EFL Professor in SL

  An AI-generated image illustrating a scene from Toshikazu Kawaguchi’s "Before the Coffee Gets Cold." Pairing such images with text can bring abstract scenes to life for learners. Ever thought of spicing up reading time by pairing book excerpts with AI-generated images ? Picture this: your students read a vivid scene from a novel, then instantly see it illustrated as if plucked from their imagination. In this post, we’ll explore how combining text and AI-created visuals can supercharge language development – improving comprehension and vocabulary, ramping up engagement, and prompting deeper critical thinking. We’ll also share practical classroom ideas for teachers and learners to try out, all in an approachable, down-to-earth way.  Better Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Engagement It’s no secret that visuals can make reading more comprehensible and memorable . Research consistently shows that students remember and understand information better when text is paired with images...

  Decoding Gen Z Lingo: A Guide to Their Fascinating Language Language is a living, breathing entity that evolves with every generation. Among the most influential contributors to this evolution is Generation Z, or Gen Z. With their creative expressions and playful twists on traditional language, they’ve given us a new wave of slang that’s not only catchy but also deeply reflective of their culture and experiences. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through some of the most popular Gen Z terms, their meanings, and how they’re used in everyday conversations. The Rise of Gen Z Slang Gen Z’s slang is more than just trendy words—it’s a way for them to connect, express themselves, and inject a bit of fun into communication. Their lingo often takes familiar ideas and reinvents them, making language feel fresh and relatable. Let’s explore eight of their most commonly used terms and their meanings. 1. Lit The word "lit" is synonymous with excitement and fun. It’s used to describe...

How Good Conversations Can Save the World (And How to Start One Today) In a world that sometimes feels divided by politics, culture, and ideology, I’ve been thinking a lot about the power of connection. What if the simple act of having a conversation could be the first step toward building a more compassionate and united world? For me, this isn’t just an abstract idea—it’s something I try to bring into my everyday life, whether it’s with my students, friends, or even through storytelling projects. Good conversations aren’t just about exchanging words; they’re about exchanging hearts and minds. They can turn misunderstandings into moments of clarity, transform conflict into collaboration, and create bridges where walls once stood. But how do we have better conversations? Here are some techniques I’ve learned that can help us connect, communicate, and even change the world. Why Good Conversations Matter Every great relationship, every strong community, and every significant change starts...