We are delighted to recognise Dr. Fozia Temam Mohammed (Ethiopia) as our TeachingEnglish Member of the Month for June 2026.
Fozia has been a consistent and valued contributor to the English Connects Community of Practice, actively participating in discussions, sharing practical ideas from her own teaching context, supporting fellow educators, and helping create a welcoming and collaborative learning environment. Throughout June, she played a particularly important role in discussions on creating language-rich learning environments and the use of clubs and extracurricular activities to support English language learning.
About Fozia
Dr. Fozia Temam Mohammed is an accomplished English Language Teaching (ELT) professional, researcher and university lecturer based in Ethiopia. She holds a PhD in ELT from Hawassa University, where her research focused on differentiated instruction and student-centred pedagogy.
With more than twenty years of experience in English language teaching, teacher education and educational leadership, Fozia is passionate about creating inclusive, engaging and effective learning environments. She is a founding member and Training Facilitator of the Smart Edge English Language Professionals' Association (SEELPA) and has served as a teacher, school principal, consultant and trainer across different educational levels.
A strong advocate of lifelong learning, Fozia continuously develops her professional practice through training, research and collaboration with teachers across Africa and beyond.
Fozia's top tips for creating language-rich learning environments
During her June 2026 Community of Practice discussion on Creating Language-Rich Learning Environments through Clubs and Extracurricular Activities, Fozia shared several practical ideas that teachers can implement immediately, even in resource-constrained settings.
1. Create interactive classroom walls (Environmental Print)
Transform your classroom walls into dynamic learning tools. You don’t need an expensive budget or store-bought posters—co-create interactive word walls with your students. Have learners write new vocabulary words, definitions, and drawings on recycled paper or cardboard, then display them on the walls. Dedicate a small space to an "Idiom Corner" or a "Word of the Week" campaign, encouraging students to use specific phrases throughout the week. This approach makes the environment visually stimulating and fosters a sense of pride and ownership among students.
2. Establish ELIC (English Language Improvement Centers/Clubs)
Set up dedicated spaces or clubs focused on English language practice. These centers provide informal, engaging environments where students can develop their language skills through conversation, games, and collaborative activities, reinforcing classroom learning in a fun and relaxed setting.
3. Transform morning line-up into a "Micro-Stage" for public speaking
Utilize the daily routine of morning assembly as an opportunity for English practice. Dedicate just two minutes to a "Micro-Stage" where students can showcase their speaking skills. For example, a "1-Minute Storyteller" can share a joke, recite a short poem, or participate in a quick "Spelling Bee" battle. This boosts confidence, encourages spontaneous use of English, and makes language practice a normal part of the school day.
4. Designate an "English Tree" or "English Bench" in the schoolyard
Create a voluntary "English-Only Zone" in your schoolyard—such as a shaded tree or a bench. Establish a simple, fun rule: anyone sitting under the tree or on the bench must speak only in English. This transforms speaking English into a game rather than an academic chore and provides a natural, low-pressure space for spontaneous peer conversations during recess and free periods.
5. Recognise that extracurricular clubs are the engine of language acquisition
Remember, extracurricular clubs are not "extra" work—they are vital for language development. They offer students a platform to build confidence, find their voice, and engage in meaningful communication, making language learning enjoyable and authentic.
'Language-rich environments give learners opportunities to practise, participate and build confidence beyond the classroom.' - Dr Fozia Temam