In the EFL classroom, it is essential to provide students with opportunities for enjoying authentic communication. What is authentic communication? It’s about asking questions that you really want to ask and saying what you really want to say, rather than memorization or role-plays. How can we, in the classroom context, create situations where students naturally feel like saying something or asking questions and enjoy conversing?

One effective way to make this happen is to set students up to exchange their opinions, or points of view, in English. Asserting an opinion is not a drill or a practice, it’s a form of authentic communication. Students need to think over and make judgements before they can express their thoughts at a level that matches the student’s own intellectual abilities, leading to deeper learning. In addition, many students enjoy expressing their points of view and finding out what other people think.

Some of you might be thinking, “Isn’t it too challenging for shy Japanese students?” Not at all. With appropriate teaching materials and methodology, even elementary students can experience the joy of exchanging their points of view in English. I have heard negative comments about Japanese students: that Japanese young people generally don’t have their own opinions or that they don’t like to differ from the peers. As far as I’m concerned, that’s not true. I know from my extensive experience teaching in Japan that Japanese students do like exchanging their points of view, are interested in what other people think, and, this may come as surprise, but they actually don’t hesitate to differ when they don’t agree with others. We just need to deploy the right techniques.

Here are some proven tips that help get your students talking:

1. Choose topics that are relevant and engaging
2. Present an unusual viewpoint
3. Give students tools to help with speaking

As the new school year begins, teachers have an opportunity to set the tone for inclusion, belonging and respect. With the right strategies and activities, you can ensure every student feels seen, heard and valued from the very first day. Embracing diversity isn’t just morally essential: it’s a proven pathway to deeper learning, greater engagement and a more equitable society (Gay, 2018).

Research consistently shows that inclusive classrooms foster higher academic achievement, improved social skills and increased self-esteem for all students (Banks, 2015). When students feel safe and respected, they are more likely to take risks, collaborate and reach their full potential.

Technology has radically changed the way people are able to access information and learn. As a result, there are a great number of tools to facilitate online language learning – an area that’s been the subject of many myths. Here we highlight (and debunk) some of the bigger ones…

Myth #1: You will learn more quickly

Although online learning tools are designed to provide ways to teach and support the learner, they won’t provide you with a shortcut to proficiency or bypass any of the key stages of learning. Although you may well be absorbing lots of vocabulary and grammar rules while studying in isolation, this isn’t a replacement for an environment in which you can immerse yourself in the language with English speakers. Such settings help you improve your speaking and listening skills and increase precision, because the key is to find opportunities to practise both – widening your use of the language rather than simply building up your knowledge of it.

Myth #2: It replaces learning in the classroom

With big data and AI increasingly providing a more accurate idea of their level, as well as a quantifiable idea of how much they need to learn to advance to the next level of proficiency, classroom learning is vital for supplementing classroom learning. And with the Global Scale of English providing an accurate measurement of progress, students can personalise their learning and decide how they’re going to divide their time between classroom learning and private study.

Myth #3: It can’t be incorporated into classroom learning

There are a huge number of ways that students and teachers can use the Internet in the classroom. Meanwhile, ɫèAV’s online courses and apps have a positive, measurable impact on your learning outcomes.

Myth #4: You can't learn in the workplace

Online language learning is ideally suited to the workplace and we must create the need to use the language and opportunities to practise it. A job offers one of the most effective learning environments: where communication is key and you’re frequently exposed to specialized vocabulary. Online language learning tools can flexibly support your busy schedule.

Myth #5: Online language learning is impersonal and isolating

A common misconception is that online language learning is a solitary journey, lacking the personal connection and support found in traditional classrooms. In reality, today’s digital platforms are designed to foster community and real interaction. With features like live virtual classrooms, discussion forums and instant feedback, learners can connect with peers and educators around the world, building skills together.