Translating research into accessible learning materials

Idioms are notoriously difficult for English as a Second Language (ESL) learners. Traditional rote memorisation often leads to poor retention and confusion between literal and figurative meanings.
My research, published in Languages Issues (2018), explored how mental imagery and a conversational context significantly improve idiom acquisition. The goal was to design a learning unit to translate this academic finding into a practical learning material.

I applied a learner centred design framework:
Instead of isolated vocabulary lists, I structured the content around storytelling. I designed scenarios where idioms appeared in natural conversational contexts, allowing learners to infer meaning before explicit instruction.

My learning materials included instructions that were written in plain English to reduce cognitive load for non-native speakers.

I developed a digital module unit that featured:

• introductions to idioms in a conversational context

• A range of writing tasks to use new language expressions, reinforcing the application within a story context identified in my research.

• A teacher support pack which includes a guide explaining the theoretical basis of activities to help educators facilitate the lessons effectively.

• Enhanced retention: pilot testing showed a 35% increase in correct usage of target idioms in subsequent writing tasks compared to traditional flashcard methods.

• Scalability: the modular design allowed the content to be easily adapted for different proficiency levels (A2–C1) without losing pedagogical integrity.

• Publication: this practical application of my research was later cited in teacher training workshops, bridging the gap between academic theory and classroom reality.

Effective English language teaching content isn't just about good writing, it's about applying linguistic theory to create experiences that stick.