Andrew Walkley

In the previous articles, we talked about Hugh Dellar, David Crystal, Herbert Puchta and Scott Thornbury. In this article, we’ll talk about another ELT specialist and famous teacher trainer, Andrew Walkley. 

Andrew Walkley is a famous teacher, teacher trainer and materials writer. He has over 25 years’ experience in teaching English as a Foreign Language. He is also a co-director of  Lexical Lab. The Lexical Lab specialises in course design, consultancy, teacher training and material writing. Andrew delivers various training courses and runs workshops for ELT all over the world and teaches on a summer school in London. Andrew is the co-author of coursebooks: “Outcomes”, “Innovations”, “Perspectives”, “Roadmap” and the methodology book “Teaching Lexically”. He also writes articles and holds webinars for different publishers. 

Andrew has two children. He went to Nottingham University, where he studied English Studies. He completed a DipTEFLA and trained to deliver CELTA courses. He also worked at the University of Westminster for 17 years.

Below, I will describe some of his books.

I shortly described the book “Teaching Lexically” in the article about Hugh Dellar.

“Outcomes” is a coursebook of National Geographic Learning.

The course is lexically rich, it has contemporary content and includes real-world English. There’s an evenly paced grammar syllabus that’s linked to context. Guided Discovery is used to present the grammar. As in many National Geographic coursebooks, there are plenty of inspiring videos; Conversation videos provide a model for real output. An Understanding Fast Speech feature helps understand authentic English. Using the Online Vocabulary Builder students can create their own word lists. The course includes Students Book, Workbook, MyELT Online Resource with additional grammar, vocabulary and skills practice; Teacher’s Book with language and culture notes and tips; Interactive Whiteboard; ExamView® — online exam tests.

Here you can find an online brochure. This is a lesson taught with Outcomes.

“Innovations” is a coursebook of National Geographic Learning too.

It’s a five-level English. It has lexical/grammatical syllabus. The book presents grammar in natural contexts, there are many activities to practise new grammar. Listening and reading passages are written for this course to make sure all new language is recycled. Pronunciation syllabus improves learners’ fluency.

“Perspectives” is another coursebook of National Geographic Learning.

It’s a four-level course. The main features of the book are real-world stories and TED talks. They encourage students to think critically and creatively. Each unit presents one idea from different points of view. The book includes exam-style tasks and test-taking strategies that help to prepare students for some international exams. 

The components of the book are Student Book with Online Workbook, Teacher’s Guide, Classroom Presentation Tool, Assessment CD-ROM with ExamView®.

Here you try a sample unit.

Here are some great interviews and webinars with Andrew Walkley: 

How to teach Beginners?

Emerging into English: different levels, different needs. 

The questions we ask.