Name: Melike Ünal GEZER (TED University)

Session title: From technology to practice: Ways to tap into young language learners’ English phonological awareness

Format: Talk

Audience: Kindergarten/Primary

Abstract: It has been extensively reported in the literature that there is a strong correlation between phonological awareness and emergent literacy development and later academic success of young language learners (The National Reading Panel, 2000). In early literacy development of young ones, meaning construction is in the center and the structural aspects of the language would be kept in backstage. However for a child to comprehend what he is reading, he needs to decode the words and gain reading fluency and accuracy first. Phonics-based instruction that increases young EFL learners’ phonological awareness is the precursor of reading and writing success). Phonological awareness- an umbrella term that embodies awareness, skills, and knowledge of the speech sounds and letters of a language- is developing sensitivity to the letter-sound correspondences of a language (Yopp & Yopp, 2010). The present study aims to shed light on the technologically-enhanced ways to practice phonics with young EFL learners in Turkey.

BIO: Melike Ünal Gezer (Ph.D) is a faculty member at TED University, Faculty of Education, English Language Education Program. Melike received her doctoral degree at Texas A&M University in ESL, a Master of Arts in Linguistics degree from California State University, Long Beach, and her Bachelor’s degree from Çukurova University, ELT. Her teaching and research interests are second language literacy development of young learners, English metalinguistic awareness (phonological, phonemic and morphological awareness) and literacy practices in early English classes at pre-primary and primary levels.

Name: Kate GLEN-WRIGHT (Farbe Education)

Session title: From BLM to EFL: How hidden and null curricula shape minds for the future

Format: Workshop

Audience: Kindergarten/Primary

Abstract: What we don’t do in the classroom is as important as what we do. What we say on the school bus is as important as what we say when our textbooks are open in front of us. In this session we shall explore the ways in which hidden and null curricula are shaping our young learner's attitudes to life and learning. We shall be sharing our experiences of (and perhaps frustrations at) working within mandatory explicit EFL curricula which frequently ignore the true nature and needs of young humans. We shall strive together to find a path to the future which embraces the diversity within each classroom.

BIO: Kate Glen-Wright is a writer for Farbe Education and sister company High Peak Publishing. She is the author of the Smart Cookies and Marvellous Science & Maths series.

Her background being in psychology, she believes that the unique and amazing world of young learners has been for too long ignored in the realms of EFL. Kate is a proponent of acquisitional / experiential learning and lots of free play.

Name: Dilara Louise HIBBS (TED Istanbul)   

Session title: Mindf(full)ness- keep calm and learn

Format: Workshop

Audience: Kindergarten/Primary  

Abstract: ‘Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way, on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally.’ - Jon Kabat-Zinn (1994). We as adults suffer from new age developments happening in the world which cause toxic stress such as; lack of concentration, decrease in productivity and creativity and an escalation in frequent anxiety, frustration and dissociation. As for students, toxic stress affects attention, emotion and mood regulation, sleep and learning readiness. Mindfulness has been integrated into many curriculums in schools across the UK and USA as the new generation of students has difficulty in concentrating in school due to developments around them. Attending courses about mindfulness in education, I have gained the knowledge of many strategies and activities to decrease level of stress and to increase level of self-awareness, gratitude, happiness, kindness and empathy lacked by individuals of today. In my presentation, mindfulness will be explained and participation in activities such as; meditation and other mindfulness activities (mindful bodies, seeing, breathing and listening and gratitude etc.) will be required. As I have integrated mindfulness into my classes, there has been a great increase of awareness, gratitude, and empathy within my students.

BIO: Dilara Louise Hibbs is an English teacher at TED Istanbul College. She is interested in mindfulness, meditation and yoga. She has completed the course 'Mindful Educator Essentials' and is a 'Mindful Educator' certified by Mindful Schools Organization and a certified 'Kids Yoga' trainer. She has introduced mindfulness to her classes and has a 'Mindful Kids' club in school in which she teaches mindfulness, meditation techniques and yoga to her students. She has given several workshops in conferences including Marmara ELT Conference, Eğitimde Değişim- Değişim 0'dan Başlar and TED Istanbul College.

Name: Nur Özge KAYA (Pearson)

Session title: Let’s play a game!

Format: Workshop

Audience: Kindergarten/Primary

Abstract: Games are great tools to make learners use the language and revise what they have learned so far better and faster. But are we giving enough importance for playing in our lesson plans? Or do we just use them as time-fillers? Let's talk about games!

BIO: After graduating from the Department of English Language and Literature at Ankara University in 2006, Nur Özge Kaya became a teacher of English by taking her pedagogic training from the same university. She has been working at Pearson for 15 years. In 2011, she started to work as a Learning Consultant, identifying the needs for institutions and delivering workshops for teachers, parents, and students as a master trainer. Somehow she finds time to dance and learn different languages..... and bring up her son.

Name: Moudood SAYEED (TED Rönesans)    

Session title: Organic learning and active classrooms 

Format: Workshop

Audience: Kindergarten/Primary/Secondary 

Abstract: This session addresses the question of how to create active classrooms and an organic learning environment. Some of the ways in which this can be achieved are through differentiation, gamification, common assessment, information technology and ‘learning space’ design.    

BIO: Moudood Sayeed is an English and Business Teacher and High School English Coordinator at TED Rönesans College. He has been in teaching, teacher training and academic management for 16 years. His current focus is on improving the experience of mixed ability classes in compulsory education, wherein curriculum is oriented towards a non-existent “average” student.

