James Taylor Plenary Speaker

Imagination, Originality & ELT

Abstract

I feel excited and honoured to be returning to Belgium for the tenth anniversary of BELTA, and I can’t wait for this event.
It feels only right to celebrate, so that’s what I intend to do with a talk that embraces what makes our profession imaginative and original. When English language teaching is at its best, creativity is at the heart of what happens. There are plenty of reasons for us to promote inspiration in our learners, but in this talk, I’m going to celebrate the inherent creativity in our profession.
Inspired by my own experiences as a materials writer, I will look at the lessons we can take from other creative people to not only recognise and embrace this essential element of our work, but to find ways to develop it in ourselves and our teachers.

Biography

James Taylor is a materials writer & teacher trainer. He’s been nominated for an ELTON Award three times, winning for Our Languages (FTD Educaçao), which was awarded for Excellence in Course Innovation in 2021. He co-founded the Raise Up! Project, encouraging diversity in ELT materials, is leader of BRAZ-TESOL MAWSIG, & a committee member of IATEFL TDSIG.

James was one of the co-founders of BELTA and BELTA's first president.

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