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The Stressed Detective

A Self-Reg Mini-Movie Course for Educators and Families

Stuart Shanker’s work on self-regulation and stress is closely connected to Krashen's the idea of the affective filter in second language learning. Shanker’s self-regulation theory explains the “why” behind Krashen’s affective filter. Stress dysregulation raises the filter, while a calm, supported learner lowers it and becomes open to language learning.

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Automatically Applied at Checkout Until
July 20th

SELF-REG MINI MOVIE COURSE

Join Detective Bradford Cannon and his assistant Raylee Reframer on their journey to uncover a strange source of stress that is affecting their town.

Why This Course? Why Now?

Who is The Stressed Detective For?

Everyone! Anyone who is interested in learning some Self-Reg basics through a unique and instant access platform will enjoy this course. The content is specifically tailored to EDUCATORS and FAMILIES. Family content can be done independently by pre-teens and teenagers, but younger children will need adult guidance in order to translate the material to an age-appropriate level.

What Will I Learn?

This course covers everything from some of the basic Self-Reg theory and science to reflective and practical practice to bring about an embodied Self-Reg understanding. All 14 modules in this course are structured around Head, Heart & Hand Knowledge, and you will receive a certificate upon completion of a short quiz at the end of the ~ 10 - 15 hour course.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay by another method?

Absolutely! If you need to pay by another method or need an invoice or estimate for a purchase number, no problem! Reach out to info@self-reg.ca and our team will be happy to help.

Can I register my team for this offering?

For now we are offering this course for individual access. However, if you would like to register multiple people at the same time, please reach out to us at info@self-reg.ca and we would be happy to help!

Will I get a certificate of completion?

Yes! Once you have watched all the videos, a certificate task will unlock that will allow you to fill in your name and download your certificate.

I really enjoyed this offering, where to next?

For anyone looking to learn more about Self-Reg we recommend you register for one of our Level 1 Self-Reg Certificate Programs. More information on our certificate programs can be found here.

Stuart Shanker

Professor Stressor Guesser

Susan Hopkins

Course Developer

Aware Pair

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The Stressed Detective follows the story of Detective Bradford Cannon and his partner Raylee Reframer on a journey to discover the source of a mysterious flower sending the city into a stress response. Companion activities for Families, Adults and Educators encourage head (theory), heart (reflective) and hand (in action) Self-Reg knowledge.

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ESL Will I Always Feel like This? Self-Regulation Pack [Teens, B2]

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What is this Will I Always Feel like This? Self-Regulation Pack? Our Self-Regulation Pack is a fantastic resource designed to help teens explore and practise self-regulation skills in a fun and engaging way. It’s all about managing emotions, understanding reactions, and developing healthier responses to various situations. The pack includes: a PowerPoint & Google Slide PPT with an introduction to self-regulation, key vocabulary and discussion questions a printable self-reflection worksheet scenario cards for pair/group work With this teaching pack, you’ll love how it empowers students to identify and manage their emotions effectively. By using discussions, case studies, and vocabulary exercises, learners can enhance their emotional literacy and critical thinking skills. By following the teacher-led presentation format, you can easily incorporate this resource into your ESL classroom. It’s perfect for partner work, whole-class engagement, and individual reflection. The scenarios provided offer a practical way for students to apply self-regulation strategies in real-life situations. Ready to access this resource? Simply dive into the PowerPoint presentation filled with valuable content on self-regulation. And if you prefer alternative versions, you can choose from black and white, super eco colour, or Google Slides to suit your preferences. Enhance your students’ learning journey with our ”“Will I Always Feel like This? Self-Regulation Pack”″ today and witness the positive impact it can have on their emotional well-being and communication skills! To sign up for more information and get started with this resource, visit our sign-up page. How can I access this Will I Always Feel like This? Self-Regulation Pack [Teens, B2]? Our ”“Will I Always Feel like This? Self-Regulation Pack”″ is easily accessible for educators looking to introduce self-regulation concepts to their students. By incorporating this resource into your teaching, you can create a positive impact on students’ emotional well-being and problem-solving skills. With engaging activities and discussions, this pack offers a comprehensive approach to developing self-regulation strategies in teens. Whether you prefer the colourful Google Slides version or the classic black and white format, there’s something for everyone! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enhance your students’ emotional literacy and critical thinking abilities. Start using our ”“Will I Always Feel like This? Self-Regulation Pack”″ today and watch your students thrive!

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The self-regulation resource pack is a great way of helping kids learn how to look after their mental health independently. With this pack, kids are given examples of different ways of regulating their emotions, and ways of recognising their feelings. A lot of neurodivergent children struggle with identifying their inner emotions on their own, so having a resource available that explains how each emotion feels can help support. Having access to emotion regulation strategies for autism in PDF form allows kids to download resources which they can then use at any time. Other children may also find it helpful having a variety of words they can use to describe their feelings. As this self-regulation resource pack contains a variety of activities and posters, you can choose which ones best suit your class. Some kids may prefer using a ‘Feelings Thermometer’, while others may find comfort with the ‘Areas of Self-Regulation’ poster.

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This was shared by Prairie Spirit a few years ago.

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Have any schools used this?

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TalkingPoints - Improving student outcomes through meaningful school-family partnerships.

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TalkingPoints - Improving student outcomes through meaningful school-family partnerships.

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It has: live captioning and translation for presentations and lectures, real-time translation for parent-teacher conferences and uses for students in study groups (it has a multi-device conversation feature). Looks like it can be downloaded via Google Pay and the App store.

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Create a more inclusive classroom for both students and parents with live translation and captions

ABOUT

What is Translator for Education?

The Translator for Education site provides free resources, tools, and how-to guides for live captioning and translation in the classroom. Schools are increasingly diverse. Teachers manage many types of learners, including students who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) who require assistive technology, and language learners (and their parents) who may not speak or understand the language of the classroom well. Microsoft Translator helps bridge these communication gaps, supporting accessible classroom learning with live captioning, cross-language understanding, and even multilingual casual conversations to help with student integration.

FOR PARENTS

Parent Resources

Learn about the Translator app's conversation feature and how you can have live, translated parent-teacher conferences in your chosen language.
PARENT RESOURCES PAGE

FOR STUDENTS

Student Resources

Use the Translator app in school, on campus, for study groups, and other situations where captions and translations are needed. Share the app with friends to start a live conversation and break communication barriers.
STUDENT RESOURCES PAGE

SEE IT IN ACTION

Case Studies

Read how Translator can help students pass their final exams, break language barriers during parent-teacher conferences, and create inclusive environments for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
CASE STUDIES PAGE

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Microsoft Translator for Education - Microsoft Translator

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Microsoft Translator for Education tools creates a more inclusive classroom for both students and parents with live translation and captions.