Name: Nalan ATABEK & Özgen Bağcı CERVO (Goal Testing)

Session title: Promoting innovative use of materials

Format: Workshop

Audience: All grades 

Abstract: In this practical and interactive session, we will explore ways in which classroom materials can be used in innovative ways to enhance thinking skills. We will also provide some ideas and activities for teachers that will enable them to turn simple and ordinary materials into fun and inspiring teaching aids. At the end of the session, teachers will leave with a bunch of ideas to make their learners motivated, engaged and challenged.

BIO:

Nalan Atabek currently works as an educational consultant and teacher trainer for TOEFL Family of Assessments at Goal Testing, the European Network Office for ETS in the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Turkey. She is a former English teacher who believes in the teaching of life-long skills through subject areas.

Özgen Bağcı Cervo currently works as an educational consultant and teacher trainer for the TOEFL Family of Assessments and the TOEIC Program at Goal Testing, the European Network Office for ETS in the Netherlands and Switzerland. Before joining Goal Testing, she worked as an English teacher at various levels for several years in Italy and Turkey.

Name: Elna COETZER (Oxford University Press)

Session title: Beyond the picture

Format: Workshop

Audience: Primary/Secondary/High

Abstract: We all use pictures every day in our classes. But I think you can agree that what we often do with visuals is say: 'what can you see in the picture?'. We also often use visuals to generate stories etc. In this workshop we will look at ways to go beyond what we see and move into the realm of what we think. Some activities will be presented that you could use in your classes. Let’s help our learners to really SEE the picture, to look beyond!

BIO: Elna Coetzer is a Delta and CELTA tutor working at ITI Istanbul. She also works with Oxford University Press as a trainer both in Turkey and internationally. She has written some materials for use in international teacher training courses, is an avid student of psychology and likes to try out new teaching ideas. She has worked as a trainer in a variety of countries and contexts. She loves reading, enjoys cooking and grows microgreens.

Name: Genevieve GILMORE (Royal ABC & Prosper Education)

Session title: Using technology to ensure learning continuity in uncertain times

Format: Talk

Audience: Kindergarten/Primary

Abstract: This session will demonstrate how technology is able to assist teachers and support students better in uncertain times.  School closures and online learning from home creates a lot of work for teachers, this talk demonstrates how technology can create less work for teachers and better learning outcomes for students - English Language Young/Primary Learner focus.

BIO: Genevieve Gilmore is a 20-year veteran in Education and Technology, teaching at one of Australia’s most distinguished schools for 10 years, before co-founding ASX listed 3P Learning in 2003.  Genevieve has a passion for bringing premium educational resources to students using the best technological solutions available and particularly in addressing the shortage of experienced teachers facing all principals globally, especially due to the pandemic.

Name: Münibe KARTAL (TED Kayseri)    

Session title: Guiding future citizens

Format: Workshop

Audience: All grades   

Abstract: The main objective of this workshop is to introduce an approach (Future Focused Learning) that allows students to take control of their own learning. Since the beginning of this century teachers have been encouraged to teach 21st century skills which have been described as the 4C’s i.e. Communication, Collaboration, Creativity and Critical Thinking. Future Focused Learning includes digital technologies which encourages teachers to embed strategies, activities and projects into their school programs. This will ensure that our students are capable users of digital technologies and have time to be explorers and creators with the new and emerging technologies involved for instance in coding, robotics and drones. This workshop will briefly present how to implement Future Focused Learning in English Language Teaching. The workshop consists of three parts. The first part of the workshop presents an overview of the concepts of Future Focused Learning. The second part of the workshop focuses on some classroom examples and an instant challenge that will clarify the key points of the approach. In the conclusion part of the workshop there will be a self-assessment and feedback about the workshop.

BIO: Münibe Kartal is an English teacher at TED Kayseri College. She has been teaching English for 13 years. She graduated from Dokuz Eylül University Buca Faculty of Education English Language Teaching program. She's about to start her MA in Management in Educational Institutions at TED University. She's interested in the use of technology in ELT and futuristic teaching methods.

Name: Carol READ (Freelance)

#1 Plenary: A whole child approach to learning in uncertain times

We may all be familiar with the ‘4 Cs’ of creativity, critical thinking, communication and collaboration as an integral part of effective 21^st century teaching and learning. But let’s never forget the most important ‘C’ of all at the heart of the educational process - the child. Whether we’re teaching remotely, hybrid or face-to-face, it’s more important than ever to adopt a whole child approach in order to make learning pleasurable and effective. In this session, we’ll explore what is meant by a whole child approach and discuss practical ideas and strategies to integrate all aspects of children’s development into our teaching, whatever the mode of delivery.

#2 Session title: How to empower learners through the Sustainable Development Goals 

Format: Workshop

Audience: Upper Primary/lower Secondary

Abstract: With less than 10 years to go before the deadline to fulfill the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, time is running out. Through developing awareness and understanding of global issues that directly affect their lives, children become confident communicators and are challenged to think critically and creatively. They also develop social skills and attitudes, such as empathy and willingness to cooperate, that underpin responsible global citizenship. This session explores practical ideas, suitable for learners as from upper primary, which integrate language and thinking skills, values education and intercultural understanding, as well as promote self-directed learning.

