Simon Marshall: Teachers and Pupils as the Key Ingredients

Can you provide a brief overview of your background and expertise?

I have been teaching since the second half of the 70s and involved in teacher training/development since the early 1980s. I have worked extensively in both the UK and abroad. I have had the good fortune to work at both International House, Hastings and Pilgrims, Canterbury, both of which were strongly committed towards Humanistic Teaching. I have also held academic management posts and been heavily involved in CELTA/DELTA training and also designing and teaching courses for “non-native” teachers of English.

What are the main takeaways or insights you aim to deliver during your talk, and how do you believe they will benefit the audience?

That teachers and learners are the most important materials in lessons. You don’t need rely on technology to make lessons effective.

Can you recall a particularly memorable experience related to teaching or training that left a lasting impact on you?

In my early days, feeling incredibly nervous before being observed by John Haycraft, founder and Director General of the International House. His enthusiasm, empathy and goodwill has always served as a model for me.

Can you recall a particularly memorable experience related to teaching or training that left a lasting impact on you?

A whole host of colleagues, especially at IH Hastings and Pilgrims. Adrian Underhill proved to be a creative and inspirational Director of Training at IH, Hastings and Mario Rinvolucri and John Morgan were especially stimulating and influential colleagues at Pilgrims. Alan Maley’s books have always been sources of wonderfully creative materials and Rod Bolitho’s and Brian Tomlinson’s “Discover English” demonstrated that you can learn a great deal about grammar without smothering it with arcane terminology. I also think Earl Stevick’s and Caleb Gattegno’s thinking and writing are indispensable for anyone genuinely interested in Humanistic Language Teaching.

Do you have any passion projects or hobbies that contribute to your broader understanding of teaching/learning?

Long term interests in etymology, philosophy, psychology and physical fitness have always served me well.