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Integrating Language and Content Instruction (ILCI) Webinar Part 1 of 3

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Integrating Language and Content Instruction (ILCI) Webinar Part 2 of 3

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Integrating Language and Content Instruction (ILCI) Webinar Part 3 of 3

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Canadian Indigenous Readers from the Literacy Center of Expertise

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Canadian Indigenous Readers from the Literacy Center of Expertise

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Canadian Indigenous Readers – Literacy Centre of Expertise

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what is ESL vs ELD? The Case for “English Language Development” over “ESL”. A quick overview of the difference among both terms.

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Learning languages can benefit neurodivergent learners

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Elsa O’Brien López Both languages are active in the brain of the bilingual speaker and this strengthens inhibitory control amongst other executive functions. What is neurodivergence? Neurodiv…

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BridgeUniverse - TEFL Blog, News, Tips & Resources

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Neurodiversity and teaching neurodivergent learners are familiar topics for educators. Most teachers have a few students with individual learning plans (ILP) or struggling with ADHD or dyslexia.

Neurodiversity refers to the idea that no individual experiences the world exactly like another. Just like fingerprints, no two brains are alike. Australian sociologist Judy Singer coined the term in the 1990s to remove the stigma associated with disorders such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning disabilities.

While individuals impacted by autism, ADHD, and dyslexia may be more markedly different than those who are considered 'normal,' in a sense, we are all 'neurodiverse' because we all have personal learning modalities.

The issue of neurodiversity has come to the fore in recent years because of the rising number of neurodiverse learners in education. For example, it is estimated that 1 in 36 children is affected by autism in the United States. Whether these numbers reflect better diagnostic screening or the negative influence of factors such as socioeconomic status, nutrition, or environmental causes, the fact remains that these students face challenges that most learners do not.

Thanks to advancements in neuroscience, significant progress has been made over the past three decades in addressing neurodiversity in the context of learning. Organizations such as CAST, the Center for Applied Special Technology, have developed principles and strategies to teach neurodiverse students and accommodate multiple learning styles.

With the above in mind, let's examine some inclusive teaching strategies for supporting neurodivergent students.

Creating an Inclusive Learning Environment

A significant development arising from the focus on neurodiversity is the recognition that teaching strategies must be inclusive and cater to the unique needs of all students. To this end, it is essential that neurodiverse students are placed in an environment that feels safe, where they are listened to, and where they are part of a supportive community.

How to foster psychological safety

A safe environment is essential for all learners to thrive, but it is especially critical for neurodivergent students. Feeling psychologically safe means being comfortable expressing oneself, asking questions, and taking risks without fear of judgment or retribution.

Some steps teachers can take to create a safe psychological environment in the ESL classroom are:

Encouraging students to ask questions and advocate for their needs

Valuing the unique perspectives that neurodivergent students can bring to the class

Eliminating the fear of judgment and ridicule by presenting failures as opportunities to learn

Avoiding constant corrections and adopting other strategies to correct mistakes. The ESL class is all about communication. When students are constantly being corrected, they will be hesitant to express themselves. Instead, try repeating their statements back in the correct form. Eventually, they will internalize it.

Celebrating success to build confidence and pride

Take a deeper dive into the dos and don'ts of error correction when teaching English.
Use active listening and body language

We all know that communication doesn't just happen through words. Body language is equally important. As teachers, we are used to evaluating students' engagement based on these clues.

However, when it comes to neurodiverse students, we must acknowledge that they receive, process, and express information in ways that may differ from neurotypical students. We can convey our understanding and engagement to neurodiverse learners by paying attention to their verbal and non-verbal communication, asking open-ended questions, gently encouraging them to elaborate on their answers (paraphrasing or summing up what they say to show our engagement and understanding), and providing feedback.

We can also use body language by nodding, looking at students in the eyes (if they seem comfortable with it), and maintaining an open and relaxed posture. We must be aware of our deliberate or involuntary body language and remember that neurodivergent students may interpret it differently than neurotypical students.

Build a supportive community

Being part of a supportive community can greatly enhance one's self-confidence and sense of safety. When teaching English to neurodiverse students, teachers can help create such a community by directly engaging parents, caregivers, and the students themselves in developing accommodation plans.

By listening to them, educators can come to know and understand their students' needs better. Parents and caregivers will be familiar with the issues students face and will be able to articulate what strategies have worked for them.

Adapting Teaching Methods for Neurodiverse Learners

Another component of a supportive environment for neurodiverse English learners is the adaptation of teaching materials to their needs. Below are some strategies to accomplish this goal.

Implement multisensory instruction

Multisensory learning is based on the idea that most people learn best when more than one sense is engaged. This strategy can benefit all learners but is especially effective for students with dyslexia who cannot learn the traditional way.

According to the International Dyslexia Association, "Multisensory learning involves the use of visual, auditory, and kinesthetic-tactile pathways simultaneously to enhance memory and learning of written language. Links are consistently made between the visual (language we see), auditory (language we hear), and kinesthetic-tactile (language symbols we feel) pathways in learning to read and spell."

Examples of multisensory learning for English learners include activities focusing on visuals, such as:

using colorful charts, diagrams, or images to illustrate concepts

illustrated flashcards for vocabulary, color-coded grammar, or using different colors to identify different speech components (for example, red for nouns, green for adjectives, blue for verbs)

activities focusing on hearing, e.g., choral reading or listening to a recording while reading its script, using songs and rhymes to learn words in a fun way

kinesthetic activities such as role-play, Total Physical Response, and storytelling with props and gestures

Contextualize learning

Another way to make learning content more approachable for neurodiverse students is to place it in a context they can relate to or that caters to their interests and life experiences. In fact, contextualizing learning makes content meaningful to all students because placing information in a context, rather than presenting it in isolation, enhances students' understanding and ability to recall.

This can be as straightforward as selecting reading materials that reflect students' interests, extracting grammar points and vocabulary from written or audiovisual materials, or even class discussions that engage learners' attention because they are relevant to them.

Use project-based learning (PBL)

This is another valuable tool in the ESL teacher's toolbox when teaching English to neurodiverse students. PBL engages students in meaningful and purposeful tasks connected to the real world. In this process, language emerges naturally from the class activities. PBL also promotes collaboration, communication, creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

Incorporate student-created materials

When students are directly involved in creating their study resources, they develop a sense of ownership and pride in their learning, which in turn nurtures self-confidence and initiative.

Student-created material can range from vocabulary flashcards to presentations, videos, summaries, or personal glossaries. The process of generating one's own study resources further helps students develop self-reliance and independence.
Explore all the English language learning methodologies and find the best teaching methods to implement in your ELT classroom.
Addressing Individual Needs

One of the hurdles teachers face in the classroom is tailoring their teaching strategies to address multiple learning styles, individual needs, and neurodiversity in the classroom. One relatively simple way to solve this problem is to create multiple points of entry through which students can access and engage with learning and show their progress.