Bio: Carol Read has over 30 years’ experience in ELT as a teacher, teacher trainer, academic manager, materials writer and educational consultant. Carol specializes in early years and primary English language education and has published extensively in this area, including the award-winning titles Bugs, Tiger Time and 500 Activities in the Primary Classroom and a new global pre-school course, Mimi’s Wheel (Macmillan Education). Carol’s latest publication is 101 Tips for Teaching Primary Children (Cambridge University Press). Carol is a former President of the International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language (IATEFL). You can find out more about Carol by visiting www.carolread.com

Name: Ali ASHOURI (UES)    

Session title: Emerging trends in ELT: Integrating skills-teaching   

Format: Workshop  

Audience: Primary/Secondary

Abstract:  Traditionally and in my own experience, English language teachers have largely focused on teaching the four skills separately. This is mostly due to the belief that language learning (and teaching) is ‘easier’ and more manageable if approached in this way. The aim of this workshop is to show that teaching instruction, even in a standalone lesson, should focus on the development of the four skills (and sub-skills) equally. We will look at some fun, practical ideas of how we can integrate the skills more successfully, developing the learner more fully as they journey through the world of English language learning. If the focus of instruction were that of developing the receptive skill of reading, we as teachers can help students to make links to develop and practice the other skills as well. For instance, students read, then they could explore the ideas in the reading passage through speaking and listening, thus helping them to improve on associated skills, such as pronunciation, grammar and use. Looking forward to seeing you all there!

BIO: Ali Ashouri has been involved in English Language Teaching for more than 18 years, working as a teacher, teacher trainer, examiner and consultant in a variety of international contexts. Ali has a wide range of experiences working as an instructor and examiner for international examinations. After working in various schools and universities here in Turkey, Ali now works full-time as Academic Coordinator of Unlimited Educational Services (UES). Ali is a passionate educator and regularly delivers workshops on topics including ESL v’s EFL, CLIL, Inquiry-based Learning, and Peace Education as well as facilitating and evaluating professional teacher development programs.
ali.ashouri@eltturkey.com

Name: Caleb R. COOK (TED Ankara)   

Session title: Assessing 21^st century skills

Format: Talk

Audience: Kindergarten/Primary    

Abstract: Exploration of how we can assess 21st century skills through innovative strategies to rethink, redesign, and reshape how and what we assess. Transforming traditional models of assessment (assessment of/for) and creating a new category (assessment as). Then we can align curriculum and instruction through assessment to fit the needs of an ever-changing society.

BIO: Caleb R. Cook has been a teacher, teacher trainer, and teacher leader for over 20 years. He holds a DELTA (Canada), Med (Frammingham State University), and MA ed (Royal Roads). Over the years he has explored alternative models of education and assessment and how to align education towards learning and not grades. His philosophy is; if society is going to adapt and solve existing and future problems we must go beyond traditional industrial aged models of curriculum, assessment and instruction. Researches who have inspired him include; Sir Ken Robinson (creativity), Joyce Epstein (spheres of influence), Jennifer A. Moon (reflection), Peter B. Vaill (relearning), Earl & Manitoba (Assessment AS Learning), and John Hattie (visible learning).

Name: Dilara Louise HIBBS (TED Istanbul)   

Session title: Help! I’m Trapped – Creating Escape Rooms

Format: Workshop

Audience: Primary

Abstract: A constant challenge of distance learning is to gain and to hold student interest for learning to occur. One way to achieve this is using games. Escape rooms have become very popular and have drawn the attention of teachers, as they foster teamwork, leadership, creative thinking and communication and the engagement of students in a lesson. Research shows that games catch the attention of students, motivates them, and supports learning when connected to specific outcome. Escape rooms incorporate course materials with puzzles in such a way that students are required to master these materials to succeed. Creating this activity will engage students, anchor class learning, and create readiness for understanding course concepts. This session will show you how to create escape rooms using ‘Google Slide’ and how to integrate them into your lessons and homework.

BIO: Dilara Louise Hibbs is an English teacher at TED Istanbul College. She is interested in mindfulness, meditation and yoga. She has completed the course 'Mindful Educator Essentials' and is a 'Mindful Educator' certified by Mindful Schools Organization and a certified 'Kids Yoga' trainer. She has introduced mindfulness to her classes and has a 'Mindful Kids' club in school in which she teaches mindfulness, meditation techniques and yoga to her students. She has given several workshops in conferences including Marmara ELT Conference, Eğitimde Değişim- Değişim 0'dan Başlar and TED Istanbul College.

Name: Laura MOULTON (Cambridge University Press)

Session title: If you ask the right questions, there’s no such thing as a wrong answer!

Format: Workshop

Audience: Primary/Secondary/High school

Abstract: We are by now all very familiar with the concepts and importance of critical and creative thinking. However, when it comes to teaching these skills to our students, many teachers are not always sure where to start, how to guide our students through the processes of developing these skills, and how to (or even whether to) assess them. Taking the principles of Inquiry-based Learning as a starting point, and incorporating Prof. Neil Mercer's ideals of Dialogic Talk as a means to engage with our students, we will look at how you can integrate effective critical and creative thinking skills development into just about any stage of any lesson. We'll also see the positive impact it has on learning, confidence and motivation, (including yours). Put your (virtual) thinking caps on and let's come up with some really interesting answers together.

