This year's pre-season seminar/workshop was held on 27th June at Ace English, Level 4, Bay Street Complex and was very well attended with around 120 members in attendance including many new members.
First session - 9.30 - 11.00
Alan Marsh:A Second Mouthful of Air There is a growing realisation and acceptance that the teaching of pronunciation is central to the improvement of all four language skills (as well as grammar and vocabulary). Yet how many of us include it in our lessons? Well, here are a number of practical, interactive, fun and easy-to-do activities and techniques to incorporate into your own daily teaching of English: no major changes are required to what you already do. But you might pick up some knowledge and tips that will amaze your students. This session is a follow-up to the workshop given at the March AGM in Valletta. However, it stands alone (i.e. you don't need to have attended the first session) and is new for MATEFL.
Caroline Campbell: English through paintings! In this interactive workshop we will explore how paintings can become a resourceful item in the EFL classroom. We will look at various practical activities which can easily be adapted to any level of English. Improving English through paintings is great fun for students of all ages.
Jean Theuma: Mixed ability – mixed what? What does mixed ability actually mean? Are we talking about the ability to use the language; to understand the language; to learn; or the ability to participate in class? Together, let’s look at the factors that make up a mixed ability class and work with some practical ideas to get all your students on the same page!
Natasha Fabri: The art of letting go: coaching and learner autonomy in the modern classroom. What is your role in the classroom? Do you think that you should step back more often? Learner autonomy was a big theme that connected several presentations I attended in IATEFL 20014 in Harrogate this year, especially with Sugata Mitra's controversial plenary about his SOLE (self-organised learning environment) project. In this workshop we will discuss hot topics such as the role of technology in the classroom used as a vehicle to developing learner autonomy, and coaching vs. 'teaching' strategies.
Second session - 11.30 - 13.15
Alan Marsh: Telling Tales Stories and jokes provide a springboard for language skills practice and language input in engaging and challenging ways. We’ll be looking at some of them in this practical workshop. Come and enjoy the stories..... and experience some different ways of involving your learners in the world of the imagination.
Jean Theuma: The best of both worlds (Integrated skills lessons) You know that student, who wants a lot of grammar, but doesn't really speak? And the other one, who only likes speaking, but thinks that grammar is BOOOORRRING? Well, here are some ideas for lesson plan structures and activities to interest both of them. Integrated skills lessons combine grammar and vocabulary with skills work in a seamless way that keeps them all happy.
Pam Borg:How to maximise your Interactive White Board (IWB) Have you encountered the Interactive Whiteboard (IWB) yet? If so, how would you rate your lesson building skills? Do you know how to maximise your visuals or are you still clutching at straws? The IWB is one of the most valuable teaching and learning tools in today's EFL classroom. We take a look at some simple yet effective ideas on how to implement the VAK benefits of your IWB.
Suzanne Vella: Dyslexia in the TEFL classroom – Busting the Myths! According to current research dyslexia impacts nearly 20% of the world population. That’s likely to be 1 out of every 5 students in your EFL classroom. Can you recognise the dyslexic student and understand their needs, or will they simply fall through the cracks and be labelled as the ones you give up on as they just don’t want to learn? This session is designed to raise awareness and sort the fact from fiction.