Topic: English for Specific Purposes | How engaging multiple senses in language learning strengthens neural connections, deepens retention and boosts motivation
Presenter: Karen Elaine Waites
Presentation details
This session will draw on Elaine Waites’ extensive experience designing and delivering innovative language programs across diverse educational settings — from award-winning work with at-risk youth in Yorkshire to vocational English courses in the creative industries at ITTS A. De Pace in southern Italy.
Participants will explore how engaging multiple senses in language learning strengthens neural connections, deepens retention and boosts motivation. Elaine presents her blended methodology, integrating youth work principles with language acquisition strategies to foster authentic communication, emotional intelligence and holistic learner development.
The session includes practical, real-world case studies, such as English for the creative industries, tech, tourism, fashion, art, and job search—connecting language learning with personal growth and future opportunities.
Two flagship projects are featured. The first, “Wine Talks,” was developed for sommeliers to address a local skills gap. It enhances English communication for wine tasting, pairing, and service, using a multisensory approach to help learners overcome barriers when taking the WSET Level 2 course.
The second project, “Alimenta Essential English Service,” supported young people with Down Syndrome who staff a coffee bar. Elaine guided them in building functional communication skills in English for meeting, greeting, and serving clients. This inclusive, real-world model encouraged independence, emotional growth, and a meaningful whole community learning project.
Elaine will also introduce holistic APIR , Riktor scale , self- and peer-assessment, reflective journaling, and vlogging — to support educators and learners in tracking real-world communicative development.
Participants will leave with a practical toolkit to implement inclusive, vocational ELT in their own teaching contexts.
About the presenter
Karen Elaine is experienced LEA educator and youth development specialist, Elaine has worked as a life skills (E2E) mentor, Connexions personal/careers advisor, and regional development manager and volunteer trainer for Northumberland Clubs for Young People.
She brings a unique blend of vocational guidance, soft skills training and community-based education to her English language teaching practice.