BIO: Laura Moulton is the Professional Learning & Development Manager for Cambridge University Press, Turkey. With 20+ years ELT/ESL teaching and training experience, she has delivered training to teachers in Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East and, of course, all over Turkey. She believes in challenging her students and teachers to think critically and creatively and in finding new ways and tools to help them do this.

Name: Dilek Necibe UTAŞ (TED Northern Cyprus)    

Session title: Effective bilingual education for young learners

Format: Workshop

Audience: Kindergarten/Primary   

Abstract: Studies have shown there are many benefits to being exposed to a second language in early childhood. This enables them to be able to communicate in both languages more effectively. This session aims to investigate the factors, implementation, advantages and challenges of the Half-Day program in Kindergarten.

Moreover it makes important contributions to the literature on half-day kindergarten programming as well as second-language education and acquisition in the early years. 

BIO: Dilek Necibe Utaş is an English teacher at TED Northern Cyprus College. She holds both ELT undergraduate and MA in Education Programmes and Teaching from the University of NEU. She graduated from the Future Women Leaders programme in KAGİDER. She is an author of Problem based Learning, ESL for Turkish people and blogger at https://www.geleceginkadinliderleri.org/blog-yazisi/yabanci-degilsin http://library.neu.edu.tr/cgi-bin/koha/opac-search.pl?op=do_search&kohafield=author&field_value=Tekin,%20Dilek%20Necibe.&serverid=-1 http://aktiviteparki.com/category/ingilizce-ve-cocuk/

Name: Nurcihan DURMUŞ (TED Ege)        

Session title: Watch out the digital footprints you leave behind. The new you is the digital YOU!    

Format: Workshop

Audience: Secondary/High school    

Abstract: Due to the latest developments of this century, teaching English has to deal with more than just language competencies. As technology has become an inseparable part of modern life, teaching digital citizenship is more important than before. Digital Citizenship is an educational approach involving literacies, skills, and competences for effective digital participation. Our students need to know the power of the Internet, how to use it safely and the lasting consequences of their digital footprints in this changing atmosphere. In the first part of my workshop I will shortly introduce the digital citizenship curriculum and suggest tips, ideas, and some ways of its integration into an ELT class. In the second part of the session, I will share various practical classroom activities which are developed to prepare students to take ownership of their digital lives.

BIO: Nurcihan Durmuş works as a teacher at Ted Ege College High School. She holds a BA degree in the department of translation and interpreting from Istanbul University. She started her career as an instructor at İKU and is a former TOBB ETU instructor. She is interested in academic writing and TOEFL exam preparation. She is passionate about motivating students and cultivating curiosity towards language learning. She is also a global citizen fostering some essential values while teaching English. She is a book translator and has some works of translation in the field of medicine.

Name: Pınar EGELİ (TED Karadeniz Ereğli)     

Session title: Goodbye copy machine!  

Format: Workshop

Audience: Secondary 

Abstract: We are destined to eventually prepare lessons with zero paper. We are destined to do this as a result of our careless actions towards nature. Due to the excessive consumption of natural resources on earth, there will not be enough resources to reach any part of our lives. Aside from excessive consumption, we do not even give importance to recycling things such as paper. In order to prevent deforestation and to be a solution to the overuse of paper, it is important to start implementing effective paperless lessons/learning. We, as educators of the future have to apply zero paper lessons to adapt to a new style of education. In this workshop, I would like to present a few activities which do not require any copies to hand out but will still be effective for our learners.  

BIO: Pınar Egeli graduated from Anadolu University in 2012 in TEFL. She has been an English teacher for six years at TED Kdz. Ereğli, the Head of the English Department for two years and a teacher trainer for four years. She has given TED-MEB ELT seminars in Ereğli. Within the last three years, she has been a presenter at the ELT Orientation Workshops held in Karabük for new teachers. She also presented at the X. and XI. TED ELT Conferences.

Name: Esim GÜRSOY (Uludağ University) 

Session title: Localizing global issues as a path to promote socially responsible teaching

Format: Workshop

Audience: All grades 

Abstract: The past century has witnessed important changes in the field of foreign language education with the replacement of form-focused instruction with meaning-focused instruction. The emphasis given on interaction and meaning-making has highlighted the content through which the language is used. Moreover, the new century required more than just language skills but also some life skills such as communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking. The world that we live in today is kneaded with many problems that demand action by socially responsible people who can use these skills effectively. Thus, the role of the language teacher has evolved into being a more responsible global citizen. Within this scope, this session will offer its audience creative and practical ideas to integrate global issues as content-matter into language classrooms with critical-thinking activities as part of socially responsible teaching.

BIO: Prof. Dr. Esim Gürsoy is a teacher trainer at Bursa Uludağ University. She mainly specializes in teaching English to young learners, pre- and in-service teacher training and teaching practice.

Name: Deniz SAYIN (TED Bursa)

Session title: Interacting and collaborating with Nearpod

Format: Workshop 

Audience: Secondary/High school   

Abstract: Distance education has been a great challenge for both teachers and students, which led to compulsory adjustments in every step of the learning and teaching process. Without a doubt, keeping students engaged has been one of the most difficult challenges that all teachers have experienced. Therefore, educational technology has been incorporated into educational settings more than ever, along with the rapid advances in technology. Towards this end, web tools have been a great help for teachers. In this session a  web 2 tool Nearpod will be introduced to participants. As teachers, I believe we all  have realized that students are not listening to the teacher or looking at slides full of texts attentively in order to learn a subject. Therefore, a tool like Nearpod might be a game changer in terms of making our teaching more interactive in this chaotic online atmosphere.

