I have just come from the 42nd IATEFL Conference at the University of
Exeter. I was so happy to discover that it was truly international not
only in terms of the participants, but also of the topics and issues
that were tackled. The role of English and ELT in a globalized world
was discussed a number of times in the plenaries, presentations and
symposiums. I especially enjoyed learning about the efforts of teachers
in developing countries.
Thank you to those who provided input
for the Hornby Scholars' Presentation. Our presentation was
well-received and got very positive feedback. You may view it and listen to
it by registering at the website below (it's free!).
http://exeteronline.britishcouncil.org/
To
those of you who were not able to attend or join the conference online,
you can still watch or listen to all the presentations and discussions,
and see pictures by registering for free at the same website. Please
let your other friends and colleagues know. I hear that the website
will be up for the next two to three months.
Funny enough, my
"international" experience has shown me that despite English's status
as an international language, it is important to consider it from a
local perspective (in the Philippines, in my case). I am really fired
up about all the initiatives and sustaining efforts we can all do in our own countries--in schools, in the work place and even in areas outside ELT.
I
especially appreciated IATEFL's sessions about looking critically at
the explicit and implicit messages in English coursebooks, materials,
and websites. What are we saying about English, and its users in the
materials we choose for teaching and marketing it? What are the
educational, emotional, psychological and socio-economic implications?
It
also struck me how many opportunities there already are to get involved
with teachers in our own countries and around the world, not only
through the annual conference, but through activities in our own
schools and localities. I know we all just need to develop these
informal and formal associations with other teachers a bit more and
perhaps meet and communicate more.
I look forward to touching
base with all of you online and face-to-face when I get back to the
Philippines towards the end of this year!
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