Sparking Students' Interest and Engagement through Contextual Connections
Abstract
In order to motivate learners, lessons must first grasp the students’ interest; however this is much easier said than done. English educators often face the difficult task of teaching textbook material that is far from interesting which results in an ongoing challenge to engage students in the content of the lesson. This interactive workshop aims to raise awareness on the importance of contextual connection in English language education, as well as present and discuss practical ways in which educators can engage students in textbook content. First, issues of contextual awareness in relation to materials and lesson planning will be discussed, followed by a definition of the key components of compelling lessons. Attendees will then be guided through a set of self-reflective concept checking exercises in which they will discuss the content and delivery of lessons and the impact on students’ interest and engagement. This will be followed by the application of understanding through creatively brainstorming ways in which textbook content can be transformed into lessons that are relevant, relatable and interesting for learners.
- There will be a free post workshop barbecue for all attendees!
Speaker Bio
George Whitehead is currently a professor in the English language and literature department at the University of Suwon. He has worked in Korea, Canada and Japan as a language instructor, curriculum developer, teacher-trainer, and director of university TESOL programs. Prior to coming to the University of Suwon, he was the head instructor at Gyeonggi-do Institute of Foreign Language Education where he was responsible for running professional development courses for Korean in-service teachers of English. He earned his B.A. in Linguistics and his Certificate for Teaching ESL Linguistics from Simon Fraser University before going on to complete his M.A. TEFL/TESL at the University of Birmingham. His research and teaching practices focus on dealing with the washback effects of high-stakes testing, and developing and implementing practical, contextually-sensitive, high-leverage approaches and techniques for English education in Korea.
Directions
Click on any of the choices below for going to Kangnam University.
- Bus Routes to Kangnam University from Seoul, Bundang, and Suji: http://koreatesol.org/content/additional-bus-routes-kangnam-university-seoul-bundang-and-suji
- Yongin Everline Train (only): http://koreatesol.org/content/yongin-everline-train-has-access-kangnam-university
- Bundang Line and Yongin Everline Train: koreatesol.org/content/suwon-station-kangnam-university-bundang-line-and-yongin-everline-train
- Buses from Giheung Station: koreatesol.org/content/subway-route-and-nearby-bus-route-kangnam-university-yongin
- Yongin Bus Terminal: http://koreatesol.org/content/yongin-bus-terminal-kangnam-universty-0
- Buses from Suwon Station: http://koreatesol.org/content/bus-routes-kangnam-university-suwon-station