BIO: Deniz Sayın has been involved in teaching English for 15 years. She is a graduate of METU and holds a BA degree in Foreign Language Education. Having started her teaching career in Portugal as a language assistant, she has been working at TED Bursa College for the last 14 years. In her current position at TED Bursa College, she is the head of high school English Department and teacher trainer.

Name: Suna UYAN (TED Samsun)    

Session title: Using augmented reality and virtual reality in language teaching in the 21^st century

Format: Workshop

Audience: High school

Abstract: The session starts with an outline of Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality followed by their integration in teaching English along with a comparison of these techniques with the traditional language teaching method. It tells about how the human brain works in connection to AR and VR technology, how they are used in the world, what the requirements are for the technique to be integrated in a language classroom, the importance of the technique in the future, its benefits and its budget as well as the display of some 3D videos. The main part of the session is reserved for the presentation displayed as a sample lesson with the use of 3D glasses and 3D cardboards. I carried out a presentation for a language teaching modal by using AR and VR platforms like Google Expedition. A direct learning method without barriers is implemented based on real life experiences depending on the feeling of reality experienced by students and the high level of data transformation due to this feeling of reality. 3D glasses and 3D cardboards are going to be available during the session for the participants to experience and give feedback

BIO: Suna Uyan is an English Teacher at TED Samsun College Private High School. She holds an MA in Using Literary Texts as a Tool in Language Teaching from Gazi University. She is interested in writing materials to enrich vocabulary and foster complex and compound sentences. Following the recent studies about Augmented Reality, and Virtual Reality 3D visual tools, she tries to take learners beyond the classroom walls by integrating these technologies in language learning to maintain optimum motivation and performance in speaking skills. She is also studying teaching English through Gamification theory. She is conducting BTEC Applied Science Level 3 as well.

Name: Ebru DEMİRAL & Esra ERDEMLİ (Globed)

Session title: Global citizenship education and why it matters  

Format: Talk

Audience: All grades 

Abstract: With the era of globalization, the world becomes increasingly “flattened” as everything, from personal computers to fiber-optic cables, interconnects individuals and nations. While the world becomes more complex, civilization encounters critical challenges that require soft skills to be solved to create secure and sustainable societies. Yet the biggest challenge lies in front of education, as the legacy of the current education system makes it hard for people of all ages to overcome these new barriers. With the help of Global Citizenship Education and the inclusion of UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, the younger generation will be equipped with “whole-world philosophy” where the learners will embrace the “Think Global, Act Local” mindset as well as “22nd Century Skills” to resolve global conflicts and issues. In this session, we will take a look at becoming a Global Citizen by acting “GLocal” and how educators could become the agents of social change.

BIO: Ebru Demiral is an English Teacher and works as Academic Services Manager at Globed which introduces top quality educational resources to international, private and public schools in Turkey and neighboring countries. She is in charge of supporting educators with the integration of e-learning solutions, providing guidelines for teachers, developing educational content and conducting workshops. After graduating from Boğaziçi University with a degree in Foreign Language Education Department, she has started her professional career at Globed and taken part in discovering ways to enhance both teaching and learning experiences in cooperation with educators. Currently, she also studies a Master of Arts degree in Linguistics at Boğaziçi University.

After receiving her degree in English Language and Literature and earning her teaching certificate, Esra Erdemli went on to complete her master’s in Educational Technologies. She then started teaching at one of Turkey's largest schools and served as their coordinator and regional manager of English teachers at KG and primary grades. She has now taken on the role as the director of the Globed Academic Team, working closely with schools and teachers in Turkey, Romania and the UAE. She has been participating in ELT events as a speaker and has had on-demand trainings and professional learning sessions with the teachers of EFL on various topics.

Name: Meral Tanay DOĞAN (TED Mersin)   

Session title: Are you one of those whom we haven’t been able to digitalize?

Format: Workshop

Audience: Secondary/High school  

Abstract: It is challenging for teachers to manage group activities in the classroom. Yet, as teachers we are always capable of finding solutions. These challenges drive us to find innovative ways to sustain our classroom management. We can use today's technology to cope with today's and tomorrow’s learners. One of the effective ways of managing group activities in the classroom is to use digital platforms such as Class Craft, which is a fun way to encourage the learners to use the target language and fulfil the tasks during the activities.

BIO: Meral Tanay Doğan studied English Language and Literature at Ege University. She enjoys escaping from real life and discovering new worlds in books. She has been teaching at TED Mersin College for six years in middle school as a teacher.

Name: Teresa DOĞUELLİ (Macmillan Education)

Session title: Helping learners write their own stories for the future

Format: Workshop

Audience: Secondary/High school 

Abstract: This interactive workshop will focus on how teachers can stimulate their learners to become enquiring authors of their own present and future through group-led projects which will lead them to draw lessons from the past as well as from the present and apply them to actions within their individual and local/regional communities. By giving our students the opportunity to think critically about real-world problems, collaborate with their peers as well as their community to create small solutions and communicate these with others they can begin to prepare for and mould their own potential future in the 22nd century.

