Tales from the Desh

TweetThis is a workshop for teachers at the Mongolia University of the Humanities, first given on Sept. 23, 2011. PDF Slides Handout

TweetDownload presentation here. In this presentation, I shared my impressions of living as a foreigner in Russia and working as a member of faculty at a Russian university. In it, I first shared relevant details of higher education in the United States which helped to shape the context within which I garnered my understanding of [...]

TweetHere is the link to a presentation I wrote about the history and culture of Alabama, my native state. I gave it first at the Arkhangelsk American Corner in April, 2011.

TweetDownload abstract here. Download PowerPoint here. Download handout here. Format: Workshop Time: 60-90 minutes Title: “A Postmethod Pedagogy: Challenges, Opportunities and Empowerment” Target Students: Beginner to advanced, any age group Summary In this workshop, teachers will explore the nature of the Postmethod Condition as it relates to their unique teaching situation. Then, participants will develop [...]

TweetFormat: Workshop Time: 60 minutes Title: “Tasks, Content and Learning Styles: Foundations for Skills Integration” Target Students: Beginner to advanced, any age group Equipment required: Laptop, multimedia projector and speakers Summary In this workshop, participants will briefly explore learning styles, content-based instruction and task-based learning as means by which teachers can more successfully encourage learners [...]

TweetDownload abstract PDF here. Download PowerPoint presentation PDF here. Format: Workshop Time: 90 minutes Title: “Reflective Teaching: Strategies for Self-Improvement and Adaptation” Target Students: Beginner to advanced, any age group This is a co-presentation with SPELTA member Alexandra Antipova. What is a reflective teacher? Generally speaking, a reflective teacher is an educator who is in [...]

TweetAt a recent workshop I conducted at the American Corner here in St. Petersburg, I talked with a group of teachers about tides of change and innovation in education, specifically in Russia. I shared an experience of my own: ten years ago, when I was in graduate school at the American University in Washington, DC, [...]

TweetWatch the presentation here: Download PowerPoint here. Download handout here. What is the statement of purpose? College applications are generally very dry and impersonal representations of a person’s scholastic achievements and abilities. The personal statement is designed to breathe life into an otherwise lifeless and unoriginal college application. Basically, the statement of purpose is a [...]

TweetDownload PowerPoint PDF here. Download PowerPoint Show (with audio) here. Format: Plenary Time: 20 minutes Title: “Technology and Second Language Writing: New Perspectives on Identity and Process” Target Students: Beginner to advanced, any age group With the advent of new technology and online resources for second language writers, educators not only must grapple with their own [...]

TweetEach summarizing workshop is about one hour. See below for details of each session. Download PowerPoint and handouts here. Session 1: Reading Strategies for Summarizing In this workshop, participants will explore various approaches to reading which enhance students’ skills in summarizing. The workshop will focus on basic pre- during- and post-reading strategies that improve overall [...]