Page 5 - ELG2402 Feb Issue 488

WELCOME . EDITOR’S LETTER

The power of reading

Can we settle the debate on the best way
to teach bilingual children to read? theteam

Happy (belated) new year! MELANIE BUTLER,
For us at the Gazette, this year is a time of positive change! In 2024, we will be upgrading to six editor-in-chief,
issues, which means you can expect even more amazing articles, comments, and reviews from your started teaching EFL in
Iran in 1975. She worked
peers and colleagues in the ELT sector! Of course, you’ll still find some familiar content – including for the BBC World Service,
our famous rankings and research – alongside some fresh faces and special features. Pearson/Longman and
Starting the year strong, this issue is focused on reading, with a plethora of industry specialists MET magazine before
weighing in on the topic. On page 8, you will find our usual research news is centred on phonics, taking over at the Gazette in 1987 and
looking at all the evidence in the ‘reading wars’. also launching Study Travel magazine.
Phonics is also the focus on pages 26 to 29, as experts Educated in 10 schools in seven countries,
she speaks fluent French and Spanish, and
How can we use in literacy and education discuss the socio-cultural rather rusty Italian.
barriers to reading and the use of phonics with bilingual
melanie@elgazette.com
the controversial learners. How can we use the controversial teaching LAUREN BILLINGS,
method effectively, if at all?
teaching method But, when it comes right down to it, how do we make editor, has a Masters
reading fun? Well, Dr Willy Renandya and Dr George in Publishing from
effectively, if at all? Jacobs believe the answer may lie with graded readers. the University of
Roehampton. She
Don’t groan just yet! Consider their defence over on previously taught English
page 30. in Japan, and speaks
Meanwhile, on page 12, we have an exclusive interview with the Head of EdTech Innovation conversational Japanese.
at the British Council, Adam Edmett. We’ll be asking all about his work with disadvantaged editor@elgazette.com
communities, and what the future may hold for EdTech. Plus, have a look at page 14 for our
extensive list of this year’s events in teaching and business. GILL RAGSDALE,
Last, but most certainly not least, we’re looking ahead to summer in our Special Supplement! research news reporter,
This year, we’re asking who are the best schools to attend and to work for. Head over to page 17 has a PhD in Evolutionary
Anthropology from
to find out who has come out on top! Cambridge and teaches
All this and more in your EL Gazette! Psychology with the Open
University. She also holds
LAUREN BILLINGS, EDITOR an RSA-Cert TEFL. Gill has taught EFL in
the UK, Turkey, Egypt and to refugees in
the Calais ‘Jungle’ in France. She currently
teaches English to refugees in the UK.

CHARLOTTE DYASON,
senior sales, a graduate
of Canterbury and
experienced education
marketer, Charlotte has a
wealth of expertise and
knowledge to assist with
promotional campaigns.
info@elgazette.com, tel 020 3137 9119.

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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Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in
EL Gazette editorially or by contributors
do not necessarily represent the official
view of EL Gazette or Media Shed Ltd,
nor is either responsible for claims
expressed or implied in advertising.
EL Gazette is published under licence
by Media Shed Ltd and all reproduction
rights are strictly reserved. Copyright 2023.
ISSN 1368-2628.00
Where are you going this summer?
editorial@elgazette.com 5