BIO: Teresa Doguelli is a teacher trainer for Macmillan Education in Turkey and W.Europe. She holds an MA in Applied Linguistics from the University of Reading and an RSA Diploma in TEFLA. She is interested in hands-on, enquiry-based learning, learner-generated materials and motivating teenagers and young adults online and face to face. She is an avid learner herself and unstoppable problem-solver of challenges surrounding teaching and human psychology.

Name: Nahide Nur DUMLU (Freelance) & Jason PRICE (TED Headquarters)   

Session title: The runaway trolleybus and other troubling tales

Format: Workshop

Audience: Secondary/High school 

Abstract: The multidisciplinary concept of ‘tolerance of ambiguity’ (AT) is most commonly utilised in psychology to describe a set of personality traits. An AT-high individual is seen to be more comfortable with uncertainty, better able to adapt to novel/complex situations and more willing to accept incomplete solutions. In this session, we ask how a high level of AT can help our students cope with an increasingly complex array of mid-/late-21st century challenges. Taking examples from the disciplines of mathematical game theory and moral philosophy, we will then explore a variety of ambiguous ethical dilemmas which may inspire teachers to design their own AT-rich classroom activities.

BIO: Nahide Nur Dumlu is a graduate of Ege University, from the department of English Language and Literature. She holds a BA in Sociology from Anadolu University. She is a PhD student in the department of Educational Administration, Supervision, Planning and Economics at Adnan Menderes University. She is interested in adult education and professional development in teaching. She is also a child yoga trainer.

Jason Price is a teacher trainer at TED Headquarters in Ankara. He has worked as a teacher, teacher trainer and ELT project manager. He holds a BA in Philosophy from the University of Durham along with MA degrees in TESOL from the University of Nottingham and in Political Science from the University of Durham.

Name: Noha MOUSTAFA (TED Kocaeli)       

Session title: Reading skills for the modern student     

Format: Workshop

Audience: Secondary/High school      

Abstract: What are the stages that need to be followed while teaching reading? Why is it important to use activities while teaching reading? When and how can we use activities when we are teaching reading? What is the difference between extensive and intensive reading? We will try to answer these questions through our ‘Teaching Reading’ session.

BIO: Noha Moustafa is a CELTA certified English teacher with 8 years of experience teaching in universities, language centers as well as schools. She started working for TED Kocaeli College in 2019. She taught in Elementary, Middle and High Schools. She has taught both main course and skills curricula. What intrigues her most is, effectively and efficiently planning and tailoring amusing lessons to grab her learners’ attention.

Name: Yeliz ÇÖREKÇİOĞLU (TED Ege) 

Session title: Leaving the past to survive the future: 22^nd century teacher

Format: Workshop

Audience: Secondary    

Abstract: The main purpose of this presentation is to put emphasis on the needs and characteristics of the students in the new age and the approaches that the teachers are obliged to apply in their classes. Throughout my presentation, I am planning to draw a portrait of the new teacher, informing the audience about the traditional teacher and teaching methods passing through non-traditional approaches and the new and different perception of teachers in the new era. Education needs are not the same today as they were fifty years ago, neither will they be the same as today in eighty years’ time. So how can we always use the same techniques? Change is inevitable. On the other hand, it is not the result but a process. After the presentation, I want the audience to recognize the fact that the educators of the new age are not teachers any more, but learning guides who welcome change and adopt to it for better outcomes for themselves and their students.

BIO: Yeliz Çörekçioğlu is an English teacher at TED Ege College. She has been teaching for fifteen years and as a TED teacher for twelve years. She graduated from Ege University and completed her MA degree in English Language Teaching at Ondokuz Mayıs University. She is still a PhD student at Europe University of Flensburg in Germany. She is also one of the writers of TEDdy’s Ready 5-year old books. She believes in the importance of lifelong learning and miracle consequences of change in life.

Name: Sophia MAVRIDI (De Montfort University, UK)   

#1 Plenary: Digital literacies and the new digital divide

New technologies have become pervasive in the way students live, learn and communicate, challenging our values and norms in education and literacy. For most educators, preparing students for an ever-changing, multimodal and interconnected world is not just a choice but a necessity; yet, addressing this need can present most educators with overwhelming challenges. This was the case before the pandemic and became even more apparent during it. This plenary will argue that along with the traditional access inequalities, there is a new and increasingly concerning digital divide that separates those who have the literacies to use technology in an informed, responsible and sophisticated way and those who do not. After exploring the impact of this disparity on students, we will look at how embedding Digital Literacies in the ELT classroom (both online and face-to-face) can help bridge the gap. This will lead to a final discussion in which we will attempt to draw some practical conclusions about the way forward.

#2 Session title: It’s showtime! Podcasting in the language classroom

Format: Workshop

Audience: Secondary/High school

Abstract:  Are you looking for exciting and student-centred ways to make your teaching more engaging? Do you want to use technology in a pedagogically sound way to help your students develop their digital literacies and language skills? Then join this hands-on session and learn how to design simple podcasting projects for both the online and the face-to-face classroom. Informed by digital literacy and task-based language learning frameworks, we will explore how you can guide students through the process of planning, drafting, editing and revising short podcasts. You do NOT need advanced digital skills to participate in the workshop; if possible, use a laptop/ desktop and don’t forget to bring in your creativity and imagination.

