The American Language Centre in cooperation with the Regional English Language Office, U. S. Embassy is pleased to announce the eighth annual “Shaping the Way We Teach” conference.
Meeting the Challenge: Problem-Solving from the Field
This year’s theme invites us to explore the challenges we face in our schools and institutions as we work hard to help our students meet and exceed expectations. We know that it is the people in the field who are best able to understand these challenges and we would like to learn about the creative and resourceful ways you are overcoming them.
We welcome a wide variety of proposals in order to represent the diversity of contexts where English language teaching and learning take place and the diversity of challenges that we face in the MENA region. All professionals in the field of English education teachers, supervisors, trainers, materials developers, local organizations, school directors are invited to share their practical knowledge and experience.
Complete the proposal form and send to: [email protected].
The deadline for submitting proposals is Monday, April 3rd, 2016. Notices of acceptance will be sent in writing by Friday, April 22nd, 2016.
For further information contact: American Language Center: 552-3901 x 20
For the second time at the American Language Center English Language Teachers’ conference, we are offering participants two ways to present their ideas: poster sessions and presentations.
Why do poster sessions?
Poster sessions are an alternative for those who would like to share their ideas using a format less formal than a 45/90 minute presentation. Topics can include, but are not limited to:
- a creative lesson or project.
- specific challenge in the classroom and innovative solutions.
- multiple ideas for development regarding a particular skill.
- research conducted by the presenter.
How does it work?
Participants whose proposals are accepted will be scheduled to set up their posters, and they will be notified regarding what times they should be available to speak with attendees. Posters should be set up early on the first day of the conference prior to the beginning of the sessions.
Poster Formatting Guide
Poster dimensions should be A1 size (1 m by 70 cm). The poster should include a balance of visuals and print. The printed text should be large enough to read from a distance of 2 meters. Most posters will be displayed on the wall, but there will be some room for placing posters on a table top (in this case, presenters must have a poster that can stand on its own). Here are some tips for a successful poster presentation:
- Be clear about what specific idea you want to communicate.
- Keep your audience in mind.
- Use visuals (symbols, pictures, illustrations, charts, etc.) whenever possible.
- State main ideas in large print.
Should I do a poster session or presentation?
If you are not sure whether you should do a poster session or presentation, ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I have enough material to share for 45/90 minutes?
- Is it clearly related to the themes of the conference?
- Can I offer the teachers a variety of practical tips based on my own experience?
Presenting at a conference is a great opportunity for your own professional development as a teacher, allowing you to share your experiences and spread best practices, innovative ideas and/or conclusions from research.
Tips for a Successful Presentation
Presentations vary because each individual will have his/her own style and the structure of the session depends on the topic and objectives of the presenter. However, the following guidelines are helpful for all presenters:
- Introduce yourself and the purpose of your presentation. Make sure it is coherent with the description in the conference booklet.
- When possible, engage the audience through stimulating questions, opportunities for brainstorming, brief pair work/group work, etc. so they are active learners, not passive listeners!
- Keep your audience in mind.
- Powerpoint should not take the place of a presentation, merely complement it.
- Plan to leave at least a few minutes at the end for questions.
- Make sure to have enough handouts which cover your main ideas. Include contact information for future networking possibilities.
- Be dynamic and enthusiastic!
Please fill out the correct form .
Send completed form to: [email protected].
Deadline for proposal submission: Monday, April 3rd, 2016.