ABSTRACT:
Language learners often experience moments of anxiety, silence, or mental “freeze” in the classroom, which are frequently misunderstood as lack of ability or motivation. Drawing on insights from neuroscience and neurolanguage coaching, this interactive workshop explores what is actually happening in learners’ brains and nervous systems during such moments.Participants will examine how perceived threat, pressure, and fear of error can inhibit language production, and how emotional safety, autonomy, and optimal challenge support flow and learning. The session highlights a shift from directive teaching to a coaching-oriented approach, emphasizing teacher presence, permissive language, powerful questioning, and the “power of yet.”Through reflective tasks and practical classroom scenarios, participants will experience how small changes in teacher language and mindset can help learners move from frozen states into engagement and flow. The workshop offers practical, brain-friendly strategies to foster confidence, agency, and sustainable learning in ELT contexts.

BIODATA:
After more than three decades in education, I am now stepping into what I like to call a flexible retirement—not an ending, but a recalibration of my Professional life. Leaving Ege University marks the close of “Part 1” of my career and opens space for “Part 2”: a chapter where I can channel my energy into reaching more teachers, managers, parents, and, through them, touch the learning journeys of countless young people around the world. With over 32 years of teaching experience and 15 years as a learning consultant, I have dedicated my career to supporting the growth and development of educators, leaders, families, and students. My work has always been driven by deep passion, curiosity, and love for learning, allowing me to inspire and empower others to reach their full potential — and to continue expanding my own. During my years at Ege University in İzmir, I held key academic and leadership positions, including Vice Head of the School of Foreign Languages, Head of the Continuous Professional Development Unit, and exam writer. I am also a founding member and former president of TESOL Türkiye, one of the fastest-growing professional associations for English teachers in Türkiye and North Cyprus. As to the other voluntary works, I currently serve as a committee member of its Teacher Education and Development Special Interest Group (TEDSIG) and have recently joined the IATEFL Teacher Development SIG as a committee member and EVE: Equal Voices in ELT, as a mentor. I have also been invited to speak at numerous national and international conferences and Professional events. I am one of the co-founders of InspirED Minds, an ELT Consultancy & Training Academy dedicated to supporting teacher development, leadership, and innovative learning experiences across Türkiye, Cyprus and beyond. Committed to lifelong learning, I have completed multiple international certifications and diplomas in teacher training, trainer training, assessment, educational management, personal effectiveness, presentation techniques, brain-based learning, the Enneagram, and numerology. I am proud to add to this list that I am now a certified and accredited Neurolanguage Coach, further strengthening my mission to support more learners and educators with science-informed, personalised learning approaches.