Meet the Maker is a unique program where materials writers showcase their textbooks, apps, or other creations, followed by an interview led by the MW SIG. The presentation and discussion will explore the materials, the creative process, and the business side of publishing. We hope this event will offer valuable insights for the teaching community and materials creators across various fields. 

Schedule: Introductions 5 min / Presentation 30 min / Interview 30 min / Q & A 15 min

*For video recordings of previous presentations, please scroll down.

1. Marcos Benevides, Widgets Inc. (2024, Oct 6)

2. Miles Craven, Pass the TOEIC Test (2024, Nov 3)

3. David Barker, Read to Write (2024, Dec 1)

4. Steven E. Quasha & Daniel J. Mills, Think Big for Business (2025, Jan 12)

Upcoming Presentations

Event spots are available for 2025!
Interested in being a presenter?
Visit the Meet the Maker Invitation Page.

Next Presentation

Available Presentation Slots:

September 2025

October 2025

November 2025

December 2025

January 2026

Video Recordings

MW SIG YouTube Channel

Abstract:

Widgets Inc. is the first commercial course to successfully apply a "strong" approach to task-based language teaching (TBLT). It features a themed syllabus organized by task complexity, highly contextualized and interconnected tasks and projects, and an engaging real-world-like simulation. Self, peer, and teacher assessment is based on the appropriate completion of tasks, rather than on language forms practice.

Widgets Inc. differs from other courses in its focus to create a life-like English-speaking scenario in the classroom. That is, students simulate being interns at a technology startup, where they work together in small groups to perform workplace and business related tasks. All classroom activities are realistically connected; all discussions, presentations, video calls, and interviews have a contextual purpose, and build from one to the next. This approach recycles useful language and situations, makes the course well-suited for mixed-level classes, and is highly motivating for students. 

The second edition of Widgets Inc. was the 2019 winner of the ELTon Award for Course Innovation. A third edition is currently under production, and will launch in 2025. 

Bio:
Marcos Benevides is an associate professor in linguistics at J. F. Oberlin University, the founder and publisher of Atama-ii Books, and the co-author of a number of international award-winning ELT textbooks. He has published with Pearson, Abax, McGraw-Hill, Compass, and Atama-ii Books. His work received the Duke of Edinburgh Book Award in 2010, the ELTon Award in 2011 and 2019 (and a short-listing in 2015), plus several Extensive Reading Foundation graded reader medals.

Abstract:

Teaching a TOEIC class is a tough challenge. Naturally, students want to achieve the highest score they can in the TOEIC test, and by going to a TOEIC preparation class they expect their teachers to make that happen. Yet this places a huge (and rather unreasonable) weight on teachers’ shoulders. How can teachers boost the TOEIC scores of their students? Classes can become a spiral of endless practice tests, with teachers frustrated they are not 'teaching' and students dissatisfied at their lack of progress. 

That's exactly the dilemma that Pass the TOEIC Test addresses head-on, by focusing on the key skills and test-taking strategies students need on the test. Using content that accurately reflects the format and style of the test, Pass the TOEIC Test develops, practices and crucially tests students' ability across a wide range of language skills. Together with a thorough and systematic approach to essential strategies, this allows students to feel they are learning something special, gaining insights they wouldn’t otherwise have, and developing the key skills they need. In these ways, Pass the TOEIC Test successfully addresses the challenges faced by both students and teachers.

Bio:

Miles Craven has worked in English language education since 1988, teaching in schools, colleges and universities around the world. From 1997-2000 he worked at Nihon University in Japan. Since leaving Japan, he has been a full-time textbook writer. He is the author or co-author of over thirty textbooks for adults and young adults, writing mainly for Cambridge University Press, Oxford University Press, and Macmillan. His courses include English Grammar in Use Extra, Cambridge English Skills, Q, Listening Extra, Reading Keys, Breakthrough Plus, and Wide Angle. He has also self-published Pass the TOEIC Test, through his own company, First Press ELT.

Abstract:

Read to Write attempts to address the challenges of teaching English writing to large classes of low-level students. The main features of the book are that it offers Japanese instructions on the basic rules and norms of writing English at the sentence level, and provides extensive models of writing on a range of common topics that students can adapt to create their own sentences and paragraphs. The third edition of the book, due to be published early in 2025, will also offer additional Japanese explanations of common errors that all Japanese students are likely to make when they speak or write in English. In this presentation, I will be happy to answer questions on how this book can be (and has been) adapted for use in any educational environment, from a single class to a coordinated program with thousands of students. 

Bio:

Originally from North Wales in the United Kingdom, David has been teaching English for more than 30 years. He is currently a professor in the faculty of education at Gifu University. He is the author of many books and articles in both English and Japanese for Japanese learners of English. Two of his books, published by ALC Press, made national bestseller lists. He set up BTB Press in 2009 in order to share his materials with other teachers who liked his approach and wanted to use his books with their own students. 

Abstract:

The Think Big for Business textbook series, co-authored by Quasha and Mills, follows the entrepreneurial journey of Mirai Takahashi, a 25-year-old Japanese woman navigating the evolving challenges and opportunities within the digital economy. This series is designed to inspire and empower young learners by providing them with essential practical skills needed to thrive in today’s dynamic business environment. Through engaging narratives and interactive activities, students explore entrepreneurship, innovation, personal growth, and informed investment decision-making.

Each unit also includes a shadowing video for practicing target language and a YouTube video to expand vocabulary, offering learners deeper insights into succeeding in the modern business world. This series is an indispensable tool for educators seeking to equip students with the knowledge and confidence to succeed in a globalized economy. 

Bio:

Steven E. Quasha is an associate professor in the Faculty of Modern Management at Sugiyama Jogakuen University in Nagoya. He is the founder of Akebono Press and the author of “A Single Step to English Communication” and co-author of the “Think Big for Business” series. In 2024, he received the “Best Teacher Award” from Sugiyama Jogakuen University.

Daniel J. Mills is a professor in the Faculty of Economics at Ritsumeikan University in Shiga. He holds a doctorate in educational technology and is a certified financial educator who has published extensively on instructional technology and financial literacy education. Daniel is the co-author of the "Think Big for Business" series.