BIO: Sophia Mavridi is a Digital Learning Specialist & Lecturer in English Language Learning at De Montfort University (UK). Her research focuses on online learning and the increasingly important role of digital literacies in language education. As a consultant, Sophia supports institutions and teachers to integrate technology in a pedagogically sound way and has trained for major organisations around the world. She is a regular keynote speaker at international conferences and the joint-coordinator of the IATEFL Learning Technologies Special Interest Group. Her latest publications are ‘English for 21st Century Skills’ (Express Publishing, 2020) and ‘Digital Innovations and Research in Language Learning’ (IATEFL, 2020), both of which reflect her keen interest in innovative pedagogies in language education. You can learn more about her at her website https://sophiamavridi.com/

Name: Paul MORGAN (TED Rönesans)     

Session title: GRASPS, East Indian APES and WHERETO; Creating and Teaching for Authentic Performance Tasks 

Format: Workshop

Audience: All grades  

Abstract: This workshop aims to equip all K-12 teachers with tried and tested strategies allowing them to create authentic performance tasks that go way beyond superficial understanding. A lesson planning acronym will be the cherry on the cake giving teachers the chance to self-assess the key elements and logic of both the learning plan/activities and real-world assessment. In short, you will leave the room with a simple teaching and assessment toolkit designed for 21st century success and beyond.

BIO: Paul Morgan is currently the K-12 English Department Head and International Programmes Coordinator at TED Rönesans College in Istanbul. Paul began his ELT career in the 90s and after many years at various British Council centres he moved over to K-12 education in 2006. At work he is an aficionado of all things UbD while at home his wife, his piano, his English bulldog, his cats and countless books gloriously take up his spare time.

Name: Okan ÖNALAN (Freelance)

Session title: Creative problem-solving in productive skills: Assessment and beyond

Format: Workshop

Audience: All grades 

Abstract: As the current century hastily unfolds into the next, we are all challenged to perceive the world around us in innovative ways. Language teachers get their fair share of this challenge as they are expected to equip their students not only with the content knowledge, but also with a variety of life skills the students will need for careers which may not even currently exist. The foreign language classroom is an ideal place for developing such skills as long as teachers find their own innovative ways of doing so. In this lively, creative and fun session, Dr. Okan Önalan uses practical activities from other domains of life and explores how such activities can be employed for teaching and assessing productive skills in language classrooms while promoting creative problem solving, critical thinking and collaboration. Building the theoretical framework on reflection-on-action, he demonstrates how language classrooms can flourish using reflective practice.

BIO: Dr. Okan Önalan received his B.A. at Hacettepe University, his M.A. at METU, and his Ph.D. at Gazi University in English Language Teaching (ELT). He mainly specializes in areas such as language assessment, effective communication skills, motivation, and practical issues in the language teaching field. He continues to publish his academic work in international journals and delivers teacher-training courses, workshops, and seminars at different levels.

Name: Müge PINAR (TED Samsun)      

Session title: Nurturing young authors with digital tools   

Format: Workshop

Audience: Secondary/High school    

Abstract: Students in the 21st century are required to gain different skills and qualities from those learned by students in the 20th century, and the skills they learn should prepare them ‘‘for jobs that have not yet been created, technologies that have not yet been invented, and problems that we don't yet know will arise”, as stated by Andreas Schleicher, OECD Education Directorate, 2010. Our aim in this workshop is to show the way to reveal learners’ capacity in the 21st century key competences such as digital literacy, communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity. During the session, participants will have the chance to learn about some tools which enable learners to demonstrate their understanding, unleash their productivity and share their learning with peers who will carry the torch and pass their understanding to the 22nd century generation.

BIO: Müge Pınar was born in İzmir and graduated from English Language and Literature Department at Karadeniz Technical University. She has been working as an English teacher at TED Samsun College since 2007. During her 14-year experience, she has taught grades from kindergarten to high school. She contributed to ACCESS IV Microscholarship Programme between the years 2012-2013 as a teacher. She took part as the Quality Nominee and Assessor in BTEC programmes such as Level 1 Social Media and Level 2 IT between the years 2016-2018. She has also held workshops on BTEC Day at TED İzmir College and TED XI ELT Conference at TED Rönesans College.

SIG Showcase: Reflections from our Special Interest Groups

Teenagers 

As part of TED Continuing Professional Development programme, we ran a voluntary Special Interest Group Project with a group of TED English teachers during 2021 spring term.  This session aims to present some reflections from the Teenagers Special Interest Group focusing on three specific areas: student motivation, project-based learning and materials development. We invite you all to join us in this showcase where 4 participants of this group will do pecha kucha presentations to share their takeaways and talk about our gains from this professional development activity as the whole group.  

Pınar Çetiner is an English teacher at TED Aliağa College. She holds an MA in English Language Teaching from Ahmet Yesevi University. She is interested in motivating learners and believes in the idea that knowing your talents and intelligence can be developed and it allows you to explore, experience, and achieve more in life. She’s also keen on project based learning. She’s an active user of eTwinning, many global projects such as Penpal Schools, ePals, Time Project, Cyber Fair. She enjoys being on a learning journey.

SIG Showcase: Reflections from our Special Interest Groups

Teenagers 

As part of TED Continuing Professional Development programme, we ran a voluntary Special Interest Group Project with a group of TED English teachers during 2021 spring term.  This session aims to present some reflections from the Teenagers Special Interest Group focusing on three specific areas: student motivation, project-based learning and materials development. We invite you all to join us in this showcase where 4 participants of this group will do pecha kucha presentations to share their takeaways and talk about our gains from this professional development activity as the whole group.  

