English as a foreign language Teacher Trainer and Lecturer in TESOL

I have been teaching ESOL, EFL, EAP and Teacher Training for over 20 years. I have a Masters in TESOL and a Trinity Dip TESOL. I taught in New Zealand, the Czech Republic and Cambridge and I currently work at The University of Central Lancashire. I absolutely love teaching international students- they can brighten up my day. My main goal is to create lessons that are really engaging, topical, student- centred and suited to the needs of the class. In other words, I take an interest, task-based approach so the first thing I do is find out what exactly interests YOU and then I design classes around that. If you love music, sport, gaming, culture then that's what I'll focus on. Once I know what you're into then we can start incorporating language. That could be functional language- how to survive in the real world, pragmatic language- how to use the right social language so that you fit in and sound natural, and of course building grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation and the four skills- reading, writing, speaking and listening. Whatever it is that you need. I make sure that as well as helping you to thrive and survive in another language, I also ensure you have fun while doing it. Winner winner!

I have worked with fascinating people from many different nationalities. I have learnt so much about the world from my students and that is really what makes my job one of the best on the planet, I think! I've been lucky enough to organise and be part of many adventures with my students from skiing and snow-boarding to black water rafting. I love adventure sports and there aren't a lot of things I wouldn't try at least once!

Before becoming an English language teacher and previous Director of Studies, I was a gymnastic coach in Ireland, my home country. So basically, I've always loved helping people to learn a craft whether it's a sport or a language.

If you asked my current students what the lessons would be like I think they'd say lively, authentic, productive and inspiring.

I do hope I have the opportunity to work with you.

Nicola Walker
TESOL Lecturer at UCLan
MA TESOL, Trinity Dip TESOL, CELTA

Please look at my LinkedIn