Creating an Inclusive Classroom: Strategies for Deconstructing/Decolonizing TESOL (AH 331)
Trisha Dowling (University of Michigan - ELI)
This interactive workshop will briefly discuss pertinent theory and language around decolonizing both the field of TESOL in general, and our specific teaching practices. After collaboratively reviewing materials, attendees will co-construct strategies for beginning our deconstruction/disruption journey with the ultimate goal of creating a more inclusive classroom.

Interest Sections: Post-Secondary, Curriculum/Materials Design

Engaging English Language Learners with Environmental Education (AH 335)
Janet Vail (Grand Valley State University)
Develop students’ English language skills through experiential activities that explore disciplinary content (science and social studies) around ecological issues. Engage in role-playing simulations, concept mapping, and collaborative problem solving (using digital tools) that address environmental challenges and quality of life trends around the world. Receive lessons all matched to Michigan’s K-12 Standards.

Interest Sections: K-12, Curriculum/Materials Design

Concurrent Sessions #4: Standards

3:30 - 4:20 pm

INVITED SPEAKER
Understanding Law and Policy to Support Newcomers (AH 104)
Jenika Scott (Michigan Immigrant Rights Center/MIRC)
This session will give a basic overview of logistic, linguistic, and cultural competency challenges faced by recent arrivals in Michigan. It will include a discussion of policy developments that impact English Language Learners who are navigating the immigration system, such as efforts to secure driver's licenses for people who are undocumented.

Interest Sections: Advocacy & Policy

Engaging College Students as Teachers' Assistants in Newcomer Classrooms (AH 127)
Candace Bailey Combs (Kalamazoo College), Wessam Abdelaziz (Kalamazoo Public Schools), Austyn Sabin (Kalamazoo Public Schools)
Kalamazoo Teaching Volunteers is a Kalamazoo College program that places multilingual college students in Newcomer classrooms in Kalamazoo Public Schools where they support teachers and students. This session demonstrates how the program works, how college students are trained, how we collaborate, and how students work collectively to produce a monthly Newcomers Newsletter.

Interest Sections: K-12, Post-Secondary, Curriculum/Materials Design

Creating a Culture of Inclusion: Easy Activities for Multilevel Adults (AH 131)
Anne Damiecka (Grand Rapids Community College)
Multilevel classrooms, particularly those including pre-lieterate learners, can pose significant challenges for instructors. How can we create activities that are appropriate for all students and also create a sense of community? This session will demonstrate several easy-to-use, whole-class activities designed to foster inclusion, engagement, and language development in multi-level classes.

Interest Sections: Adult Education

Breaking the Silence: Engaging Multilingual Writers through Culturally Responsive Feedback (AH 133)
Alexandra Beatrixh Covell (Michigan Language Center), Lara Hauer (Michigan Language Center)
The presentation explores the process of providing culturally responsive feedback to upper-level Intensive English Program (IEP) students, empowering them to take responsibility for their writing by participating actively in the feedback process and negotiating feedback with teachers. It includes practical tips and strategies to support IEP students' writing instruction.

Interest Sections: Post-Secondary

What Does "the Research" Say? Enhancing TESOL Practice with Accessible Research Findings (AH 245)
Matt Coss (Michigan State University)
Are you curious what "the research" says? Are you interested in informing your practice with recent findings from second language acquisition and applied linguistics? Take a deep dive into free and accessible resources to do just that—come curious, leave satisfied and well-equipped to read, share, and use research findings!

Interest Sections: Adult Education, K-12, Post-Secondary

Global Classroom: Expanding Horizons through Virtual Cultural Exchange (AH 330)
Kyongson Park (University of Michigan - Dearborn)
This study highlights the global classroom's profound intercultural and pedagogical benefits for pre- and in-service teachers and underscores the positive impact of enhanced intercultural competence on TESOL practices. Additionally, the study recommends incorporating more structured activities and offering additional training for future virtual exchange projects.

Interest Sections: Post-Secondary

What’s New with SIOP® and Reading Support for Struggling ELL Students (AH 332)
Casey Doyle (Savvas Learning Company), Wayne Eichen (Savvas Learning Company)
We will share updates for SIOP®, including the new addition of Making Content Comprehensible Version 6. New training options and free resources for teachers, along with covering iLItELL reading program, which was developed with research provided by Jim Cummins and other leading reading researchers and contains the SIOP framework built into the lesson plans, using culturally relevant content to inspire literacy for students.

Interest Sections: K-12, Curriculum/Materials Design

The Joy of Poetry: Teaching Poetry to English Language Learners (AH 333)
Yevgeniya Pukalo (Farmington Public Schools)
This session offers benefits of teaching poetry and includes engaging activities to help secondary ESL teachers see poetry as an exciting and creative approach to make learning language relevant and meaningful for English Learners to advance their literacy skills, develop student agency, and find joy in reading and writing poems.

Interest Sections: Adult Education, K-12

Don't forget to join the 2023 Conference message board (members only!)

to share and download materials from concurrent sessions, sponsors, and invited speakers!

CONCURRENT #1  |  CONCURRENT #2  |  CONCURRENT #3  |  CONCURRENT #4

AT-A-GLANCE  |  ROUNDTABLES