1. The inaugural issue of the ELT Classroom Research Journal has just been published https://eltcrj.com/v1i1/

The ELT Classroom Research Journal is for teachers to share their insights with peers across the globe in a manner that is practical and approachable for both readers and those who do the classroom investigations. Diverse research designs are welcomed, those best fitting the skills and assets of the teacher-researcher, their students, and their working environment. Classroom investigations might include Exploratory or Participatory Action Research, Reflective Practice, and small-case studies.

2. A comprehensive guide to Getting Started with Inclusive Education from Cambridge International Education https://cambridge-community.org.uk/professional-development/gswied/#group-section-Next-steps-3KkRp9vcHI

Here’s the introduction: What is inclusive education? Inclusive education is when a school educates learners from differing backgrounds or various abilities in a way that not only incorporates but celebrates diversity. Inclusion is not just about learners with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or based on individual differences – it makes sure that all learners are able to take part in learning which is meaningful, relevant and accessible. Inclusion is also about representation in teaching and learning materials. It is important that a range of cultures, races, genders and abilities are represented in lesson materials, across the curriculum and throughout the whole school. An inclusive approach to teaching makes all learners feel welcome and accepted. It helps students learn that we live in a diverse world where we need to accept our differences and learn how to adapt according to needs and circumstances. The most effective approaches should benefit all students – not just those with specific learning difficulties.

3. Here’s three NYT gift articles on Gabriel García Márquez, prompted by the new Netflix adaptation of ‘One Hundred Years of Solitude’, which has received rave reviews, including from my daughter and her Colombian partner:

How Netflix Made Magic Look Real in ‘One Hundred Years of Solitude’. The series, which was released last week, adapts the novel for the screen for the first time, something even the author didn’t think was possible https://tinyurl.com/dewjcdxp

The NYT Book Club podcast discussing ‘One Hundred Years of Solitude’ https://tinyurl.com/3etbd25t

The Essential Gabriel García Márquez, the NYT guide to reading his books, including which one to start with https://tinyurl.com/3356bsyn

4. Every self-respecting dictionary has to have its ‘word of the year’ nowadays. Here’s the Cambridge Dictionary’s, with the primary use of the word not one with which this old fogey was familiar! https://www.cam.ac.uk/news/manifest-is-cambridge-dictionary-word-of-the-year

5. And, finally, from The Economist, Why China is losing interest in English https://www.economist.com/china/2024/12/12/why-china-is-losing-interest-in-english You’ll need to open a free account (which is simple), if you haven’t already got one. By way of reverse teaser, the final sentence of the article is, Why spend time learning a new language when your phone is already fluent in it?