Title:

"Autonomous teachers, autonomous learners: closing the gap."

By Deborah Iddon

Abstract 

The issue of learner and teacher autonomy has gained momentum in the ELT field since the early 1980’s, after being recommended by the Council of Europe through the Common European Framework. Program developers and publishers alike have responded with a variety of tools and support material, such as learning portfolios, to facilitate autonomous learning in the classroom. Similarly, many teacher education programs now include reflective teaching and portfolio components in their syllabi. However, the question can be raised as to whether autonomous learning tools are being implemented effectively in countries where a more traditional approach to learning and teaching prevails. If teachers themselves lack the decision-making skills necessary to exploit these tools successfully, how can we be sure that our students are developing into responsible, autonomous learners? Similarly, if students are not exposed to a reflective style of learning in their regular coursework, how can they be expected to capitalize on the autonomous learning tools included in their English classes? The act of merely implementing reflective activities does not necessarily result in reflection; the teacher plays a critical role in nurturing a truly autonomous learning environment. This session examines the gap that exists between autonomous teachers and autonomous learners. Participants will receive an overview of autonomous learning and learn some advantages of developing reflective teaching and learning skills in the classroom. Then, the teaching and learning contexts necessary for it to be successful will be described, as well as issues to consider within the Latin American context. Participants will have the opportunity to examine their own decision-making and reflective skills and explore ways to improve them using real classroom scenarios. Finally, participants will review a variety of autonomous learning tools for students and work together on ways to exploit them successfully with their students.   

Biodata

Deborah Iddon is the Senior Academic Projects Manager for Cambridge University Press in the Latin America North region. She has been involved in the ELT field for over 16 years in the United States and Mexico, and has held positions as a teacher, teacher trainer, curriculum developer and academic program director. She holds an MA in Applied Linguistics and a BA in Literature.
 

Improving Language Learning through the Strategic Classroom

By Alejandra Nieves

Language learner strategies (LLSs) are an important area of research within the field of foreign language teaching and learning. Research shows that many variables influence learning success (psychological characteristics, affective variables, etc.). However, it also shows that the active learning of strategies and content together increases motivation and gives students some control over their cognitive performance.  This presentation will provide English Foreign Language teachers with practical recommendations to help their students develop strategies for effective and enjoyable learning so that they will be better equipped to cope with the challenges of language learning.  

Biodata
 

Alejandra Nieves holds a  Bachelor of Arts in Language Teaching degree from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana-Bogotá, a Specialization in Educational Management from Universidad de la Sabana. Sheʼs also a certified e-tutor from the British Council and Oral Examiner from The University of Cambridge. She has more than 11 years of experience teaching English at all levels and coordinating Bilingual Immersion programs in Bogotá. She works now as an Academic Manager for Cambridge University Press Colombia.

II ELT CONFERENCE AT UCEVA

AGENDA

 2:00 p.m.  2 : 30 p.m. Registro de participantes 2.30 p.m. a 3:30 p.m. Plenary 1:

 "Autonomous teachers, autonomous learners: closing the gap."   By Deborah Iddon

3:30 p.m. a 4:00 p.m. Participación del auditorio.4:00 p.m. a 4:15 p.m. Break4:15 p.m. a 4:45 p.m. Presentación Portafolio Dpto. de Idiomas UCEVA. 4:45 p.m. a 5:45 p.m. Plenary 2:

Improving Language Learning through the Strategic Classroom

By Alejandra Nieves

5:45 p.m. a 6:15 p.m. participación del auditorio.

6:20 p.m. Cierre del evento.

DATE : Thursday November 17 th

PLACE : Centro Cultural Gustavo Alvarez Gardeazabal at UCEVACarrera 27 A No 48-144 Kilómetro 1 salida sur Tulúa

TIME:  2 p.m. a 6:30 p.m.

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