuals in their 40s, 50s, 60s — and beyond — who are embracin...
Conquering Interview nerves: Tips for success
23 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Luan and Mairead discuss essential tips for preparing for a TEFL job interview. They emphasize the importance of managing nerves, con...
Speak to your students: Writing a profile that resonates
16 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How do you stand out in a sea of online English teachers? It all starts with your profile, and in this episode, we’re joined once again by the amazi...
Go with the flow: Flexibility in the TEFL classroom
08 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, hosts Luan and Mairead take on one of the most essential (and often nerve-wracking) classroom skills: flexibility.From unexpected lat...
Teaching business English: What you really need to know
02 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Luan and Mairead are diving into the essentials of planning a solid Business English course — whether you’re teaching online, in-company, or stepp...
Mastering feedback in the TEFL classroom
25 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Luan and Mairead dive deep into one of the most essential—and delicate—aspects of teaching: giving effective feedback. From the right timing and t...
What you need to know before teaching abroad
18 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Thinking about packing your bags and teaching in a new country? 🌍 Before you hop on that plane, this episode dives into the must-know factors every...
The TEFL journey: From student to Teacher
11 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join hosts Luan and Mairead as they sit down with Kirsten, a seasoned TEFL teacher whose journey from psychology graduate to globe-trotting educator i...
The rise of business English: What you need to know
04 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Luan and Mairead dive into the rising demand for Business English. They unpack what it means, who can teach it, and what kinds of lea...
Engaging teens: Strategies for effective teaching
28 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Luan and Mairead dive into the art of teaching teenagers in the EFL classroom. They share practical strategies to build authentic connections, make le...
Unlocking coursebooks: Strategies for TEFL teachers
21 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Luan and Mairead discuss the challenges and strategies for adapting coursebooks in TEFL teaching. They emphasize the importance of pe...
Talk less, teach more: Mastering teacher talk time
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of TEFL Unlocked, hosts Luan and Mairead discuss the critical importance of keeping teacher talk time (TTT) concise in the classroom. ...
Fluency first: How teaching functions boosts speaking skills
07 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Tefl Unlocked, Luan and Mairead delve into the importance of teaching functions in language learning. They discuss how functions ar...
Read the room: Teaching mistakes you don’t want to repeat
30 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Tefl Unlocked, Luan shares a personal experience of one of her worst English lessons, focusing on the challenges faced while teachi...
Lessons beyond the classroom: Teaching, travel & living without regrets
23 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Tefl Unlocked, hosts Luan and Mairead share valuable life lessons learned from their teaching experiences. They discuss the importa...
Navigating interaction in online vs. face-to-face teaching
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Tefl Unlocked, hosts Luan and Mairead discuss the evolution of online teaching and its growing prominence compared to traditional f...
Teaching as a journey: How continuous learning transformed Nancy’s approach to ESL
09 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Tefl Unlocked, hosts Luan and Mairead interview Nancy, an experienced online English teacher from Johannesburg, South Africa. Nancy...
Why do adults learn English? The answer will change your teaching!
02 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of TEFL Unlocked, Luan and Mairead delve into the complexities of adult learners' motivations for attending English classes. They disc...
Insights from a TEFL recruitment expert
26 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Tefl Unlocked, hosts Luan and Mairead welcome Henri, an international recruitment consultant at The TEFL Academy, to discuss the cu...
Engaging students through effective speaking tasks
19 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of TEFL Unlocked, Luan and Mairead discuss the intricacies of planning and executing speaking tasks in the classroom. They emphasize t...
Overcoming writing challenges in the classroom
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of TEFL Unlocked, Luan and Mairead delve into the complexities of teaching writing in the classroom. They discuss common misconception...
Am I qualified to teach English? The truth about TEFL
06 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of TEFL Unlocked, hosts Luan and Mairead address common concerns aspiring English teachers face when considering a TEFL certification....
How to make listening lessons fun & effective!
26 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of TEFL Unlocked, Luan and Mairead discuss effective strategies for teaching listening skills to students. They share personal experie...
From confusion to comprehension: Teaching ESL listening skills
19 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Luan and Mairead discuss the challenges ESL students face in developing their listening skills. They explore various factors that con...
Accuracy vs. Fluency: Get the balance right in your lessons!
12 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of TEFL Unlocked, Luan and Mairead discuss the differences between controlled practice and freer practice within the context of a PPP ...
The art of eliciting: Engaging students in learning
05 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of TEFL Unlocked, Luan and Mairead explore effective strategies for teaching vocabulary in the language classroom. They discuss the i...
The power of words: Teaching vocabulary with impact
29 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Luan and Mairead delve into the significance of vocabulary in language learning. They discuss the concept of lexis, the importance of...
Mastering classroom control: Tips for every TEFL teacher
22 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of TEFL Unlocked, Luan and Mairead discuss common classroom management challenges English teachers face. They explore issues such as s...
Demonstrate, simplify, confirm: The keys to better teaching
15 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Luan and Mairead discuss the importance of giving clear and effective instructions in teaching. They explore strategies for simplify...
Reflecting on 2024 and looking forward to 2025
08 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of TEFL Unlocked, Luan and Mairead reflect on the significant changes in the TEFL landscape throughout 2024, discussing key trends suc...
Unlocking pronunciation: Helping ESL students speak with confidence
25 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of TEFL Unlocked, Luan and Mairead delve into the common pronunciation challenges ESL students face and effective strategies for teach...
Engaging young learners: The importance of fun
11 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Tefl Unlocked, hosts Luan and Mairead discuss effective strategies for engaging young learners in the classroom. They emphasize the...
Mastering grammar teaching: The PPP approach
04 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Luan and Mairead explore the intricacies of teaching grammar, focusing on the PPP lesson plan structure. They discuss the importance ...
Grammar Unlocked: How to make your words work for you.
27 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, the hosts discuss the complexities and importance of grammar in teaching English as a second language (ESL). They explore the fears ...
Common TEFL questions & concerns: Luan and Mairead tackle them
13 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Curious about TEFL but have some burning concerns holding you back? In this episode, Luan and Mairead address those questions. They cover topics such ...
7 benefits of being an EFL teacher & some not-so-obvious perks
06 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of TEFL Unlocked, Luan and Mairead dive into the surprising and rewarding world of EFL teaching. Beyond the travel and flexibility, th...
Classroom chaos: The delightful disasters that make teaching unforgettable
30 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we dive into the unpredictable and laugh-out-loud moments that every teacher knows too well. From surprise questions to tech breakdow...
Mastering classroom communication: Strategies for engaging every student
16 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we dive deep into one of the most essential aspects of effective teaching—communication. 🗣️ Whether you're a seasoned educat...
How to navigate your first lesson: What do to before, during & after
09 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we break down the entire experience of teaching your very first lesson! From the nerves and excitement before you step into the clas...
How to create a positive learning environment & build rapport with your students
02 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of TEFL Unlocked, hosts Luan and Mairead discuss the essential elements of creating a positive learning environment for students. They...
Career paths in TEFL: Luan & Mairead share their experiences
30 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Luan and Mairead have a combined 35 years of experience in the world of TEFL. They discuss their backgrounds and the various career options available ...