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Thursday, 7 June 2012

CONFERENCES: Onus on educators

(credit: NST, June 3rd 2012)

 

EXPERTS believe that mastering English language in the age of globalisation requires students to learn from doing and lessons that take account of their  traditions.   If  so, it puts the onus of young Malaysian’s language learning firmly on educators.  Local teachers who are looking for fresh ideas for effective English reading and learning methods may find useful pointers at the upcoming 4th Johor State English Language Conference 2012 from June 12-14 in Johor Baru.   The three-day event is organised jointly by the Johor Baru English Language Teaching (JELTA), a non-governmental organisation, and the Johor State Education Department.   It is also co-sponsored by the M Suites Hotel, which provides the venue, Oxford Fajar and Permas Publications.

Themed Revitalising the Teaching-Learning Link, it is an opportunity for teachers to gain insights into innovative classroom practices that can be applied to English periods at primary and secondary schools nationwide. Organising chairman Vincent D’Silva says: “English has become a boring subject because (it is not taught) in a meaningful context. Teachers will find many suggestions for making English more exciting at the conference.”   Participants can look forward to seven plenary and several parallel sessions.

The speakers include Associate Professor Khairi Izuan Abdullah of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai; Rahmah Sayuti; Lucille Dass, who is formerly  from  Universiti  Sains  Malaysia; Dzeelfa  Zainal  Abidin  from  Universiti  Putra  Malaysia;  and  Dr Shanti Sandaran  from  Universiti  Teknologi  Malaysia.   Khairi  Izuan’s paper titled Flowers  Don’t  Grow  in  Deserts: Enriching  the  Second-Language  Learning  Environment  for  Low  English  Proficiency, offers techniques for creating “an input-rich environment” for learners. English master teacher Rahmah, who has over 25 years’ teaching experience, will demonstrate how teachers can integrate Web 2.0 technologies into lessons to enhance students’ writing and critical thinking skills. Shanti Sandaran will focus on the importance of creativity in language learning and teaching. Meanwhile, Lucille Dass will conduct a workshop on Using Drama in the Language Classroom.

The New Straits Times (NST) is the official media partner. NST group editor Datuk Syed Nadzri Syed Harun will deliver the keynote address while NST’s editorial consultant Balan Moses will deliberate on the use of newsletters in teaching English.

Registration fee, which includes lunches, coffee breaks, conference bag, materials, certificate of attendance and door gifts, is RM100.   Call Adib Esa (07-235-8534), Annette (016-752-8767) or fax  07-2244737 for details.



The Thinking Teacher


2 comments:

  1. Oh! How I wish I could be there...but you see Johor is quite a distant away.

    Anyway, congrats Pn Rahmah...hope to catch a glimpse of your paper...maybe virtually.

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    Replies
    1. thanks sophyta. pls call me kak rahmah ok. insya
      allah...

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