In this episode, host Anna speaks with Rachael Harris — a Special Educational Needs coordinator in a bilingual primary school and an experienced educator with over 30 years teaching ELT, literature, CLIL, and media studies — about the role of learning strategies in language learning. The conversation explores which strategies matter most at different proficiency levels, how and when to introduce reflection, and how teachers can support both struggling learners and high achievers. Rachael and Anna also discuss practical questions, from getting started with explicit strategy instruction to integrating it into everyday lessons, even in multilingual classrooms, and share simple routines teachers can use right away — along with the strategies that have helped Rachael on her own lifelong learning journey.

All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent or reflect the official position or views of ETAS.

About Rachael
Rachael Harris is a Special Educational Needs coordinator in a bilingual primary school, she has also taught ELT, literature, CLIL and media studies to students of all ages for over 30 years. She has published material including several books on inclusion and learning strategies. She is a life-long learner, passionate about learning theory, connection and Inclusion.

Rachael’s LinkedIn and books

In this episode, Anna speaks with Ian McMaster, a leading voice in business communication and a long-standing figure in the business English community, about how the field has evolved over the past decades. Drawing on his extensive experience in publishing, consulting, and professional networks, Ian reflects on how he entered the profession, key shifts in materials and methodology, and changing client expectations. They also discuss the role of ‘perfect English’ in today’s global workplace and consider what the future of international business communication could mean for teachers and learners.

All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent or reflect the official position or views of ETAS.

About Ian
Ian McMaster is a business communication consultant, journalist, and author. He served as editor-in-chief of Business Spotlight magazine from 2001 to 2021 and previously coordinated IATEFL BESIG. His most recent publication, co-authored with Bob Dignen, is Trainingsbuch Business English – Kommunikation und Zusammenarbeit in internationalen Teams (Haufe). Ian is a longtime member of ETAS and a regular presenter at international conferences. Ian’s LinkedIn.