SLWIS features a wide range of exciting presentations during the upcoming 2012 TESOL Convention. You can receive the exact details of all SLWIS sessions both before the convention (see the following article [link to SLW-RELATEDSESSIONS] in this issue) and at the convention when you stop by the SLWIS booth in the exhibit hall. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce the InterSections and Academic Session related to the SLW scholarship. Please mark your calendars for the following sessions:

ACADEMIC SESSION

Examining Methodological Complexities in Second Language Writing Research
Thursday, 29 March 2012, 10:00 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Marriott Hotel, Franklin 5

Session Description: This session examines a wide range of methodological issues that emerge in research designs related to second language writing. Presenters discuss various methodological complexities and theoretical understandings they experienced when they conducted research on second language writing at the postsecondary level.

Presenters: Alan Hirvela (The Ohio State University), Tony Silva (Purdue University), Silvia Pessoa (Carnegie Mellon University), Lucie Moussu (University of Alberta), and Lisya Seloni (Illinois State University)

INTERSECTION WITH CALLIS AND MWIS

Going Beyond the Textbook in Second Language Writing With CALL
Thursday, 29 March 2012, 10:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Technology Showcase, Convention Center 103-B

Session Description: The presenters discuss the need for CALL materials that can supplement programs already using a textbook. Techniques for developing and implementing these materials will be presented, with a specific focus on teaching second language writing. Presenters will also discuss the future of the textbook and its integration with technology.

Presenters: Maggie Sokolik (University of California, Berkeley), Carla Meskill (University at Albany, State University of New York), Leslie Opp-Beckman (University of Oregon), Lise Minovitz (Pearson International), Steve King (National Geographic Learning)

INTERSECTION WITH ESPIS

The Privileged Status of English and Multilingual Writers Across Disciplines
Thursday, 29 March 2012, 1:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Marriott Hotel, Franklin 8

Session Description: This colloquium aims to explore multilingual writers’ academic writing practices in the context of English as a lingua franca. Presenters from diverse contexts discuss various issues regarding the privileged status of English within various academic discourses such as publishing and dissertation writing.

Presenters: Christine Pearson Casanave (Temple University), Christine Tardy (DePaul University), Karen Englander (Universidad Autonoma de Baja California), Lisya Seloni (Illinois State University), and Sedef Uzuner Smith (Indiana University of Pennsylvania).

INTERSECTION WITH NNESTIS AND ALIS

Developing Competence in NNES Writing: A Focus on Genres
Friday, 30 March 2012, 1:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Marriott Hotel, Franklin 10

Session Description: Drawing from genre theory, the presenters explore how NNES writers can develop competence in writing by examining thesis and dissertation writing, qualitative doctoral dissertation writing, dissertation proposal writing, and professional writing, as well as the lexico-grammatical features associated with different genres.

Presenters: Christine Pearson Casanave (Temple University), An Cheng (Oklahoma State University), Luciana de Oliveria (Purdue University), Howard Williams (Teachers College, Columbia University), Lindy Woodrow (The University of Sydney)

ADDITIONAL EVENTS

SLWIS Steering Committee Meeting
Wednesday, 28 March 2012, 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Convention Center 105-B

If you are a member of the SLWIS leadership team, are interested in joining, or want to learn more about projects we have in the works, please attend our SLWIS Steering Committee meeting.

SLWIS Open Meeting
Thursday, 29 March 2012, 6:45 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Convention Center 109-B

At the annual open meeting, members and friends of SLWIS come together to discuss the past year’s event, plan for next year’s TESOL convention, and explore options for events in the upcoming year. Come join in on the discussion.

Social Event: An Evening with Friends of Second Language Writing
Thursday, March 29, 2012, 8:00 p.m. – ??
Location: The Field House

Friends of Second Language Writing will gather in Philadelphia after the SLWIS Open Meeting to celebrate advances in the field of second language writing, to renew acquaintances, to form new research alliances, and to welcome new members into the discipline. Stop by the SLWIS booth in the book exhibit area or attend the open meeting to get directions to and other information about this informal gathering.