Foreign Language Learning Environment in Large and Mixed-Ability Classes
The presenter found that teaching foreign languages came closer to teaching real communication in large and mixed-ability classes, especially in heterogeneous language environments. This was despite methodology being unable to establish an effective system for teaching communication skills and only a minority of students managing to acquire such skills.

 

PRESENTER: Nino Sharvashidze 

10:30 am–11:15 am

Michigan TESOL

Promoting Active Vocabulary Learning Using Context Clues in Academic Writing
Emphasizing the interconnection between academic reading and writing, the presenters discuss ways of engaging students in using context clues as an effective strategy to promote active vocabulary learning and use in academic writing.

 

PRESENTERS: Wendy Wang, Kay Stremler, Susan Ruellan, Martina Syrova

2 pm–2:45 pm

 

Washington Association for the Education of Speakers of Other Languages 

Native American Boarding Schools: The Continent’s First ESL Immersion Program
Inspired by first hearing her grandfather’s ancestral language spoken in 1980, the presenter explores the history of Native American boarding schools, including their role in education today. The presenter discusses the societal impact boarding schools have had and what this means to ELLs and Native education in current contexts.

 

PRESENTER: Joan A. Johnston Nelson

4 pm–4:45 pm

 

 

 

Participants engage in hands-on practice of research-based strategies known to move secondary ELs “stuck” at intermediate fluency to proficiency in academic English. These innovative strategies build control of linguistic structures unique to math, social studies, and language arts while promoting student confidence, especially among long-term ELs. Attendees receive supportive resources.

 

PRESENTER: Elizabeth Hartung-Cole

2 pm–2:45 pm

Mid-America TESOL

A Guaranteed, Humanistic Four-Step Process to Help Prevent Plagiarism 

The act of plagiarizing can destroy the student-teacher bond of trust. How can this perennial problem be permanently solved? The answer lies in four simple steps. This interactive session guides participants through a humanistic, useful, and effective process that guarantees to reduce plagiarism and cheating in the ELL classroom.

 

PRESENTER: Patrick T. Randolph

3 pm–3:45 pm

 

FRIDAY, 30 MARCH

Educational professionals have been arguing about multiple intelligences and learning styles for a while. Yet, the presenter believes that not all intelligences are being addressed evenly. The presenter demonstrates how to apply some tools to cater to the less predominant intelligences.

 

PRESENTER: Silvia Schnitzler

2 pm–2:45 pm