| Roger Palmer - Abstracts |
Hirao School of Management, Konan University #1 Practical Discussion Activities Abstract: Practical Discussion Activities investigates what is unique or different about teaching discussion from the teaching of other kinds of spoken or written discourse. Part of the answer, it is suggested, lies in the contrast between spoken and written language. The workshop then examines the special characteristics of discussion, a variety of spontaneous spoken communication between two or more people that is neither a prepared monologue (speech) nor a formal debate. A number of principles that guide the teaching of discussion will be considered in relation to concrete examples that can be applied in class. Participants will be asked to analyse and determine which discussion activities would be expected to work well or poorly in a specific teaching context with which th! ey are familiar, and take away the ones that work best for them. #2 Content-Based Language Learning This session on content teaching introduces participants to Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) and offers practical examples of how to teach a content-based language class. It addresses the key areas of lesson preparation and lesson delivery. Participants wishing to experiment with a CLIL approach will be encouraged to think about learning outcomes, key concepts, follow-up activities, reflection, and discovery activities. Influenced by a broadly social constructionist view of education and language learning, content-based classes tend towards making language the medium of instruction and knowledge of the subject matter the main goal. Participants will take away practical tips on designing materials that will allow them to apply what they learn in this workshop. #3 Teaching Writing Through the Genres In writing classes, learners are normally expected to write about a diverse range of text types. It is easy for instructors to overlook just how challenging such a task is, especially as learners are frequently unable to identify the text types, or genres, with which they are interacting and are unfamiliar with the specific features of them. Different genres, in fact, have greatly varying language demands and require a lot of preparation to teach effectively. This workshop aims to demonstrate and classify what the different text types are; it discusses what the purpose of each written text is and who it is being addressed to; and it highlights the kinds of language features typically associated with the genres. It is intended that participants will familarise themselves with genre-based writing, and come away with practical materials from the workshop to assist learners with their writing. Biographical Statement: Roger Palmer teaches at Konan University in Japan. He was a plenary speaker on the use of ICT in language education at TEFL Indonesia last November, and is the co-author of iZone, Pearson Asia’s four-level blended learning course. |