In the 21st-century classroom, it’s easy to believe that quantity equals quality, especially when it comes to vocabulary. But experience and research tell a different story: teaching fewer words, deeply and meaningfully, is far more powerful than rushing through long lists.

When students truly learn a word, they don't just memorize its definition, they connect it to real-life contexts, use it in speech and writing and retain it for the long term. This can only happen when we slow down, give words the attention they deserve and build rich, engaging lessons around them.

Instead of introducing 20 words in a single session, imagine focusing on just 5 and exploring them through storytelling, visuals, movement, discussion and personal connections. That’s where real understanding happens. That’s how we build confident, expressive learners who don’t just know words but they own them.

Thank you for sharing. I might try adapting something similar in my own classroom.

@Mishael-Naqash Absolutely inspiring work, your interview podcast on SDG Goal 4 Quality Education brilliantly highlights the power of social media in promoting girls' education. Your insights were thoughtful, impactful and deeply motivating. It's encouraging to see how digital platforms can be used for such meaningful advocacy. Keep leading the way for positive change.

In the next decade, student-focused learning will become more important than ever. Education is shifting toward helping students take an active role in their learning journey, rather than just receiving information. This means they will need to develop strong skills in critical thinking, creativity and self-motivation. Being able to ask questions, explore different solutions and learn from mistakes will help them grow into confident, independent learners. Collaboration will also be key. Students must learn how to work well with others, share ideas and communicate clearly. With technology continuing to evolve rapidly, students will need to use digital tools wisely and safely to research and solve real-world problems. Overall, the focus will be on helping students become adaptable, curious and lifelong learners who are prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

@ateeque-soomro I really enjoyed how you used real-life situations to teach math concepts. It makes learning more meaningful and helps students see the value of math in their daily lives. The use of video was engaging and helped simplify complex ideas. Great job making the lesson both practical and interactive.

@Samreen-Tahir I really loved your podcast! Your idea of using WhatsApp as a teaching tool to introduce students to AI platforms like ChatGPT and Gemini is both innovative and practical. It shows how technology that students already use daily can become a powerful learning channel. You made complex tools feel accessible and relevant, and your approach truly reflects the spirit of 21st-century teaching. Well done!

@Ana_moderator My name is Mohamed Amine Abidi and I am a primary school teacher from Tunisia. My favorite part of my job is creating engaging lessons that allow my students to interact, enjoy themselves and learn at the same time. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, especially novels, and watching English learning content on social media platforms.

@Alwesha The lesson was thoughtfully designed for young learners, with age-appropriate vocabulary and engaging video content. You used clear, simple language. The interactive approach helped maintain student interest and encouraged participation, which is essential for language acquisition at this level.

I completely agree. Focusing on skill-based targets alongside grades can better prepare students for real life. One idea is to include practical projects at every grade level like teamwork tasks, problem-solving challenges or communication exercises that match students’ age and level.
Regular self-assessments and reflections can encourage students to track their own skill growth, not just their test scores.

@Tabbasum Thank you for such an engaging and clear physics lesson! I really liked how you explained the concepts step by step and used simple examples to help students understand. It was great to see how students were actively involved, asking questions, giving answers, and participating in the discussion. You created a very positive learning environment where everyone felt encouraged to share and learn.

If I could create an AI tool for teaching, it would help both teachers and students by making lessons easier to plan and more engaging to learn. It would personalize learning for each student, offer instant feedback, translate or explain difficult words and even check in on how students are feeling. For teachers, it would save time by creating lessons, tracking student progress and suggesting ways to support those who need extra help. This tool would make learning more fun, fair and effective for everyone.

I think e-books are a great step forward in education. They make learning more interactive and accessible, especially for students who might not afford printed textbooks.

Thank you for sharing this, it really hits home. The constant shift in focus, the pressure to perform and the lack of time to truly connect with students are real challenges in the current system. Learning shouldn't feel like a race and teaching shouldn’t feel like a performance. Your experience highlights the urgent need to rethink how we structure both teaching and learning time. Students and teachers deserve better.

Thank you for sharing your inspiring work, Salman. It's truly heartening to see how you're using technology not just as a tool, but as a bridge to equity. Your intentional efforts to include and uplift girls set a powerful example for all educators. I completely agree, when girls are given the space and support, they thrive. Looking forward to learning more from your journey and from others working toward the same goal.

Absolutely agree. AI isn’t replacing books, it’s giving them a new life. It helps explain complex ideas in simpler ways and keeps students more engaged. It’s exciting to see how it can support teachers and make learning more personalized.

As this chapter of our shared journey comes to a close, I want to take a moment to express my deep gratitude to each and every one of you. Your dedication, creativity and unwavering support have made this experience not only enriching but truly inspiring.

In a world where education is evolving faster than ever, being part of a community like this one that values collaboration and innovation has been a privilege. The ideas you've shared, the encouragement you've offered and the passion you've shown for teaching are what keep this sector alive and growing.

Thank you for the work you've done, the wisdom you've brought and the positive spirit you've contributed. I look forward to seeing how we all continue to impact education and shape the future together.

With appreciation and respect,
Mohamed Amine Abidi

@Samreen-Tahir I really loved your podcast! Your idea of using WhatsApp as a teaching tool to introduce students to AI platforms like ChatGPT and Gemini is both innovative and practical. It shows how technology that students already use daily can become a powerful learning channel. You made complex tools feel accessible and relevant, and your approach truly reflects the spirit of 21st-century teaching. Well done!

@Sana-Maqbool Your video on using social media to improve your language skills is excellent! I particularly liked how you demonstrated various apps and provided useful, doable examples for speaking, writing, and grammar. It's a very innovative and approachable method of learning, and it also makes language acquisition seem much more doable and approachable. You have truly given your audience the ability to use social media as a powerful learning tool on a daily basis. Fantastic work!

This is one of the most heartfelt and necessary reflections I’ve read on the future of education. Yes, innovation is reshaping how we teach and learn but it’s empathy, not efficiency, that truly transforms lives. The reminder that technology should support, not replace, human connection is so powerful. Behind every struggling student is a story that no app can read, but a teacher can feel. Let’s never forget: the real “upgrade” in education is a caring adult who shows up, listens and believes.

@Sana-Maqbool Your video on using social media to improve your language skills is excellent! I particularly liked how you demonstrated various apps and provided useful, doable examples for speaking, writing, and grammar. It's a very innovative and approachable method of learning, and it also makes language acquisition seem much more doable and approachable. You have truly given your audience the ability to use social media as a powerful learning tool on a daily basis. Fantastic work!