Sibel Topal is an English Teacher at TED Istanbul College. She had her BA in American Philology at Istanbul University. She is interested in every level of English teaching and teaching communicative English to promote students’ confidence in speaking English. She has been using UbD planning approach in order to design curriculum units. She is burning with curiosity about exploring and reading about new topics.

SIG Showcase: Reflections from our Special Interest Groups

Teenagers 

As part of TED Continuing Professional Development programme, we ran a voluntary Special Interest Group Project with a group of TED English teachers during 2021 spring term.  This session aims to present some reflections from the Teenagers Special Interest Group focusing on three specific areas: student motivation, project-based learning and materials development. We invite you all to join us in this showcase where 4 participants of this group will do pecha kucha presentations to share their takeaways and talk about our gains from this professional development activity as the whole group.  

Jessica Özmen is an English Skills teacher at TED Bodrum College. She holds a BA in Translation and Interpretation from Ege University, from which she obtained her teaching qualification. She started teaching English at TED Bodrum College and is a proud member of TED Schools. Jessica is passionate about motivating others to find their voice in English. She empowers her students to speak English confidently and fluently. She has taught students from all over the world with various interests and reasons to learn English. Being a local of York/UK and Bodrum/Turkey, she enjoys travelling to get to know different cultures and languages.

SIG Showcase: Reflections from our Special Interest Groups

Teenagers 

As part of TED Continuing Professional Development programme, we ran a voluntary Special Interest Group Project with a group of TED English teachers during 2021 spring term.  This session aims to present some reflections from the Teenagers Special Interest Group focusing on three specific areas: student motivation, project-based learning and materials development. We invite you all to join us in this showcase where 4 participants of this group will do pecha kucha presentations to share their takeaways and talk about our gains from this professional development activity as the whole group.  

Serkan Korkmaz is an English Teacher at TED Aliağa College. He has been an English teacher for 8 years. He had worked as a TOEFL and IELTS trainer before joining the TED family. He has special interest in music, cinema and theatre and has written theatre plays, written and directed student films and developed musical materials related to particular topics in English language.

SIG Showcase: Reflections from our Special Interest Groups

Teacher development

This session is aimed at teacher trainers/mentors/academic managers who participated in our recent Teacher Development SIG or would be interested in doing so in the future. The session consists of two talks followed by an opportunity for questions from the audience.:

Name: Caleb R. Cook

Session title: Creating Collective Teacher Efficacy  

Abstract: Collective Teacher Efficacy (CTE) is a systemic approach to Continuing Professional Development with evidence-based decision making at its heart. In this session, four key elements for establishing CTE will be explored;

- building instructional knowledge and skills

- creating opportunities for teachers to collaboratively share skills and experience

- interpreting results and provide actionable feedback on teachers’ performance

- involving teachers in school decision making

BIO: Caleb R. Cook has been a teacher, teacher trainer, and teacher leader for over 20 years. He holds a DELTA (Canada), Med (Frammingham State University), and MA ed (Royal Roads). Over the years he has explored alternative models of education and assessment and how to align education towards learning and not grades. His philosophy is; if society is going to adapt and solve existing and future problems we must go beyond traditional industrial aged models of curriculum, assessment and instruction. Researches who have inspired him include; Sir Ken Robinson (creativity), Joyce Epstein (spheres of influence), Jennifer A. Moon (reflection), Peter B. Vaill (relearning), Earl & Manitoba (Assessment AS Learning), and John Hattie (visible learning).

SIG Showcase: Reflections from our Special Interest Groups

Teacher development

This session is aimed at teacher trainers/mentors/academic managers who participated in our recent Teacher Development SIG or would be interested in doing so in the future. The session consists of two talks followed by an opportunity for questions from the audience.:

Name: Ferdi Çelik

Session title: Spreading Ideas on a Flight Simulator for Novice EFL Teachers

Abstract: The developments in technology bring new perspectives to many fields. Although many interactive tools were developed for the student's learning, the number of technological tools is still limited regarding teacher education. Besides, English Language Teaching (ELT) programs do not provide the necessary opportunities for pre-service EFL teachers to practice their own classroom pedagogy. Nevertheless, pre-service EFL teachers need to practice teaching, and one way of doing that might include having a teaching simulation just like a pilot having flight simulation before flying a real airplane. In this sense, Simschool, which is an online, interactive artificial intelligence (AI)-based tool, might help pre-service EFL teachers to gain various skills, build their knowledge of classroom pedagogy by experiencing plenty of classroom situations. In this session, we will have insights related to both the authenticity and the features of Simschool and look for answers to the following questions:

• Is it possible for an online simulation tool to provide this authenticity?

• To what extent the simulation might help EFL teachers to build their pedagogical skills?

BIO: Ferdi Çelik completed his BA in ELT at Mersin University as honour student in 2017, including a year at Constantine the Philosopher University. He is teaching English at TED Çorum College. Ferdi completed MA in ELT in 2020. He was nominated for the Cambridge’s Dedicated Teacher Award, and acquired TESOL specialization from Arizona State University. He has completed various ELT courses at universities such as University of California and Johns Hopkins. He is doing PhD in ELT at Ondokuz Mayıs University. His research interest is Neurolinguistics. He holds official TEDx organizer license, and was chosen by NASA as Local Lead.