Page 5 - ELG2111 Nov Issue 478

WELCOME . EDITORS’ LETTER

When language sounds like music

Learning another tongue is easier if it comes
through a tune theteam

Did you know that hearing words as melodies, as opposed to simply staccato sounds, can affect how MELANIE BUTLER,
well someone can learn to speak an additional language? Researchers in Europe have been studying editor-in-chief,
this phenomenon with some fascinating results – and you don’t even have to have any musical started teaching EFL in
Iran in 1975. She worked
talent to have this advantage. Read all about it on page 8. for the BBC World Service,
As the world (mostly) continues on its journey back to normal – or, more precisely, the Pearson/Longman and
new normal – face-to-face teaching is slowly returning. Sometimes this comes in the form of MET magazine before
‘blended’ teaching, mixing online lessons with those in the classroom, a method which looks set taking over at the Gazette in 1987 and
to continue. This affects not just English language learners, but those who aspire to teach them. also launching Study Travel magazine.
Will they also be taught online? And, if they’ll be delivering lessons online, what additional skills Educated in 10 schools in seven countries,
she speaks fluent French and Spanish, and
will they need? rather rusty Italian.
This is just one of the issues we look at in our special teacher training supplement, which melanie@elgazette.com
begins on page 15. We also delve into the pros and cons of post-graduate study, including
both Master’s degrees and the international LIZ GRANIRER,
If you’re considering Post-Graduate Certificate of Education editor, has edited for
(iPGCE). If you’re considering your next parenting, travel and kids’
your next step, these step, these must-reads can help you magazines, writes for a
number of print and online
decide which direction your teaching
publications, and has
must-reads can help career will take. worked on a range of
In other news, we cover the impact of
well-known consumer and
you decide which China’s new legislation on out-of-school contract magazines.
editor@elgazette.com
tuition and who can offer lessons. It’s not only
direction your teaching altering the fate of English language teachers GILL RAGSDALE,
who might previously have worked with
students there, but the students themselves, research news reporter,
career will take who are increasingly looking to further their has a PhD in Evolutionary
education overseas. See pages 12 and 13. Anthropology from
Cambridge and teaches
We also look at the interesting results of this year’s EF tests, which seem to be telling us that – Psychology with the Open
very unusually – males are outdoing females in English language acquisition. We’re as surprised as University. She also holds
you are – but can we trust the findings? Turn to page 7 to find out. an RSA-Cert TEFL. Gill has taught EFL in
the UK, Turkey, Egypt and to refugees in
Finally, two educators share their views on what really works in the classroom and what should the Calais ‘Jungle’ in France. She currently
be left at the door. This essential read is on page 26 and will definitely provide food for thought, teaches English to refugees in the UK.
as well as tactics and practices you may want to borrow. And, if you’re looking for inspiration,
take a look at our latest book review on page 29. Its author is clear that a tried-and-tested and CHARLOTTE DYASON,
too often neglected method should be a regular part of every class. See if you agree. senior sales, a graduate
of Canterbury and
LIZ GRANIER, EDITOR experienced education
marketer, Charlotte has a
wealth of expertise and
knowledge to assist with
PHOTO BY SHUTTERSTOCK info@elgazette.com, tel 020 3137 9119.
promotional campaigns.

IAN CARTER,
publisher, has a
Masters in Strategic
Business Management
(Westminster) and
30 years’ publishing
experience in the
professional and academic sector.
elgazette@media-shed.co.uk,
tel 020 3475 6811.

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Copyright 2021. ISSN 1368-2628.00

We take a look at the changing face of Chinese tutoring
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