Let's look at some steps teachers can take to make learning accessible to all students.

Adjust learning materials for accessibility

Among the problems neurodiverse students may encounter in the ESL classroom is difficulty reading the learning material. This is a well-known problem for dyslexic students. Fortunately, some fonts, such as sans serif or Open Dyslexic Alta, are dyslexia-friendly or were created with the explicit goal of helping individuals with dyslexia.

For students who struggle with reading, teachers can also provide audio versions of the text or alternative reading formats. These include large print texts, digital versions, Braille, and Immersive Reader, among others.

Offer flexible assessment options

Students with learning disabilities should be offered alternative ways to demonstrate their learning. For example, students with dysgraphia can be allowed to type their assignments instead of writing by hand. Teachers can allow students to present orally or use speech-to-text tools.

Break down instructions clearly

For neurodiverse students, understanding instructions can sometimes be challenging. To ease these difficulties, it is important that teachers break down instructions into smaller chunks by providing step-by-step directions and reinforcing them with verbal instructions.

Before starting any task, teachers should ensure that their students clearly understand what is expected of them. Teachers can then monitor students regularly to verify they are on task and that there is no confusion about the why or how of the activity.

Use supports like movement

Neurodivergent learners may find it difficult to sit or concentrate on a task for extended periods of time. In truth, all school-age children and even adults may have trouble attending to a task for too long. When attention is waning and students are becoming restless or fidgety, it may be time to give them a break.

Breaks come in many forms, from allowing students to move around the room or stretch for a few minutes to playing a game like Simon Says or practicing relaxation through deep breathing. Far from being a waste of precious time, breaks allow learners' brains to process and consolidate information.

Students with autism or ADHD can also benefit from fidgeting. Research shows that fidgeting, a behavior particularly common in ADHD students, can help learners relax and focus on a task. Alternatively, teachers can suggest using a fidgeting tool like sensory disks, stress balls, or spinner rings.

However, the research suggests that the efficacy of fidget tools varies widely from person to person and that, in some individuals, it can increase rather than reduce distraction.

Implement a Collaboration and Support System

If your students include neurodivergent learners, you don't have to go it alone. The good news is that in many schools, there is a support system that teachers and students can rely on. Some actions teachers can take to seek support are:

Leverage district resources

ESL teachers can collaborate with speech and occupational therapists and special education teams. They can work together to identify the necessary steps to assist their neurodivergent students.

Encourage cross-team collaboration

ESL teachers can collaborate with school counselors and administrators to implement individualized lesson plans (ILP). In many schools, the work of ESL teachers is critical to ensuring that ESL students perform well across subjects.

By keeping open communication with their colleagues, ESL teachers can be aware of the challenges their students are facing in other classes and find ways to assist and support them. For example, if a student is proficient in math but has trouble understanding instructions, the teacher can provide her with a bilingual math glossary. Or the teacher may choose a specific reading to assist her students with a Social Studies topic, and so on.

For both neurodivergent and neurotypical ESL students, the greatest challenge is often demonstrating what they know in a language they are still learning.

Adopt a strengths-based approach

We all face challenges. Both students and teachers have strengths and weaknesses. What matters is how we address them. By recognizing and confronting them with resilience, we can overcome. By modeling self-awareness and resilience and sharing our challenges with our neurodiverse students, we can help inspire and motivate them.

The focus on neurodiversity over the last thirty years has yielded results that have also impacted the instruction of neurotypical students. Recognizing that all students have individual learning styles and needs has prompted educators to develop more inclusive teaching strategies while gradually moving away from the traditional model of teacher-centered education.

A crucial outcome of research and teacher-led inquiries into neurodiversity is the recognition that, in order to thrive, neurodivergent students require a psychologically safe, structured, flexible, and engaging environment.

Teaching students to advocate for themselves, creating an environment where learners feel safe expressing themselves, and adopting flexible, student-centered teaching strategies are all steps teachers can take to ensure their neurodivergent students have the same opportunity to learn as neurotypical students.

Finally, by engaging families, leveraging the available resources, encouraging cross-team collaboration, and working together with school counselors and administrators, we can help to build a support community for students and teachers alike.

ESL teachers play a crucial role in fostering an inclusive learning community, as students cannot showcase their proficiency in any subject if their English skills are lacking. A significant first step toward a more inclusive classroom is reflecting on current teaching strategies and gradually implementing research-based changes. Ultimately, these changes will benefit all students.

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Strategies for Supporting Neurodiverse Learners in the English Language Classroom - BridgeUniverse - TEFL Blog, News, Tips & Resources

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Discover practical, inclusive strategies to support neurodiverse learners in your English language classroom and meet diverse learning needs.

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Learning a Second Language as a Neurodivergent Student (Child or Adult!)

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Growing up I had no idea I was autistic.

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Neurodivergence refers to the unique and different ways an individual's brain processes information and work. As an educator, it is important to understand that students who process information differently will need personalised instruction to support their learning success.

Understanding how neurodivergent students learn supports best practices in education, ensuring that all students succeed academically, mentally, and socio-emotionally and promotes equity and inclusivity while building diverse learning environments.

There is no one-size-fits-all strategy for supporting neurodivergent students because each student has unique learning needs and requires a tailored approach to effectively support these students. Neurodivergence includes various conditions such as ADHD, autism spectrum, and dyslexia.

In my art classroom, I sometimes faced challenges with keeping students who have ADHD on task, focused and motivated to finish the art projects that required a good deal of time or complexity to complete. I managed this situation by utilising adaptable teaching strategies designed to break a larger art lesson down into shorter and more manageable activities.

For example, during a lesson on watercolour techniques, I noticed one of my students who had ADHD was having difficulty staying focused during the longer guided demonstrations and practice sessions. To address this issue and adapt my instruction to better serve this student, I broke the demonstration and practice down into mini-lessons that focused on dynamic hands-on learning experiences, reducing a 20-minute guided demonstration into four 5-minute mini-lessons which focused on one technique at a time.

After each mini-lesson, the students were given a hands-on learning experience/practice session where they could immediately put into practice the new technique they had just learned in a low-pressure environment.

This approach not only helped the students with ADHD, but it also actually helped all the students to remain focused and engaged in the project. Students were also able to explore the concept of making gradients and textures with watercolour through these mini-lessons in a way that fostered their confidence in using these painting techniques.

As I reflect on this experience as an educator, I realise how critical it is to tailor instruction to accommodate the needs of all students, which leverages each student's strength and sets the stage for all students to succeed.

This article explores innovative and effective ways to support the wide range of neurodivergent students in your classroom. We will examine three of the most common types of neurodivergence and explore classroom strategies for supporting each type's unique learning needs.

What is neurodivergence?

