Gesture and Teacher Talk
Presented by Michael Free, Hongcheon EPIK Teacher and District Coordinator
Abstract
Gestures, those motions we often use to add explanatory power and expressive depth to conversations, can also assist us in our roles as EFL teachers. This workshop will look at gestures in terms of how, and to what extent, they can help us with an important facet of classroom management: teacher talk. Together, we will discuss how we can use gestures to help our students (better) understand what we are telling them. The presenter will share his use of the inventory of gestures in Jim Scrivener’s Classroom Management, highlighting those that have proved to be the most useful in his schools. Following that, there will be an opportunity for attendees to address how gesture might be incorporated into their own contexts. The takeaway of the presentation will be an enhanced understanding of the role of gesture, and some fresh ideas to help with the challenging task of managing a class.
Biography
During his years 7 years teaching EFL in Korea, Michael Free has worked in rural Gangwon schools as a teacher in EPIK (English Program in Korea). In addition to teaching, he is a District Coordinator for that program. In the present semester, he divides his time between five schools, teaching all the grade levels of elementary and middle school (in various combinations). He has been an active member of KOTESOL for six years and is the acting president of the Gangwon Chapter. His interests include humanist education, conversation analysis, and phonology. He can be reached at michaelfree63@gmail.com
