Professional Development

for English Teachers

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The 32nd P.A.R.K. Conference

The Power of the First Minute: How to Grab Teen Interest and Keep It

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Monika Ziębakowska

KEY WORDShook, curiosity, connection, relevance, energy, engagement, surprise, authenticity, interaction

AGE GROUPSteens, young adults, adults

CEFR LEVELSA2, B1, B2, C1

AUDIENCEmixed

I explore key strategies for capturing students' attention and interest from the start. This presentation focuses on engaging teens by using interactive activities, meaningful contexts, and game-based learning. It emphasizes teaching with empathy, encouraging mindfulness, and boosting motivation to create a positive classroom atmosphere. I offer practical tasks and activities that make lessons dynamic, relevant, and impactful.

I am an English teacher with over 30 years of experience, as well as a trainer and certified neuro-language coach. In my teaching, I focus on building strong relationships, creating a positive learning atmosphere, and fostering learner autonomy. I am a practitioner rather than a theorist – my expertise comes from hands-on experience with learners.