According to the University of Washington:

Neurodiversity is the diversity of human brains and minds - the infinite variation in neurocognitive functioning within our species.
University of Washington, n.d.

In other words, it refers to the unique and different ways that an individual's brain functions and processes information. Understanding neurodiversity in this way helps reframe it. It shifts the focus from seeing it as a deficit to recognising that it is a natural variation of the human body and thus reflects diversity in the cognitive realm. Under the umbrella of neurodivergence, there is a wide variation of neurocognitive functioning including, but not limited to, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and Dyslexia.

Strategies for three common types of neurodivergence

Strategies to support students with ADHD

ADHD is typically characterised by students struggling with impulsivity, losing focus, and demonstrating hyperactivity (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, n.d.). Strategies aimed at supporting these students staying on task, being engaged and attentive.

1) Chunking information & visual aids

Educators should break learning tasks down into small, manageable steps. Organising learning in this way can support ADHD students by reducing their feeling of being overwhelmed by an assignment, especially a complex one.

Some tools for organising learning into chunks include graphic organisers, colour-coded and categorised learning, and checklists. These visual aids function as scaffolding for ADHD students by giving them a tangible and visible anchor that helps to ground their focus:

1. Graphic organisers: For example, students might use a graphic organiser to help them organise their thoughts before writing a paper.

2. Colour coding: They might use colour-coded folders or colour-coded calendars to assist them in organising their homework or meeting deadlines.

3. Task boards: A task board is another way to categorise learning into manageable chunks and motivate students. Students can move visual cues from one task to another throughout a project. Coloured Post-it notes can be shifted from "To Do" to "Doing" to "Done".

4. Checklists: A checklist not only provides a visual that a task is complete but can also function as a tool for helping students feel a sense of accomplishment.

Visual aids are crucial for helping students with ADHD process information more effectively.
Resilient Educator, n.d.

2) Body and brain breaks

Have you ever sat in one spot for hours? If you have, you know how quickly your body will become sore. Imagine going from classroom to classroom for hours throughout the school day and being expected to return to a sitting position and stay still!

Body and brain breaks are important for blood flow, increasing energy, focus, and overall well-being. Allowing students to stand, stretch, and move improves their attention and gives the body a much-needed break from being stuck in the same position for long periods of time. Teachers can strategically plan these breaks to coincide shifts between topics or tasks. Mindful practices can also be used to provide brain breaks and re-energise students.

In my classroom, I implemented reflection pauses into the students' workflow to keep students focused on the artistic choices they were making and create manageable chunks of work time in the art classroom.

I recall one art student in particular, whose attention would wane during complex work sessions that required her prolonged focus on building a sculpture for her portfolio submission. To accommodate her needs, I restructured the lessons so that every 15 minutes, students would pause and reflect. I would prompt students by asking questions about their artworks like, "What is one thing about this artwork that you want to improve at this stage?" or "What is working in this piece and why?" These reflective questions were designed to engage students in thinking critically about what they had accomplished thus far and thinking about what next steps they needed to take.

This strategy was very effective in helping the student to stay engaged, think about her progress, and reassess the creative choices she had made, and also provided smaller chunks of working time that kept her on task and motivated. The bonus benefit was that all students found these reflective pauses and guided questioning to help them improve their artwork, self-assess, and think about thinking (metacognition). This experience highlights the importance of utilising brain breaks in creative and flexible ways.

Strategies to support students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

ASD presents itself as diversity in social interaction, behaviour, and communication. Often associated with this condition are sensory sensitivities, such as light or noise (National Institute of Mental Health, n.d.).

Support these students by creating learning environments that are structured and predictable. This can be achieved by incorporating strategies like creating sensory-friendly classrooms, practising social skills, and creating predictable learning environments.

3) Support for social skills

While not necessarily part of the academic curriculum, helping students with ASD learn to develop social skills can be a major game-changer in the classroom. For example, set up opportunities for students to practise their social skills with peers.

Meet-and-greets or other structured peer interactions during lunchtime or free time can provide an opportunity for these students to be paired with a peer and role-play, practise conversation starters, and take turns practising engaging with one another. It's a low-pressure way for these students to build their confidence in social settings.

4) Sensory-friendly classrooms

To support students who are sensitive to light or noise, teachers can provide noise-cancelling headphones, designate quiet areas or times in the classroom, and supplement harsh overhead fluorescent lighting with softer lamp lights throughout the learning environment. Educators can create calm corners in the classroom, incorporating soft surface furniture, such as bean bags or throws. Spaces like these often become sanctuaries for students who need to escape sensory overload.

The STAR Institute for Sensory Processing Disorder explains, "Sensory accommodations can make a world of difference for students with ASD" (STAR Institute for Sensory Processing Disorder, n.d.).

5) Predictable learning environments

According to the National Research Council, "a structured environment can significantly aid the learning process for children with autism" (National Research Council, 2001).

Students with ASD need schedules and visual aids to support their learning. For example, step-by-step instructions with visual cues, visual timetables, and task cards.

Creating a classroom environment where each student knows what to expect will greatly reduce student anxiety and create a sense of safety in the learning environment.

Teachers can use auditory and visual cues to indicate transitions between subjects, display a large timer that counts down the time to transitions during the school day, or even create a large visual schedule that delineates the routines throughout the day and is displayed in the classroom where students can see it and instantly know what to expect next.

These strategies help students with ASD mentally prepare for change throughout the school day, reducing anxiety and helping them focus on upcoming tasks.

Strategies to support students with dyslexia

This learning disorder is marked by processing issues with phonology, which impacts the student's ability to decode words and affects reading and spelling ability as well (Mayo Clinic, n.d.). Assistive technology and implementing Multisensory Structured Language Teaching (MSLT) in the classroom are key to supporting these students.

6) Using multisensory structured language teaching

This teaching approach incorporates multiple sensory strategies to support students with dyslexia in the classroom. Visual, kinesthetic-tactile, and auditory skills are used together to improve the learning and retention of words and written language for these students. Research supports that MSLT "Improves reading and spelling skills in dyslexic students" (International Dyslexia Association, n.d.).

For example, while saying the letters or words aloud, a student might also trace over the lettering for that word. Additionally, specific instruction in phonics that facilitates students practising letters and sounds is an effective strategy for students with dyslexia.

Phonics instruction must be explicit and systematic for dyslexic students to benefit.
National Research Council, 2001

7) Using assistive technology

Utilising tools such as speech recognition software, writing assistance software, Text-to-Speech (TTS) Readers, phonetic spelling software, audiobooks and online storybooks allows these students to access the curriculum without having to struggle to decode written language.

According to the International Dyslexia Association, Technology can bridge the gap for dyslexic students, making reading and writing more accessible" (n.d.). A technological approach that has begun to gain traction as an innovative strategy for providing multisensory experiences for these students that helped to learn retention and reading fluency was the use of augmented reality (AR) apps, which allow the student to both see and hear words as they trace them on their devices.

