The world is a complex place. English language learning does not stop in challenging circumstances. Every day, students learn in refugee camps, prisons, and warz-ones. Some learners and teachers may have experienced forced displacement, trauma or a range of other physical and mentally difficult situations.

In this blog post, I'll share a collection of video interviews I created for National Geographic Learning. Experts share their advice and practical teaching ideas to support teachers teaching through crisis.

In this video, Paul Dummett shares his experiences of teaching learners from refugee backgrounds. He shares educational techniques, activities and ideas to help teachers support their learners.

This interview shares creative ways to bring topics related to refugee related themes into language classes. It explores lesson ideas, activities and discussions which raise awareness of global issues, challenges and wellbeing.

In this interview, Aleks Palanac shares her extensive experience and research into trauma aware practices. She explores behaviours that learners may have when they have experienced trauma, and how to create a classroom atmosphere that is supportive and responsive to their needs.

In this video, Laura shares insights from her own personal experiences of forced displacement and resettling in the UK. She also shares her unique dual perspective of being an ESOL tutor supporting learners from refugee backgrounds.

In this Teaching Through Crisis session, Efi shares innovative teaching ideas to support young learners from refugee backgrounds. She shares her invaluable teaching knowledge and experiences of supporting learners resettling in primary classrooms.

In this video interview, Emily Wilson shares her vast experience supporting learners in refugee camps. She discusses learner wellbeing as well as ways teachers can manage their own wellbeing when experiencing secondary trauma.

This video in the National Geographic Learning Teaching Through Crisis series explores practical ways to give youths from refugee backgrounds meaningful and high-quality educational experiences. It shares the innovative approaches of Amala Education, a charity that provides learning in refugee camps in Kenya, Jordan and Greece.

In this session, Roza Salih explores how English language tutors and learners can stand up for refugee rights. Roza shares her own experiences with rallies, protests, political campaigns and advocating for human rights. Teachers and students can be changemakers and this video will inspire you and equip you with the positive mindset and tools to make the world a better place.

This session explores the realities of teaching through crisis. Four Ukrainian teachers share their lived experiences of teaching during the war in Ukraine. They discuss how they and their learners stayed safe and looked after their own physical and mental wellbeing.

The Teaching Through Crisis series by National Geograpgic Learning also includes professional development resources, lesson ideas and useful links for teachers educating learners in challenging circumstances.

Check out the page by clicking the image below or this link: