SPLIS Newsletter - February 2019 (Plain Text Version)

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In this issue:
LEADERSHIP UPDATES
•  LETTER FROM THE CHAIR
•  A LETTER FROM THE CHAIR-ELECT
•  A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR OF THE SPECIAL ISSUE
•  A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
•  A LETTER FROM THE CO-EDITOR
ARTICLES
•  SPLIS AND BEYOND: THE GILBERT LEGACY
•  "I SIT SILENTLY": UNDERSTANDING SMALL TALK FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
•  TEACHING CONVERSATIONAL CLOSINGS: WHY "HOW ARE YOU?" IS NOT ENOUGH
•  PRONUNCIATION NEEDS A PROCESS
ABOUT THIS COMMUNITY
•  2019 ITA PROFESSIONALS SYMPOSIUM

LEADERSHIP UPDATES

LETTER FROM THE CHAIR

Veronica Sardegna, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

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