Conclusion

Supporting neurodivergent students to ensure their academic success requires flexibility on the part of the educator, collaboration with specialists, professional development for educators and building relationships with these students. "The teacher-student relationship is critical in creating a supportive learning environment" (Resilient Educator, n.d.).

Implementing the strategies shared here is the first step in creating an empathetic classroom and demonstrates a compassionate approach to pedagogy (NCBI, 2023). Embracing the unique contributions of neurodiverse students in the classroom and creating learning environments that support these students fosters inclusive and enriching educational experiences for all students.

References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "ADHD." Accessed June 16, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/adhd/about/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/facts.html.

2. "Compassionate Pedagogy for Neurodiversity in Higher Education: A Conceptual Analysis." 2023. Accessed June 13, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9978378/.

3. International Dyslexia Association. Bright Solutions for Dyslexia. "Multisensory Structured Language Teaching." Accessed June 14, 2024. https://www.dys-add.com/resources/General/IDA-SimultaneouslyMultisensory.pdf.

4. Mayo Clinic. "Dyslexia." Accessed June 14, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dyslexia/symptoms-causes/syc-20353552.

5. National Institute of Mental Health. "Autism Spectrum disorder." Accessed Jun 14, 2024. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd.

6. National Research Council. Educating Children with Autism. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press, 2001.

7. Resilient Educator. "Teaching Strategies for Neurodivergent Students." Accessed June 16, 2024. https://resilienteducator.com/classroom-resources/teaching-strategies-neurodivergent-students/.

8. STAR Institute for Sensory Processing Disorder. "Creating Sensory-Friendly Classrooms." Accessed June 16, 2024. https://www.spdstar.org/.

9. University of Washington. "What Do Neurodiverse and Neurodivergent Mean?" Accessed June 16, 2024. https://www.washington.edu/doit/what-do-%E2%80%9Cneurodiverse%E2%80%9D-and-%E2%80%9Cneurodivergent%E2%80%9D-mean.

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7 Strategies To Help With Teaching Neurodivergent Students

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Dr. NaJuana Lee presents 7 strategies to teach neurodivergent students with ADHD, ASD, & dyslexia, promoting equity, inclusivity & academic success

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How people learn can be just as individual as they are, so creating an inclusive educational environment is crucial. In Canada, there are 600,000 neurodivergent adults, yet most learning does not consider neurodivergence in its design.

Here, we'll explain what it means to be neurodivergent, plus share a few practical tips on how to help your neurodivergent adult learners.
Neurodivergent definition
As a society, ways of behaving, thinking and communicating have been identified and deemed "normal" or neuronormative. Based on these traditional definitions, human brains are categorized as either neurotypical or neurodivergent. A neurotypical brain conforms to neuronormative standards, while neurodivergent brains deviate from what is commonly considered typical.

Neurodivergency is a broad term and includes various developmental diagnoses. A few examples of these diagnoses include:

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Dyslexia

Challenges for neurodivergent adult learners
Neurodivergent learners face barriers in conventional education settings. Although diagnoses and individuals vary, there are some common challenges facing neurodivergent learners:

Verbal communication: Teachers often provide instruction and knowledge using verbal communication. For a neurodivergent learner, it may be challenging to follow along at the same pace as their peers. It may also be more difficult for neurodivergent learners to understand or retain information, especially when delivered verbally.

Sensory input: Neurodivergent learners may find certain stimuli overwhelming, like lights, sounds or temperatures. These sensitivities can impact an individual's ability to learn and add another layer of complexity in an educational setting.

Executive function: Executive function helps us control our thoughts and emotions. When it comes to academia, managing time or prioritizing tasks is necessary. Some neurodivergent learners may struggle with organization, scheduling or completing tasks.

How to support neurodivergent learners
Helping neurodivergent learners overcome challenges can result in a more successful learning experience. To be more adaptive and inclusive for neurodivergent learners, consider utilizing these five tips:
1. Create a supportive environment
Designing the learning environment with sensory sensitivity in mind is essential because it can impact neurodivergent learners. When creating a space for neurodivergent students to learn, you'll want to:

Make the space comfortable

Add quiet zones

Provide a flexible schedule

Give the student more control over their environment

2. Offer various learning methods
Learning styles vary from one individual to the next. Being able to offer different ways to absorb knowledge is key. Some neurodivergent learners may succeed better with videos or hands-on experience instead of lectures. Another teaching method is project-based learning, which allows neurodivergent students to focus on their interests.

As an example, if you want to support students with dyslexia, there are several tools you can incorporate. Techniques such as using specific fonts on learning materials or providing a scanner pen (a small portable device that reads text aloud) can help with learning.
3. Break down tasks into manageable steps
If a task seems too daunting, a neurodivergent learner may hesitate to continue. Literacy practitioners can use task analysis to determine the small steps within a more significant task and make the task more manageable.

To further support neurodivergent learners with task management, use step-by-step guides with pictures and offer multiple times to practise a new skill.
4. Use clear communication
The ability to communicate ideas and information is integral to learning. To best support neurodivergent learners, you must communicate concisely and literally. Keep things straightforward, and avoid using jargon or metaphors.

Communication is about what you say and how you say it. Don't hesitate to ask your neurodivergent learners about their preferred communication method. Text or email may be better for some adult learners, whereas others prefer to communicate in-person.
5. Promote self advocacy
Getting first-hand information from a neurodivergent learner can go a long way.

Invite individuals to be open about their learning needs by establishing a safe space for discussion. Encourage your neurodivergent learners to advocate for themselves and receive the type of educational experience that helps them the most.
Getting support for your organization
A supportive learning environment for neurodivergent adult learners is essential for their success and well-being. By implementing these practical tips, you can work towards building a more inclusive classroom that celebrates neurodiversity.

At ABC Life Literacy Canada, we're here to support you in your literacy program offerings. Contact us today to learn more about our free programs to help your adult learners thrive!

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5 tips for working with neurodivergent adult learners - ABC Life Literacy Canada

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How people learn can be just as individual as they are, so creating an inclusive educational environment is crucial. In Canada, there are 600,000 neurodivergent adults, yet most learning does not consider neurodivergence in its design. Here, we'll explain what it means to be neurodivergent, plus share a few practical tips on how to help [...]

