|
Dear SPLIS colleagues,
As we approach the end of 2018, I cannot help but reflect on
the many changes TESOL has undertaken this year, including the new
proposal system and strand changes for the annual convention, and how
strong our intersection continues to be amidst these changes. What a
better way to finish 2018 than with these amazing articles from our
colleagues!
I am also very excited to share with you news about the
upcoming annual TESOL convention in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 12-15,
2019. The TESOL convention is a great opportunity to meet other experts,
learn from high-quality workshops and presentations, share resources
and teaching strategies, and present our work to an interested audience.
The SPLIS Steering Committee has organized three featured sessions that
you will not want to miss. Mark your calendars for these
events!
March 13th, 2019, 3:00 PM - 4:45 PM
Instructional Models and Priorities for
Teaching Pronunciation Revisited
In this SPLIS Academic Session, Wayne
Dickerson, Veronica Sardegna, and John Murphy will argue for a
reevaluation of teaching priorities based on a well-documented model of
English rhythm, an apprenticeship model that positively changes
teachers’ agency, and a reconceptualization of pronunciation
instruction.
Thursday, March 14th, 9:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Instructional Technology Tools for Developing ITAs’ Oral Skills
In this ITAIS/SPLIS/TEIS Intersection
Session, Colleen Meyers, Lara Wallace, Edna Lima, and Jennifer
Foote will identify and show how to use instructional technology tools
for developing ITAs’ oral skills. ITA instructors will learn about
various activities and apps that can be used to practice mirroring and
shadowing.
March 15th, 2019, 2:00 PM - 3:45 PM
Helping Young Learners Overcome English Pronunciation Challenges
In this SPLIS/ELIS Intersection Section,
Tamara Jones, Susan Spezzini, and Kelly Hill will explore why elementary
teachers should be aware of their ELs’ pronunciation difficulties,
describe how communication breakdowns can negatively affect ELs’
academic development, and highlight what can be done to help young ELs
improve their pronunciation.
We greatly appreciate the high volume of proposal submissions
we received this year and the valuable work of reviewers in recommending
interesting research and practice-oriented presentations, posters, and
workshops for our SPLIS members for the 2019 convention. Be sure to
consult TESOL’s pre-convention program for information on all these
other sessions.
I hope you enjoy this issue of the newsletter and consider
sharing with us your work in future issues. SPLIS is a stimulating and
enthusiastic interest session with many members around the world. This
is my third term as SPLIS Chair and I can say without a doubt that it is
a pleasure to serve this community. If youwould like to be considered
for a position in SPLIS, please do not hesitate to contact us. You will
enjoy every minute of it!
Wishing you all health, happiness, and success in 2019,
Veronica Sardegna
Department of Instruction and Learning
University of Pittsburgh | 
