in order to prepare learners for the diversity and unpredictability of communication in English in international contexts of use, an approach which entails engaging learners on their own terms both linguistically and schematically is necessary. Since the demands of unplanned and off-task classroom language use are very similar to what students experience outside the school walls, it has been suggested that teachers should create opportunities where students are allowed to experiment with English and express their own meanings. The language class should be ready to accommodate the needs of such an interactive and dynamic environment. Discussing the potential of the classroom as a venue promoting learner participation and authenticity should therefore be included in teacher education to ensure that teachers are prepared to exploit the benefits of spontaneous language use and everyday creativity in the classroom.