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Enhancing learning for neurodiverse learners with AI

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Available in Edonline -search EAL and Newcomer Settlement Portal

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Available in Edonline -search EAL and Newcomer Settlement Portal

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Initial Math Assessment for EAL Learners: Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools-in multiple languages

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Sharing Our Knowledge: Best Practices for Supporting English Language Learners in Schools

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7- Instructional Strategies to Support EAL Learners at Various Stages of the CFR – Sharing Our Knowledge: Best Practices for Supporting English Language Learners in Schools

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Within recent years, the number of newcomer students welcomed by Saskatoon schools has risen significantly, and this trend will likely continue. In September 2013, Saskatoon…

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Perfect Teacher - Perfect Teacher: ESL lesson plans and resources

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ESL Writing Strategies: Guide for All Proficiency Levels

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Discover actionable ESL teaching strategies to help students master writing, from sentence building to essays. Tailored for beginner to advanced levels.

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BridgeUniverse - TEFL Blog, News, Tips & Resources

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By Shelynn Riel
August 19, 2022

Teaching writing to non-native speakers of a language presents a plethora of unique challenges and can feel overwhelming for new and seasoned teachers alike. However, teaching writing to ESL students can be dynamic and meaningful when approached with a bit of ingenuity.
If you're new to teaching, you'll want to get initial training and qualification with a TEFL certificate. You can explore our online TEFL courses to get started!
Why is it important to teach writing to ESL students?

In order to effectively participate as contributing members of society, individuals need to be able to communicate their thoughts in written form, whether they are using the English language as their vehicle or not.

Writing is an essential component of productive language, and ELs will need to demonstrate their ability to write in English if they hope to be competitive in a globalized world. Building competency in English-language writing supports reading comprehension, vocabulary expansion, and oral fluency, so there's so much to be gained. And even if your students don't plan to use the lingua franca on a regular basis, the skills gleaned from learning to write in another language transfer to all facets of life, making students more aware and more effective communicators in their native language(s).

Teaching ESL writing aids in self-expression, which might be particularly meaningful for individuals who are hesitant to express themselves verbally. You might have the next Henry David Thoreau or Gabriel García Márquez in your class!

Why do ESL students struggle with writing?

Writing in another language is no easy feat, so it's only natural that your ESL/ EFL students encounter difficulties when asked to do so.

First, it's essential to recognize that writing conventions differ from one language group to another. Students from various linguistic backgrounds might declare that writing in English (particularly in an academic setting) is "boring," something they perceive as formulaic. Often, these students come from backgrounds that value writing in a way that might seem "tangential" to native English readers.

In "Cultural thought patterns in inter-cultural education," Robert B. Kaplan (1966) put forth a model for examining written discourse patterns, which illustrates how different thought patterns influence how speakers of other languages express themselves in written form.

You can observe that English is illustrated as being very straightforward, which aligns with the directness of spoken English. Kaplan poses here that other language groups tend to branch off in different directions in written form, pulling in supporting elements that might not be directly correlated to the main idea and that present as "off-topic" for native English speakers.

Secondly, it's crucial to keep in mind that writing requires a vocabulary lexicon that can adequately support sharing. Often, even the most proficient English learners struggle to select the language they need to convey their point. When tackling writing instruction, make sure to consider how you're supporting vocabulary development to support the conventions you're teaching.

Lastly (and perhaps most importantly), writing is a form of self-expression, and self-expression through writing isn't valued the same way in all cultures. There is a great deal of value placed on sharing one's opinions in the U.S., for example, but this is not the reality all over the world. Some of your students might have been taught that they receive and process information, but that they are not in the position to make statements of their own or have the authority to teach others. Therefore, putting their thoughts down on paper might feel formal, high-stakes even, for your students.

What are some tips for teaching ESL writing?

Regardless of the age and proficiency level of your students, or whether you're teaching writing in an ESL or EFL classroom, there is a myriad of strategies that you have at your disposal.

Don't underestimate the value of conducting needs assessments

When it comes down to how to teach writing skills, even if you are teaching a group that is considered a certain proficiency level, recognize that there is always going to be a range of experience and ability present. Spend time getting to know what your students have been exposed to and in what ways before deciding on your approach. Teach to the middle to ensure no one is left behind.

Check out the following sample needs assessment to get started:

Think about how you can lower learners' affective filters

A large portion of all successful teaching comes from relationship-building. In addition to getting a true sense of your learners' experience and abilities, try to understand their attitudes towards writing as a process and any challenges that might be borne from those attitudes. How can you increase your students' comfort level? How can you engage the individuals sitting in front of you?
Check out these 5 ways to build rapport with your students when teaching English.
Think about how the writing task can act as a building block for other assignments

Learning how to write in another language can be intimidating, and even more so if your students don't enjoy writing in the first place. When wondering how to teach writing to ESL/EFL students, think about how you can integrate writing more often and more seamlessly into your lesson plans. Instead of approaching writing in isolation, teach writing skills alongside other "more engaging" activities that students tend to enjoy more. Have your students participate in role-playing and storytelling activities that require writing but don't make writing the focus of the activity. This is your chance to be sneaky and get your students to build their writing skills without even knowing!

Present opportunities to examine authentic, written language

Providing students with examples of the target language is non-negotiable, but challenge yourself to move beyond the sample texts in your curriculum where possible. Students might feel bored by the selected works in their textbooks - they need to recognize that written language is all around them. Pull from authentic texts that cover an array of topics that you know matter to your students to keep them enticed.
Try incorporating pop culture into your ESL classroom to spice up writing activities!
Lead with function over form in instruction, and then alter your focus

Students can be discouraged to find their paper covered with red ink, highlighting their fallacies. While it is important to provide corrective feedback, consider the purpose of the assignment before marking up the composition. Was the output comprehensible? Did it touch upon everything that you asked for? Focusing on both function (the purpose of the assignment) and the accuracy in form simultaneously can feel overwhelming. Choose your objectives carefully, make them known to the learners, and provide corrective feedback accordingly.
Choose writing activities that pertain to your students' learning goals. For example, the following clip, from a BridgeUniverse Expert Series webinar, covers how to teach Business English students to write an email in English:
Consider formative assessment and reflective strategies

Whenever possible, assess student work periodically, examining the process with various checkpoints and iterations throughout, instead of just evaluating the final product. Writing is an iterative process, and students benefit greatly when offered opportunities to reflect on their process. Create opportunities for students to participate in self- and peer-revision processes, which in turn will result in more conscientious and focused writers.

What are some ESL writing activities and lesson plans for beginners?

It can feel challenging to come up with writing activities for learners with beginner proficiency, but with proper scaffolding, writing can be inclusive and participatory.

Try group writing processes in class to get students comfortable

Writers with beginner proficiency might default to a deficit mindset, believing that writing is inaccessible for them due to a dearth of vocabulary or experience, so when you start to look at how to teach writing in the ESL/EFL classroom, your first job is to inspire confidence and get students into a growth mindset. To get them comfortable with the writing process, engage them in group writing activities.

Choose a familiar topic (or have your students choose a topic together), and explain that you are going to "group-author" a paragraph.

Have the students share what they know about the topic, and you, as the teacher, act as the scribe, jotting down their thoughts in a central location.

