Bringing Languages out of the textbook and into real life

How can you learn to love a language when you only ever see it in a textbook? The general theme of this workshop will be how to improve student engagement in the language learning process. Participants will explore ways to help their students use their language in practical, meaningful tasks through the use of interactive resources and authentic materials. Rowena will also look at ways to take the language outside the classroom, so students can interact with each other as well as the wider world in a purposeful way. This is a hands-on workshop and participants will come away with a host of new ideas for activities and time will be devoted to developing new teaching materials. Participants will need access to an overview of a unit of work they currently teach. Although the examples given in this workshop will come from French, the ideas presented are general in nature and can be applied in most Language classrooms, so teachers of all languages are encouraged to attend. Rowena Bata has been a Languages teacher for 25 years and she has worked at schools in Victoria as well as in France, Papua New Guinea and Malaysia. She has held various positions of leadership and has taught students of all ages, from Prep to adult. Rowena holds a Master’s degree in Linguistics and she is a Microsoft Innovative Educator Trainer. She is interested in bridging the gap between second language acquisition theory and what happens in a classroom, and she has a particular focus on the role that technology can play in the language learning process. Rowena has a wealth of experience that she brings to her presentations and her workshops are always practical and full of ideas for teachers to take away and use in their class immediately. Inspirational Speakers – the knowledge gained will be so beneficial in my classrooms Keep up the fantastic PD opportunities! Very professional and well-researched workshops and conferences. “It is the first P.L. in a long long time that I haven’t been checking in with my watch.” “AI Skills for Busy School Admin Teams by Tracy Anthony & Dennis Wollersheim” I have already enhanced my skills over the past week – been able to interact with AI program to redraft, polish and give suggestions/ideas. Australian International School Hong Kong Unleashing Brilliant Brains: Boys, ADHD & the Power of Connection – Tony Vallance This was fab! As a person with ADHD I have done lots of adhd training and sessions but this was by far the best! really good at re framing and explaining students need. “Why Is This Young Person So Hard to Teach? Understanding the Diagnoses PDA, IED, ODD, CD and ASPD’ – Aphra Millis” Aphra was great, so honest, down to earth and personable. I really loved the fact that she could talk to the topic both on a personal and professional level. She certainly raised awareness of a number of conditions and diagnoses that we are starting to see more of. Highly recommend her. Laura Hawxwell Haileybury College Director – Individ