GLOBAL ISSUES SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP

Pre-Conference Event

16th September 2016

Crossing borders in a world of differences.

GLOBAL ISSUES SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP Pre-Conference Event will deal with concepts of similarity and differences. How do these ideas translate into understanding of the world around us?

6 trainers and 4 sessions will lead the participants through gratefulness, understanding of cultural differences, drama and current controversial topics.

The aim of these Friday morning sessions is to inspire teachers to raise global issues within EFL classes, deepen the understanding of controversial topics and explore the “humanistic” factor of compassion to the less fortunate ones and gratitude for what we have.

The event will be also a chance to get first hand experience of some practical tasks to be used in the classroom first day after the conference.

The event is divided into two sessions and each of them split further in two parts. This will hopefully give participants the feel of dynamism and leave them inspired for the rest of the busy conference day.

1st session: 9:00 – 10.30 10-day grateful project and how to see people in people.

Part A: 10-day grateful project – the power of images, a communication bomb, endearing lessons (around 45 mins.)

Abstract: There are lots of projects on offer and numerous topics to discuss in your course books, but the one we are going to talk about will change your and your students life. The only thing you need is a mobile phone, instagram and a will to get involved. We hope to show you how being positive about life can permeate to ELT and the other way round.

Trainers/ lecturers: Monika Izbaner defended her doctoral thesis in 2014. Her research interests include methodology and technological innovations in teaching, public speaking and debationg and also British literature, politics and visual arts. She is passionate about designing her own ELT materials. She has published several major articles devoted to creativity in ELT, Scottish culture and current trends in popular culture.

Hanna Zięba is a lecturer at Kazimierz Wielki University in Bydgoszcz in the Department of Foreign Languages. Apart from teaching full-time students she also finds satisfaction in working with Erasmus students and teaching at the University of the Third Age. Her other professional affiliation is with Centrum Edukacyjne Lemon House where she teaches different age groups at all levels. She is especially interested in materials design, modern technologies, and psychology.

Part B: So different, yet so alike – how understanding differences makes us humans(around 45 mins.)

Abstract: A practical session on how mastering the language of similarities and differences may bring a deeper understanding of humanity. Examples of how culture and media may teach us to be more human, simultaneously helping develop crucial skills in changing multicultural societies.

Trainer/ lecturer: Marcin Stanowski is a psychologist, trainer and a teacher at Czacki High school in Warsaw. As an avid Moodler and and IT enthusiast obtained European Language Label Award. Several times was a grant holder of Comenius and RELO programmes. Marcin is also Global Issues Special Interest Group Coordinator and runs a blog at http://superteachers.pl. 2nd session: 11:00 – 12.30 Global Issues and Drama for better understanding

Part A: Global issues in an EFL classroom (around 45 mins.)

Abstract

The world is in a crisis, or even is multiple crises: climate change, income inequalities, water wars, refugees, overpopulation, poverty and hunger, child labour, just to name a few. Yet, what makes into the news does not make so easily to the classroom. What is studied by specialists does not easily get into our minds. In this workshop I would like to tackle the most urgent of the global issues and show how to incorporate them in the lessons of English.

Trainers/ lecturers: Aleksandra Zaparucha has an MA in Geography (1989) and English (2001) gained at the Nicolas Copernicus University (UMK) in Toruń, Poland. A teacher of both for 18 years, including CLIL programs. She has co-operated with Field Studies Council, Geographical Association and British Council at various events, courses and publications. She is the author of a series of three lower secondary workbooks for bilingual Geography, published by SOP Oświatowiec and nominated for the ELTon Award in the category of Local Innovation in 2014. For the last 9 year she has been a freelancer, delivering training to English and subject teachers in Poland, as well as numerous countries in Europe and Asia. She is a regular contributor to Geografia w Szkole and The Teacher.

Part B: Drama as a means for raising difficult or controversial topics. (around 45 mins.)

Abstract: Have you ever thought of introducing contemporary issues in your lesson plan? Are you at least a bit into acting? If yes then come and take part in our workshop, where we would like to share with you our idea on drama lessons in this respect.

Trainers/ lecturers: Daniel Starski – graduate of Warsaw University, political science dept, bilateral exchange programme with NorthEastern Illinois University in Chicago and SWPS. 6 years teaching in public schools, 12 years overall. Also interpreter at conferences and for two years affiliated with Busines English Magazine as an author. Currently English teacher at XXVIII Kochanowski high school in Warsaw”

Jolanta Żeromska – graduate of English Philology at the University of Łódź and Geography at Akademia Pomorska in Słupsk. 21 years of experience in high school education, experience in translations and 11 years cooperating with the local OKE. Currently teaching English at V Zbigniew Herbert high school in Słupsk. Interested in innovation in education.