Is Shakespeare relevant to modern audiences?

My grade 6 students are writing a speech drawing on our analysis of some of Shakespeare’s famous speeches. Here is my example: Is Shakespeare relevant in the world today? I might just as well ask if you prick Shylock, doth he not bleed? Doth a bear not poop in the woods? In short, you do … Read more

Appreciating Shakespeare

This page provides space for my current English Language and Literature students (and anybody else who might want to join in) to discuss their studies of Shakespeare. Think of it as an online Student-Led Seminar 🙂 Welcome to this online Shakespeare Discussion Corner! 🎭 Hello, fellow Shakespeare enthusiasts! 🌟 Whether you’re diving into the enchanting world … Read more

Converting the Discussion Skills Assessment Score to an IB Score

This article reports on the addition of two further columns to the Discussion Skills Assessment (DSA) instrument: Columns L and M as shown in the screenshot below. I have been using the DSA to assess my IB MYP English Language and Literature (ELL) students during student-led seminar discussions in class. My previous research (Clark & … Read more

Discussion Skills Assessment (DSA) and the Student-Led Seminars Approach

This page introduces my work on the development of the Discussion Skills Assessment (DSA) instrument and its current status at the time of writing. Historical Development and Rationale The student-led seminar approach I have been pioneering in different educational contexts was first inspired by a student-led seminar activity that formed part of the University of … Read more

Worst children’s jobs in history

The British Empire was very big. At its peak, it included a quarter of the world’s population. What was it like for children who lived in the British Empire? This page shares some interesting facts about the terrible jobs children did in those days.   The following pages are from Sir Tony Robinson’s book The … Read more

Targeting ALT Skills of mindfulness and focus with Grade 6

This article is the original version that I submitted for publication by the school. I edited the school publication significantly before it was published. Introduction Over the past five years, I have worked mostly with undergraduates and postgraduates in UK universities and high school students undertaking foundation year or IELTS preparation programmes in China. On … Read more