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Claudia Tumba

From Rhythm to Fluency: Rap in EFL

Audience focus:

• Teachers of young learners
• Teachers of adolescent learners
• Teachers of adult learners
• Teacher trainers

Abstract

Rap is more than entertainment. Its rhythm, rhyme, and storytelling make it a powerful tool for teaching pronunciation, fluency, and learner confidence. This interactive workshop explores how rap can be used in structured, practical ways to support stress, rhythm, linking, and intonation while encouraging creativity and critical thinking.
Participants will experience simple, classroom-ready activities that transform short texts, dialogues, and stories into manageable raps. Clear templates and step-by-step scaffolding will be shared so that teachers can confidently guide learners through writing and performing their own short pieces. The session also introduces accessible digital tools such as rhyme websites, instrumental generators, and recording apps that support drafting, rehearsal, and reflection without overwhelming the lesson.
Suitable for primary, secondary, university, and adult contexts, this workshop offers adaptable strategies for both low-tech and tech-rich classrooms. Participants will leave with ready-to-use routines and practical ideas that can be implemented immediately to increase engagement and help learners speak more naturally and confidently.

Biography

Claudia Tumba is a passionate EFL instructor who transitioned from law to education after relocating to South Korea. With over a decade of teaching experience, she has worked across diverse settings, including universities, teacher-training programmes, and after-school academies. Claudia is committed to innovative and student-centred pedagogy, creating materials such as Sounds Clear and developing rap-based approaches to improve pronunciation, rhythm, and learner confidence. She also integrates storytelling, drama, and digital tools to make language learning more engaging for all ages. Recently, she published her first bilingual children’s books, aimed at supporting early literacy and celebrating Korean culture. Claudia continues to explore creative methods that empower learners and teachers alike.