Continue gathering their ideas until everyone has shared, remembering to emphasize that this is a process and that there is no wrong contribution.

Examine the individual contributions and note overlap: How can a few thoughts be grouped together? In the process, ask students to elaborate on what they meant and provide examples.

Organize these preliminary thoughts to the best of your ability, involving the students and getting them to notice organizational structures and decipher between the main idea and details.

After celebrating what you can refer to as the "first draft," provide specific and limited ways to improve the piece. Did they include everything they thought was relevant to the topic? Could the paragraph benefit from additional cohesive devices? Do the subjects and verbs agree? Provide ample support in the form of examples, formulas, and sentence frames alongside the piece. Invite students to examine the paragraph and seek out these common mistakes (in partners or individually).

Create your "final draft" together, and ensure that it's displayed prominently in the space.

By engaging them in the writing process in this way, you are instilling habits that will aid them in writing autonomously when the time comes.

Even young learners can collaborate on writing assignments

Make the most of brainstorming - both individually and with others

Have you ever had students tell you that they don't know what to write? Students, particularly those at the beginner level, need ample time to think about the content before diving into the actual writing process. Emphasize the importance of brainstorming as a way to collect their thoughts and aid them in their writing. Engage students in different kinds of brainstorming activities, going beyond "write down what comes to mind."

Consider Think-Pair-Share as a framework for brainstorming, where students take time to think independently about the topic, share their ideas with their peers, and then share aloud to a larger group. Typically, the sharing is done orally, but you could also consider the independent writing portion of the activity as "sharing" with a larger audience, just in written form.

What are some ESL writing activities and lesson plans for intermediate and advanced students?

Facilitate a two-way journal experience with your students

Create a way for individual students to exchange their ideas with you in an informal way with a two-way journal. Have the students maintain a writing journal that you periodically collect to write comments and ask questions. The objective of this exchange is not to formally evaluate your students' writing, but to gather intel about your students' progress and connect with them as individuals. Within these exchanges, not only are you building and sustaining rapport, but you are also augmenting critical thinking and meta-cognitive skills with strategies like noticing and annotation.

Cultivate peer revision routines

Learning to write in a non-native language is as much a social process as it is a cognitive process. Involving students in peer revision activities can be incredibly beneficial in that students can learn from their peers (potentially those who are stronger writers than themselves) and develop the ability to think more critically about their own writing. While getting students to effectively participate in peer revision activities requires a lot of frontloading and the establishing of routine, it is the gift that keeps on giving. If you're interested in facilitating peer revision with your students, consider the following as general guidelines:

Start by determining your focus for the activity. What are you asking the students to do? Make it clear to the students what you're looking for, and provide supports that they can use in the process (e.g., a checklist or rubric).

Demonstrate how students would use the rubric, and go through the revision process as a group.

Provide sample pieces to examine, and engage the students in discussion around the samples.

Make sure that students are aware of what is considered appropriate and useful feedback through modeling. Have them practice, and give them feedback on their feedback.

Monitor the peer review sessions and jump in as needed, ensuring the quality of feedback for all involved parties.

Reflect on the peer feedback activity in whole-group format, asking students to share what they got from reading their peers' work, defining areas that they excelled in and areas for improvement.

Timed writing

Once your students feel comfortable with the writing process and the structure at hand, consider different contexts that they'll be writing in. Perhaps they are planning to take the TOEFL or IELTS exam and hope to study abroad, or maybe they're about to enter the workforce and work collaboratively with others.

In either case, your students will need to demonstrate their ability to communicate their ideas in written form while adhering to time constraints. Plan timed writing activities for your students on a variety of topics and with different parameters. In a standardized test prep context, have students write under the same conditions as the test that they're preparing to sit for.
Take a Micro-credential course in Teaching TOEFL Test Prep or Teaching IELTS Exam Prep to help students ace these high-stakes exams.
In a workforce development setting, illustrate a scenario in which an email from management warrants an urgent (and polished) response. In either context, examine the output and discuss strategies that the students used. Student output from timed activities provides fertile ground for examining accuracy in form. Walk students through noticing activities, and challenge them to remember their tendencies in subsequent timed writing tasks.

Teaching writing to ESL/EFL students requires commitment and perhaps a bit of innovation on the part of the teacher, but if done well, it can prove immensely useful in a globalized world, aiding individuals in self-expression and beyond.

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Teaching Writing to ESL/EFL Students: Tips and Activities for Any Level - BridgeUniverse - TEFL Blog, News, Tips & Resources

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By Shelynn Riel August 19, 2022 Teaching writing to non-native speakers of a language presents a plethora of unique challenges and can feel overwhelming for new and seasoned teachers alike. However, teaching writing to ESL students can be dynamic and meaningful when approached with a bit of ingenuity.

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Ten tips to help struggling English language learners

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How to help struggling English language learners - William Bradridge from Global English TESOL outlines ten tips for new and experienced teachers

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The global language learning market reached approximately $97.88 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a 17.67% CAGR through 2033, largely driven by AI-powered innovations.

Several AI-powered language learning tools excel in different areas. For structured learning, Babbel is a top choice. Rosetta Stone offers immersive experiences, Mondly focuses on interactive lessons, and Duolingo provides gamified, bite-sized content perfect for beginners.

While AI productivity tools are revolutionizing the way we work, they're also reshaping how we learn, especially in mastering new languages faster and more effectively.

Mastering a new language no longer takes years; with the availability of AI tools, it can happen faster than ever. In this guide, you'll discover the selected 20 best AI language learning tools. Additionally, you can maximize your results by combining AI language learning tools effectively.
Vote Now!
Tool Name Pricing Model Supported Languages Platform Availability Key Features Best For

Which Are the Best AI Language Learning Tools & Apps of 2025? (Comprehensive Review)

A fully researched, concise, and actionable overview of the top AI-powered platforms and apps for mastering new languages. This single-page review helps you compare all major players in the language learning tech landscape, with a focus on real user benefits, pros/cons, and expert recommendations.

1. Duolingo (Best for Spanish, French, and Japanese Beginners)

Features & Capabilities

My Take

After years of experimenting with language apps, I think Duolingo remains one of the best AI language learning tools for beginners and habitual learners. The game-like approach is genuinely motivating, and the breadth of available languages is impressive.

However, to reach conversational fluency, you'll likely need to supplement with other resources. Still, for daily vocabulary, grammar basics, and keeping up a learning streak, Duolingo's mix of AI and design works, just don't expect miracles from the free tier alone.

Duolingo's Expanding Reach
As of April 2025, Duolingo serves 117 million users, which is just 5% of the estimated 2 billion language learners worldwide.

