Coaching is a ‘hot’ topic in management. Here is some simple boardwork that acts as a warmer to a discussion: it contrasts coaching, mentoring and counselling.

Typical questions for each stage of the GROW model (see Jackie’s video interview below). For 1:1 teachers who see themselves as trainer/coaches.

Are you always stuck in the classroom/students’ office for lessons? Why not get into the physical space, beyond their office, where your students really work? Plenty of opportunities here to do a live, walking role-play. Lots of fun.

Resume/CV writing is very important to some students (eg pre-experience), and there is some great help to do this on the Slideshare site. There are also some examples of the new genre of ‘visual resumes’.

Every Wednesday there is an ELT-related discussion on Twitter. A summary is then posted on the web for everyone to read – not just Twitter members. More info in this post.

Everyone has a favourite discussion topic – themselves. We often get students to talk about their jobs, but less often about their personal characteristics. This post gives everything you need for a personality profile and discussion.

Every month two guys have a discussion on a BE-related theme and post it on their blog as a podcast. With an audio script. Free. What more could you ask for?

Look for opportunities to bring ‘live’ speakers into class to act as listening material for your students. And don’t forget: the best source of live listening is you. Post includes links at end with more activities.

Truisms: bland, obvious and slightly silly statements about human behaviour. Yes. But that makes them a great starting point for students’ personal stories.