Instructors from the American Language Program have been very active in the international conference scene this year. As instructors at the crossroads of education, linguistics, and research, many of them are participating in diverse events and promoting their expertise.
Carol Numrich, Senior Lecturer, was a featured speaker at the Japan Association for Language Learning (JALT) conference in Shizuoka City, Japan on November 21st and 22nd. Carol spoke about four key challenges for language students: attention, authenticity, accountability, and academic preparation. The JALT conference brought those involved in language education to meet share and collaborate in order to promote excellence in language learning, teaching and research. Carol also presented in October at two regional Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) conferences: TexTESOL in Houston, and Tri-TESOL in Seattle. At TexTESOL she spoke about critical thinking, and at Tri-TESOL she delivered a keynote address.
Frances Boyd, Senior Lecturer, and Brittany Ober, Lecturer, presented at the Asociacion Nacional Universitaria de Profesores de Ingles (ANUPI) in Los Cabos, Mexico on November 21, 2015. They spoke about how extensive listening benefits and empowers students, and demonstrate how learners can put this important skill into practice. ANUPI brings university English teachers from Mexico and beyond to promote professional development, and to initiate and support research in the field.
Frances Boyd also presented at the regional New York State TESOL conference with Christopher Collins, Lecturer, on November 14. They spoke about a collaborative approach to extensive reading. At the same conference, Brittany Ober, along with Adjunct Associate Megan Chiusaroli, presented on the subject of poetry as a means for critical thinking and self-expression.
Five ALP instructors have been chosen to speak at the 2016 TESOL International Convention and International Expo in Baltimore in April. Frances Boyd and Christopher Collins will reprise their NYS TESOL presentation, Lecturers Alan Kennedy and Babi Kruchin will talk about using concept maps in academic writing, and Adjunct Associate Tristan Thorne will present on using QR codes in the classroom. TESOL is one of the biggest international associations for advancing the quality of English language teaching through professional development, research, standards, and advocacy. The annual TESOL convention brings over 6500 attendees together in the largest professional development conference in the field.
And finally, the annual ALP Winter Conference will be held in February 2016. This year’s subject is Critical Thinking, and a call for papers is going out soon.
