Keeping students motivated can be difficult at any time of the academic year. Around the world, school calendars and term lengths vary, but most educators will recognize the challenge of teaching through a long stretch of lessons. The energy of a new class or course may fade, routines can start to feel repetitive, and students may feel tired or less connected to their learning goals.

For language teachers, this can be especially challenging. Learning a language takes time, and progress is not always easy for students to see. So, how can you keep language students motivated when a course or teaching period starts to lose momentum?

Language assessment has never been simple, but in today’s landscape it feels more complex than ever. Teachers are balancing classroom outcomes, learner confidence, evolving assessment practices, AI developments, test preparation, and increasingly diverse student needs and wants. Just the thought of typing all that out makes anyone wish for a simple reference guide covering the fundamentals. That's where Jarrad Merlo's A-Z of Language Testing series comes in. Available on the Pearson Test of English Teacher Hub, this collection of short, practical videos breaks down key language testing concepts into accessible, bite-sized episodes, helping educators build confidence in the science, principles and practices behind language testing. 

As teachers prepare for a new academic year, it’s the perfect time to explore the archive, strengthen your assessment toolkit and discover new ideas to bring into the classroom. 

Some highlights from the A-Z series

While every teacher will have their own favorites, a few themes from the series feel particularly valuable for building teachers' confidence in understanding language assessment.

A is for authenticity 

As teachers, we are always trying to connect classroom learning to the real world, and language assessment should do the same. The video unpacks the idea of authenticity, how closely a test can mirror the genuine communication tasks that learners encounter in their studies, work and their day-to-day life. It is a thought-provoking reminder that the most effective assessments do not just test language but the ability to use it.

C is for Concordance

As teachers, it is like being asked, "What is the Pearson Test of English Equivalent of an IELTS 6?". Jarrad explains how concordance studies compare scores from different language tests, helping educators and institutions interpret results with greater confidence. It gives viewers a practical, insightful introduction to an important concept in modern language assessment.

G is for Global Scale of English 

If you have ever looked at a student and their progress and thought They’re improving, but how do we show it?  Jarrad dives into the Global Scale of English (GSE), Pearson’s innovative framework for measuring English proficiency bands, it helps teachers and learners see progress in smaller, more meaningful steps, making it easier to track development. Set goals and celebrate improvement along the way. 

Why teachers should revisit the series before the new academic year 

With September approaching, many educators start refreshing schemes of work, reviewing resources and thinking about their professional goals for the year ahead. This makes it the perfect moment to explore the A-Z archive on the Teacher Hub. 

Through it you can discover: 

• A concept that you may have wanted to be explained 
• A fresh perspective on assessment practices 
• New ways to discuss testing with learners
• Ideas that influence how teachers approach classroom feedback 
• Greater confidence in understanding language assessment principles

Most importantly, you will start the new academic year with a stronger understanding of the science behind the tests that learners are preparing for. 

The final letter 

While the series has not reached the end of the alphabet yet, the point of reflection where it becomes preparation is here. The A-Z language testing series provides teachers with a valuable collection of insights, explanations, and practical ideas throughout the year. More than that, it has demonstrated that language assessment does not need to be mysterious, intimidating or buried somewhere. 

Sometimes all it takes is a few minutes, a great presenter and a carefully chosen letter to the alphabet. So, before the new academic year begins, grab a beverage, head to the Teacher Hub and look through the alphabet. Your future teacher self will thank you. 

From Authenticity to Global Scale of English and everything in between, the A-Z series proves language assessment doesn't have to be complicated. Explore the full collection on the Teacher Hub here and discover bite-sized insights.

As a new school year begins, teachers and parents share the same goal: helping students return to learning with confidence.

After the long summer break, many learners are excited to see their friends again, but getting back into a school routine isn't always easy. Some students may be starting a new class, meeting a new teacher or preparing for important exams. For English language learners, returning to the classroom can also mean rebuilding confidence in using English every day.

A smooth transition back to school can help students feel more settled, engaged and ready to learn. Here are four practical ways teachers and families can support learners as they start the academic year.

1. Be organized and create routines

"Organizing is what you do before you do something, so that when you do it, it's not all mixed up." – A. A. Milne

Strong routines help students know what to expect and reduce unnecessary stress during the first few weeks of school.

At home, families can hold a "back-to-school meeting" to agree on routines for the year ahead. This could include:

• Getting school bags and clothes ready the evening before
• Setting regular homework times
• Planning family mealtimes
• Making time for exercise and relaxation

When everyone has a chance to contribute, it helps build routines that are realistic and easier to stick to. Writing these routines on a family planner or wall chart can also help everyone stay on track.

For English language learners, consistent routines can be especially helpful. Predictable study times create regular opportunities to practise reading, speaking or reviewing vocabulary, helping students build confidence throughout the school year.

2. Start bedtime routines early

"Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise." – Benjamin Franklin

Good sleep plays an important role in students' wellbeing, concentration and learning.

After the holidays, it can be difficult to switch from late nights back to early mornings. Rather than making sudden changes, encourage families to gradually move bedtimes earlier by 30 to 60 minutes over several days before school starts. This makes the adjustment much easier for everyone.

Reducing screen time before bed can also improve sleep quality. Ideally, children and adults should avoid screens for at least 30 minutes before going to sleep.

Well-rested students are more likely to stay focused, participate in class discussions and retain new vocabulary and language skills.

3. Talk about homework and teach organizational skills

"When it's obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the goals, adjust the action steps." – Confucius

Organization is a skill that develops over time and can make a significant difference to students' success.

As homework increases throughout the school year, parents and teachers can work together to help students develop good study habits.

Encourage learners to:

• Break homework into manageable tasks
• Create a weekly study plan
• Prioritize more challenging work when they have the most energy
• Set realistic goals for completing assignments

Introducing SMART goals can also help students take ownership of their learning:

• Specific – What exactly will they do?
• Measurable – How will they know they've succeeded?
• Achievable – Is the goal realistic?
• Relevant – How does it support their learning?
• Time-bound – When will they complete it?

Creating a quiet, organized study space at home also helps students stay focused. Parents can support learners by being available to answer questions, encouraging effort and celebrating progress—not just results.

For English language learners, homework routines might also include reading for a few minutes in English each day, reviewing vocabulary or practicing speaking with family members or classmates.

4. Make mealtimes quality family time

"Kids who grow up having family dinners, when they're on their own, tend to eat more healthily." – Anne Fishel

Busy schedules can make it difficult for families to spend time together, but sharing a meal provides a valuable opportunity to connect and talk about the day.

Simple conversations help children reflect on their experiences and build confidence expressing themselves. Families might ask questions such as:

• What did you enjoy at school today?
• What made you laugh today?
• What was something new you learned?
• Was there anything you found challenging?

Listening carefully and giving children your full attention shows that their thoughts and feelings matter. Even if weekday meals aren't always possible, planning time together at weekends can have lasting benefits.

For students learning English, these conversations can also provide valuable opportunities to practice new words, describe their day and build confidence communicating outside the classroom.

Help students start the year with confidence

Returning to school is about more than buying new supplies or preparing lesson plans: it's about helping students feel ready to learn.

By establishing routines, encouraging healthy habits, supporting independent study and making time for meaningful conversations, teachers and families can work together to create a positive start to the school year.

Small, consistent actions during the first few weeks can help students settle in more quickly, rebuild confidence and develop habits that support successful learning throughout the year.