NCTE 2025

Creating and Sustaining Optimal Learning Environments: Finding Your True “Teacher Self”

What makes a learning environment optimal? Is it the lesson plan, the materials, or is it your “teacher self?” In this workshop, you will explore components that affect classroom atmosphere and learner engagement. These components include: teacher language, transitions, instructions, feedback, questioning strategies, and teacher presence. You’ll also explore how drawing on and affirming learners’ assets positively impacts learning. Through demonstrations, video observation, and hands-on practice, you’ll discover your true teacher-self that leads to an optimal learning environment. This workshop is suitable for teachers in any English language teaching context.

By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:
1) observe for and evaluate the effects that teacher language, teacher-learner interactions, teacher presence, and classroom environment have on learning.
2) reflect on your strengths and areas for growth.
3) discover your true teacher self that leads to the most optimal environment for all learners.

This workshop explores the role of sketchpads as a tool for enhancing conversational fluency and grammatical accuracy in language learning. By assigning specific roles, encouraging broad discussion topics, and integrating explicit grammar practice, sketchpads provide structured yet flexible opportunities for authentic communication. Drawing on research from Haugh (2012), Penny Ur (1996), and The Academy for the Science of Instruction (n.d.), the article outlines best practices for designing effective sketchpads. It also highlights the importance of vocabulary scaffolding, role rotation, and reflective exercises to maximize learning outcomes. The discussion concludes with practical strategies for adapting sketchpads to different proficiency levels.