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Donatella Fitzgerald is a teacher, teacher trainer, and trained to teach the MISP Mindfulness in Schools Project (from pre-school to teens) and has completed Module 1 on the Teacher Training Pathway with the Mindfulness Network in collaboration with Bangor University. Her specialist interest areas are Extensive Reading Projects, CLIL, Citizenship, Mindfulness, Plurilingualism and Artificial Intelligence in Education. ÌýIn her current role as ELL Consultant at ɫèAV in Italy she works with teachers and students every day to find solutions to help them achieve their teaching and learning goals. In 2024, she was awarded an MBE (Member of the British Empire) in the King’s Birthday Honours List for Services to English Education and Youth Engagement.

The first weeks back at school after a break can be both exciting and overwhelming. It’s a time of new beginnings, fresh challenges, and opportunities for growth. Prioritizing wellbeing during this period is crucial for a smooth transition and long-term success. Students may be feeling anxious and unsettled due to starting a new school year, or even a new school. In today's fast-paced academic environment, maintaining mental, emotional, and physical health is more crucial than ever. Here are some tips to help your students stay balanced and thrive throughout the school year.

Learning a new language can be an incredibly rewarding experience, opening doors to new cultures, enhancing career opportunities and providing cognitive benefits. However, many myths about language learning can discourage potential learners or lead them astray. Today, we're debunking seven common language learning myths to help you on your linguistic journey.

Myth 1: "You need to start young to be fluent"

Truth:

It's never too late to learn a new language. While children may pick up accents and intonation more easily, adults often have the advantage of better-developed cognitive skills and life experiences that can aid in understanding complex grammar and vocabulary. Numerous studies have shown that adults can achieve fluency with dedication and the right learning strategies.

Myth 2: "You have to live in a country to learn the language"

Truth:

Thanks to technology, you can immerse yourself in a new language without leaving your home. Tools like language learning apps, online courses, virtual tutors and even social media can provide ample opportunities for practice and immersion. Living in a country where the language is spoken can be beneficial, but it is not a necessity.

Myth 3: "You must be naturally gifted to learn languages"

Truth:

Language learning is less about innate talent and more about consistent practice and effective methods. Anyone can learn a new language with the right mindset and resources. Persistence, motivation and using varied learning techniques can significantly enhance your ability to learn.

Myth 4: "It's all about memorizing vocabulary"

Truth:

While vocabulary is essential, language learning involves much more than rote memorization. Understanding grammar, practicing speaking and listening, and getting a feel for cultural nuances are equally important. Engaging in conversations, reading and writing in the language can make the learning process more holistic and enjoyable.

Myth 5: "You can't learn multiple languages at once"

Truth:

Learning multiple languages simultaneously is possible, though it does require careful planning and organization. The key is to manage your time effectively and ensure that you are not overwhelming yourself. Using different methods and tools for each language can help keep them distinct in your mind.

Myth 6: "Watching movies and listening to music doesn't count as learning"

Truth:

Consuming media in your target language can be an excellent way to improve your listening skills and cultural understanding. Movies, TV shows, music and podcasts expose you to natural language usage, slang and colloquial expressions that textbooks may not cover. It's a fun and engaging complementary method to more formal study.

Myth 7: "If you can't speak perfectly, don't try"

Truth:

Perfectionism can be a significant barrier to language learning. Making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process. The more you practice speaking, the more confident and proficient you'll become. Focus on communication rather than perfection, and don't be afraid to make errors—they're your stepping stones to fluency.

Conclusion

By debunking these myths, we hope to encourage more people to take up the challenge of learning a new language. Remember, the most important factors are consistency, practice and a willingness to learn from mistakes.

Ready to tackle a new language? Start today and immerse yourself in the endless possibilities that come with being multilingual. Explore the benefits with our post, 'Being bilingual can help keep your brain in good condition'.

We are celebrating teaching excellence around the world through the ɫèAV English Teacher Awards 2024.Ìý

Open to all types of English language educator, the 15 lucky global winners will take home thousands of pounds of prizes, from trips to conferences to the latest language learning software for their school.Ìý

Nominating an educator for the ɫèAV English Teacher Awards is simple. All applications are made via the awards entry page, and you have 600-1000 words to tell us how your nominee builds learners’ confidence to be themselves in English.Ìý

Here are our top tips to make the most of every word and ensure your entry is top of the class.Ìý

Application tips

1. Make it category specificÌý

One of the core judging criteria is how well an application matches the category description.Ìý

Educators can be nominated in one of five different categories:Ìý

1. Teaching Young Minds English
2. Empowering Teen Confidence in English
3. Cultivating Lifelong Learners in EnglishÌý
4. Innovation in English Language TeachingÌý
5. Rising Stars of English Language TeachingÌý

Tailoring your answer to the category description will make sure our judges understand exactly why your nominee is the perfect winner.Ìý

For a detailed description of each of the categories, take a look at our recent blog post.

2. Focus on confidence

Learning a language isn’t just about knowing the vocabulary or understanding the grammar; it’s about having the confidence to go out there and use your newfound skills to unlock a world of opportunities.Ìý

But feeling confident in something you’re still learning is hard. Anyone that’s learnt a language has experienced those dips in motivation and confidence when you come across a topic that doesn’t come naturally to you.Ìý

That’s where a great teacher can make all the difference. The right support and encouragement combined with innovative teaching techniques can help learners protect and even build their confidence in challenging moments.Ìý

That confidence is what transforms language learning from just communicating to feeling able to really be yourself in English. And when you’re able to do that, great opportunities come your way.Ìý

Our judges are looking for nominations that understand the connection between confidence and self-expression and the impact that can have on learners’ lives.Ìý

3. Demonstrate your impact

Including relevant data and examples in your application will help judges understand the impact your nominee has had.Ìý

This might include data such as internal or external test results, as well as how those results have changed during that teacher’s tenure.Ìý

Evidence doesn’t have to mean numbers. Judges also welcome anecdotes and examples that describe the impact an educator has had on learners’ confidence.Ìý

The judging process

Nominations can be submitted between 15th August and midnight (CST) on 1st November 2024.Ìý

After that date, all entries will be reviewed and a shortlist submitted to our expert judges.Ìý

There are two to three judges for each category who will independently review and shortlist nominees before collectively awarding a Gold, Silver, and Bronze winner in their category.Ìý

Shortlisted entries will be contacted by our team and announced at the ɫèAV Teacher Awards ceremony on November 21st 2024.Ìý

Meet the judges

From Argentina to Algeria, Italy to Germany, ɫèAV English Teacher Award 2024 judges come from all over the world.Ìý

Many have years of ELT teaching experience, as well as expertise from academia and business.Ìý

Here are just three of our expert judges:Ìý

• Belgin Elmas: Head of the English Language Teaching Department at TED University in Ankara, Belgin is a professor with more than 34 years of teaching experience.Ìý
• Dr Silvia Minardi: President of Lingua e Nuova Didattica and Vice President of Aermigo. Dr Minardi has extensive experience in CLIL training, collaborating with the ECML and the Council of Europe.
• Dr Renata Condi: An experienced teacher, development professional, and course book author, Dr Condi holds a PhD and MA in Applied Linguistics and an MBA in School Management.Ìý

The prizes

With a Gold, Silver, and Bronze winner in each of the five categories, there are 15 chances for educators and their schools to win.Ìý

Gold winners will receive a trip to a regional professional conference, including flight and hotel, as well as up to £500 in credit for professional development.Ìý

Their school will win annual licenses to top language learning app, Mondly by ɫèAV as well as a course, assessment, and certification bundle valued at £1000Ìý

Silver and Bronze winners will take home top prizes too, with £250 in credit towards their professional development and up to 500 Mondly by ɫèAV licenses for their school to continue their good work building learners’ confidence in English.Ìý