Abstracts - Plenary Sessions
The 2008 conference had
two plenary speakers. Chair Professor David Nunan from the University of Hong Kong delivered the opening plenary on the subject of Teaching Grammar: A Task-Based Approach.
Professor Alan Maley from Leeds Metropolitan University (UK) delivered
the closing plenary on the subject of Voice: The Heart of the Language Teacher's Art.
David Nunan
“Teaching Grammar: A Task-Based Approach”
With the development of communicative approaches to language teaching, the place of grammar has been uncertain. There are those who argue that there is no place for a formal focus on grammar in the communicative classroom of today. I do not share this view. In this presentation, I will argue that grammar has a central and fundamental place in the curriculum. However, this does not mean I am arguing for a return to "traditional" ways of teaching grammar. In the first part of the presentation, I will explain what it means to look at grammar as a tool for communication rather than as a body of content to be memorized. I will then give practical examples of how teachers can implement these ideas in their classrooms.
Click here to download David Nunan's presentation file.
Alan Maley
“Voice: The Heart of the Language Teacher's Art”
The single most important resource teachers have is their voices. The way a teacher uses that resource determines in large measure, not only the clarity of the information conveyed but, more importantly, the quality of the classroom relationship with students. Yet scarcely any training in the use and care of the voice is given to teachers on training courses. An extraordinary, even scandalous, omission!
In this workshop, I shall first introduce the basics of the human voice, how it is produced and some of the key factors involved.
I shall then involve participants in some activities for warming up and using the voice more effectively. We shall then work on the group performance of a text in the manner of Readers’ Theatre. Finally, some guidelines will be offered for voice care and maintenance.
Click here to download Alan Maley's presentation file.