Doodle your way to academic success: From ‘inkredible’ art to incredible results

This presentation delves into the often underestimated realm of doodling within educational settings. It begins with the author's initial skepticism towards doodling, sparked by the discovery of students' doodles on official test papers during an internal assessment audit. The prevalent notion that doodling is a distraction to academic focus is challenged, promting a critical question: Is it reasonable to expect students NOT to doodle? Through extensive research, the presentation uncovers a complex truth - doodling, often misunderstood, seves as a valuable strategy for some students, particularly those who are neurodivergent. Doodling can enhance concentration and provide a means to create a more inclusive educational environment. The session will provide examples of successfully applying doodling in different teaching modes, such as face-to-face, online, and hybrid settings, to enhance diverse learning experiences in the TESOL classroom.