Making English lessons exciting

By SIM BAK HENG | johor@nst.com.my

AIM: The conference provides a platform for teachers to gain insights into innovative ideas that will help them meet the challenges of teaching English

JOHOR BAHRU: ENGLISH language educationists in the state are invited to participate in a dynamic three-day conference with the theme "Moving Forward In English Language Teaching" from Sept 14 to 16.
The conference will provide a platform for teachers to gain insights into innovative ideas that will help them meet the challenges of teaching English in primary and secondary schools.

Jointly organised by the JB English Language Teaching Organisation (Jelta) and the Johor State Education Department, this conference offers a dynamic programme focusing on diverse areas within English Language Teaching (ELT), English Literature, and English as a Second Language (ESL), such as creative and innovative methodology, curricular and material design innovations, and critical thinking and creativity in English Language teaching and learning.

M Suites Hotel, as part of its corporate social responsibility commitment to support education, is the main sponsor of the venue, the meals and accommodation for the speakers.
The hotel's executive director Datin Dr Maimunah Abdul Rahman said: "Education is not limited only to students, more so it is also applicable to the educationists who should keep abreast of the latest teaching aids, strategies and technology."

The other sponsors are Oxford Fajar and Permas Publications. Participants stand to take home attractive gifts and several other goodies, courtesy of Oxford Fajar and Permas Publications.
There will be an exhibition of books and multimedia products for ELT.

Jelta will also be awarding the Johor Excellent English Language Teacher Awards to five outstanding teachers who have contributed to the development of English Language teaching in Johor.
The conference will cover practical writing, the teaching of literature, coping with mixed ability classes, enhancing reading skills, methodology, oral communications and drama.

The conference will be opened by Deputy Education Minister Datuk Mary Yap Kain Ching. New Straits Times Press group managing editor Datuk Abdul Jalil Hamid will deliver the keynote address.
The Ministry of Education's English Language Teaching Centre deputy director Dr Mohamed Abu Bakar will speak on the Malaysian Education Blueprint.

The other speakers include former Assoc Prof Dr Nesamalar Chitravelu from the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics in Universiti Malaya; Assoc Prof Dr Cynthia Yolanda Dass from Mara University of Technology, Shah Alam; Rahmah Sayuti from SM Sains Sembrong, Kluang; Prof Dr Jayakaran Mukundan from Universiti Putra Malaysia; and Maureen Parker, a mentor-teacher trainer for the Ministry of Education TELL (Teaching English Language and Literacy) project. Organising chairman Vincent D' Silva said a unique feature of the conference is the "chats" which are informal sessions specifically set aside to allow participants the opportunity to discuss issues with the presenters.

"In line with the theme, it is hoped that teachers attending the conference will be able to adopt and inject new ideas and approaches into their teaching, thus making the teaching and learning of English beneficial to both teachers and learners.

"The conference will also be the beginning of a more pragmatic and effective approach to various aspects in the teaching and learning of English Language.
"The presentations offered will have something for teachers in primary and secondary schools," he said.
Registration fee, which includes lunches, coffee breaks, conference bag, materials, stationery, files, a grammar book, a group photo and a certificate of attendance, is RM130.

The closing date for registration is Aug 23.
For registration, call Nur Maryam at 017-790 5426 or 017-782 4738.

The Thinking Teacher