What do we, as teachers, need to teach effectively in these times? Well, as a teacher – but also as an ESL learner–I’ve always believed that English is not something to be studied, it’s something to be lived: it's my mantra.
Based on that idea, throughout my career, I’ve been seeking not only academic tools that support my teaching, but also resources that turn teaching into an experience, not just a class. That’s what I found when I first discovered the GSE, and what has drawn me so closely to app – not just the textbooks, but the initiatives, research, projects, tools and more.
Adapting to technological change
Now, artificial intelligence was introduced into our lives not long ago, and it seems like it’s here to stay. Whether you’re a fan of it or not, we must accept that it’s part of our present – and our future. We need to learn how to use it wisely.Living the language means understanding that the world changes – and we must change with it. Technology is essential (and I love it), but there are things it simply cannot replace: creativity, communication and leadership. These are deeply human traits and, as teachers, we must not only teach them but also create environments where students connect with others and grow as people through language.
Then, both students and teachers will be able to use their language, collaborative, leadership and empathethic skills in English-speaking environments – and these skills are crucial for thriving in the fast-paced world of technological progress.
The power of soft skills and confidence
There’s one experience that changed my mindset years ago – and it’s directly connected to the title of this text. The moment my English fluency truly improved was the moment I began to believe in myself. It was when I projected the version of myself I wanted to become. It was when I realized I wanted to speak to the world, and my confidence extended far beyond the classroom.
Long story short, my perspective as a student shifted dramatically when I got my first job. That’s when I realized the value of understanding the world, being able to communicate effectively, and developing essential soft skills – skills I didn’t even realize I was learning at the time, but which have been crucial to my personal and professional growth. Today, I’m glad that education is starting to include these elements in the classroom.
app’s support for educators and students
I’m excited about app's latest research into GSE Soft Skills (report coming soon). The GSE provides a methodological framework and resources to enhance my teaching. It also offers answers to my long-standing questions, including tools to prepare my classes more effectively and support my colleagues in helping students master both language and professional skills.
We must prepare our students for life beyond the classroom. By offering clear goals, role models, opportunities to practice and consistent feedback, app helps us spend less time planning and more time engaging with our learners.
The world is moving fast – and sometimes faster than we can keep up with. By integrating creativity, communication and leadership into our lessons, we give our students the skills that employers value most and that technology can’t replace. These are the same skills that, without a doubt, helped me reach my goals.
In my case, I didn’t learn these soft skills at a very young age – but the sooner our students do, the better. The earlier they connect with their purpose, the deeper the impact.
When I think about myself as a teacher, I always try to remember what it was like to be a student. These tools remind me of the things I learned in my younger years – and that I now want my students to experience too. Embracing these global changes and resources allows me to better reflect who I am – not only as a teacher, but as a person.
