John Hughes Interview: Master ELT Materials Writer

August 8, 2024


ELT Under The Covers Podcast Interview #26 with John Hughes. @JohnHughesELT is an award-winning ELT author with thirty years of experience in teaching and teacher training. He is the author of the coursebook series Life for National Geographic Learning, the methodology book Critical Thinking in ELT, A Practical Introduction to Teacher Training in ELT, and numerous more.

The best way to contact John is on Linkedin at linkedin.com/in/johnhugheselt

#JohnHughesELT #MaterialsWriter #CoursebookWriter
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Video Chapters:
Chapter 1: Introduction
00:00 – 00:14

Chapter 2: Early Career and Inspiration
00:15 – 04:00

John’s teacher origin story
Transition from a different career to teaching
Volunteer teaching with refugees in London

Chapter 3: Teaching and Developing Materials
04:01 – 08:00

First teaching job in Poland
Developing interest in creating teaching materials
Experiences in teaching business English and working with companies

Chapter 4: Authentic Materials and Teaching Methods
08:01 – 12:00

Use of authentic materials in teaching
Evolution of teaching methodologies in ESP and Business English

Chapter 5: Teaching Refugees and Asylum Seekers
12:01 – 16:00

Discussion on teaching refugees and asylum seekers
Challenges with outdated curriculum and exams

Chapter 6: International Teaching Experiences
16:01 – 20:00

Teaching in the US and differences with the UK system
Observations on diversity and inclusion in US educational materials

Chapter 7: Transition to Course Book Writing
20:01 – 24:00

Initial experiences with course book writing
Collaboration with publishers and development of writing skills
Chapter 8: Writing for Different Audiences
24:01 – 28:00

Challenges of writing for a global audience
Importance of teacher feedback and collaboration

Chapter 9: Materials Writing and Teacher Training
28:01 – 32:00

Running a training course in materials writing
Importance of understanding teaching methodologies and materials development

Chapter 10: National Geographic Learning Collaboration
32:01 – 36:00

Collaboration with National Geographic Learning
Use of authentic images and videos in course books

Chapter 11: The Role of Generative AI in Materials Production
36:01 – 40:00

Discussion on the impact of generative AI on materials writing
Ethical concerns and future outlook

Chapter 12: Conclusion
40:01 – End

Final thoughts and reflections on teaching and materials writing
Closing remarks and thank yous
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Check out more:
✔ Teacher Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXsBOoTKZz76OWuCuYZnCQRJfjWtrTrKC

✔ Explanation, Analysis & Example of Teaching Methods here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXsBOoTKZz75i6auCa17LUt2k_JAOQLkr

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