3. Rosetta Stone (Best for Absolute Beginners in Spanish, French, and Mandarin)

Features & Capabilities

My Take

For visual learners and absolute beginners, Rosetta Stone's immersion system is intuitive; it's one of the best AI language learning tools if your goal is a true "from scratch" foundation with minimal distractions.

However, its lack of grammar tips, translation, or advanced speaking opportunities means you'll eventually need other resources to reach fluency.

What Was The Methodology for Choosing the Top AI Language Tools & Apps?

At All About AI, I carefully analyzed dozens of AI-powered language learning apps and tools to curate this list. Here's how I made the selections:

Hands-on Testing: I tested each tool to evaluate conversation quality, grammar support, and vocabulary-building features.

Platform Compatibility: favored apps that offer wide accessibility across web, iOS, and Android platforms.

Language Support: Tools that offer diverse language options scored higher.

User Experience: Intuitive design, interactive lessons, and engaging AI interactions were major factors.

Real-World Usefulness: Apps that simulate real conversation scenarios, provide speech feedback, or integrate immersive learning (like translations for websites/videos) ranked better.

Pricing Transparency: I considered the balance between free access and premium value for money.

Customer Feedback: Verified user reviews, ratings, and testimonials were factored in to assess overall satisfaction.

This approach ensures that every recommendation provides a high-quality, effective, and accessible language learning experience.

Which AI Language Learning Apps Should You Avoid?

While there are many outstanding AI-powered language learning apps available, not every option delivers a good experience. Some apps fall short due to poor reliability, confusing interfaces, or safety concerns. Based on user reviews, personal testing, and overall usability, here are a few apps we recommend approaching with caution:

Google Translate: Although useful for quick word or phrase translations, Google Translate is not ideal for language learning. It lacks a structured learning path, a progress tracker, and sometimes delivers unreliable or incorrect translations, making it a poor choice.

iTranslate Converse: Though marketed for conversation practice, it often struggles with context and colloquial expressions, leading to misunderstandings rather than helpful learning moments.

Papago: While useful for Korean translations, Papago's limited language base and occasional translation errors make it less suitable for broader or serious language study.

SayHi Translate: Best for casual phrase translation, but not built for serious learners - it lacks depth, context, and structured learning methods.

How Can You Strategically Combine AI Language Learning Tools? (Workflows Guide)

Most people think one app will make them fluent. Wrong! Smart learners combine 2-3 apps strategically to cover all 4 language skills:

Speaking

Listening

Reading

Writing

Each app excels in one area, combining them fills gaps and speeds up fluency by 40-60%. Here's the strategic real-world method:

Step 1: Choose Your Core App

Pick a daily habit builder like Duolingo, Babbel, or Lingvist.
Focus: vocabulary, grammar, daily engagement (15-20 mins/day).

Step 2: Add a Speaking Booster

Practice speaking live with Langua, Speak, or Tandem.
Goal: Real-world conversation skills (2-3 sessions/week).

Step 3: Immerse with Content

Surround yourself with native content using Memrise Clips, Langua Podcasts, or Perplexity Articles.
Passive Exposure: 15-20 mins/day.

Step 4: Close the Loop with Corrections

Use ChatGPT Tutoring, Busuu corrections, or Tutor Lily feedback.
Goal: Fix mistakes weekly for faster growth.

Case Study: AI Language Tools Boost Language Proficiency

A recent study conducted at a Turkish university explored the use of AI language learning tools like ChatGPT and Duolingo among English learners. Students integrated AI into their study routines to improve autonomy, motivation, and real-world communication skills.

The results showed substantial gains in speaking and writing proficiency, with learners reporting greater engagement and independence compared to traditional methods.

What Does the Future of AI in Language Learning Look Like?

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the way we learn languages, making education more personalized, efficient, and accessible than ever before.

Future AI tools will adapt in real time to individual learning styles, offer immersive experiences through virtual and augmented reality, and break language barriers with near-human conversational fluency.

As AI continues to evolve, it will empower learners to master new languages faster, smarter, and with greater cultural understanding.

Explore More AI Tools to Boost Your Workflow

Here are some of the best guides for the AI tools:

FAQs

Can I use AI to learn a language?

How is AI changing the way we learn languages?

Will AI completely replace human language teachers?

What are the biggest benefits of AI-powered language tools?

What are the privacy concerns surrounding AI language learning tools and user data?

Which AI chatbot is best for learning new languages?

Conclusion

The future of language learning is being transformed by the best AI language learning tools, offering faster, smarter, and more personalized experiences. As AI continues to evolve, learners can achieve fluency more efficiently while still valuing human connection.

How do you see AI shaping your personal language learning journey in the future? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

Was this article helpful?

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I Tried 20 Best AI Language Learning Tools [Top Picks of 2025]

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Explore the best AI language learning tools, strategic workflows, future trends, and expert conclusions to boost fluency faster.

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FREE 9+ Sample SIOP Lesson Plan Templates in PDF | MS Word

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Like any other type of lesson plans, the sheltered instruction observation protocol is a common Lesson Plan Templates that has been widely utilize in educational institutions. The purpose of SIOP lesson plan template is to assists teachers in teaching their students the proper use of language and linguistics. It is beneficial for teachers to make their teachings effective by using such template. The examples seen in the website template are free. It can be downloaded after selecting the appropriate SIOP lesson plan and later to be print. It is usually done in Microsoft Word or PDF file. The SIOP lesson plan template is a tool solely for educational purposes.

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How AI can play a part in the revitalization of Indigenous languages | APTN News

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Indigenous-Led AI: How Indigenous Knowledge Systems Could Push AI to be More Inclusive

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Indigenous-Led AI: How Indigenous Knowledge Systems Could Push AI to be More Inclusive

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Social sciences and humanities research council

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New Frontiers in Research Fund | Published: As the power of artificial intelligence begins to transform the world, an Indigenous-led research team is mobilizing to ensure AI is inclusive of Indigenous Knowledge systems. "This is arguably the first major technological revolution in the West where Indigenous Peoples have the capacity to fully participate in its shaping," says Jason Edward Lewis, who is a professor of computation arts at Concordia University as well as the University Research Chair in Computational Media and the Indigenous Future Imaginary.

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AI threatens Indigenous data sovereignty and digital self-determination

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AI threatens Indigenous data sovereignty and digital self-determination

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AI threatens Indigenous data sovereignty and digital self-determination

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Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are rapidly transforming our world, but the critical issues of the sovereignty of Indigenous data and Indigenous digital self-determination remain under-addressed. For Indigenous communities around the world, AI is not merely a technological development. It is a potential new form of colonization – one that risks marginalizing their languages, cultures and […]

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Artificial Intelligence in English language learning

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Artificial Intelligence in English language learning

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Our latest video generation model is more physically accurate, realistic, and more controllable than prior systems. It also features synchronized dialogue and sound effects. Create with it in the new Sora app.