Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing language learning, especially in English speaking proficiency. Unlike traditional methods, where achieving fluency required significant time, money, and travel, today's learners have access to AI-powered tools that provide dynamic, personalized speaking practice. Platforms like FLOW Speak and others are making language learning more accessible, allowing students to practice anywhere, anytime, and at a fraction of the cost. These tools enhance, rather than replace, traditional teaching, empowering both educators and learners to achieve better outcomes in less time, unlocking global opportunities for academic and career success.
Matt Sussman is the CEO and Co-founder of FLOW Speak, an AI-powered platform designed to improve English speaking confidence. Prior to this role, Matt served as the Executive Director for Fulbright Japan from January 2013 to June 2021. In his free time, he enjoys making banana waffles... Read More →
Saturday November 16, 2024 9:30am - 10:00am PST
KH B3016
This research explores the unique challenges nontraditional students face in adult ESL classrooms. It further applies McClusky's Theory of Margin, which analyzes the balance between an individual's demands and resources, to offer instructional recommendations. Nontraditional students, who are re-entry students balancing educational pursuits with multiple roles and responsibilities, often encounter significant external demands and limited resources. Through qualitative methods, including interviews and surveys, this study provides insights into experiences, learning goals, and challenges of these students. The findings inform strategies to enhance learning environments and aim to guide policymakers and instructors toward creating more inclusive and equitable ESL classrooms.
Although teacher preparation programs expose future teachers to a wealth of ideas, the transition from training environments to real classrooms is not straightforward.
This panel discusses practical suggestions, grounded on theoretical and pedagogical principles, that novice teachers can implement to navigate the challenges they face in their first few years in the field. The suggestions focus on how to build a social context, navigate institutional policy, plan and deliver lessons, foster participation, implement assessments, and use corpora and digital tools. Attendees will leave the session with a toolkit of ideas that will prevent them from getting burned out.
Professor, California State University, Los Angeles
Lía Kamhi-Stein is a professor in and coordinator of the M.A. in TESOL Program at California State University, Los Angeles. She worked as a certified public translator, EFL teacher, and program administrator in Argentina. She has published articles, chapters, and edited volumes... Read More →
Join your fellow new/er/ish TESOL educators and graduate students to talk through the issues you're running up against as you enter the field. In attendance will be several seasoned educators, including those with TESOL leadership and hiring experience, to support you as you navigate your new teaching career. This is a wholeheartedly welcoming space to ask candid questions about hiring and career-building, to seek out mentorship, to gain professional insights, and to find encouragement from those across the full spectrum of career experience. Come chat with us and bring a friend!
ESL Assistant Program Chair, San Diego College of Continuing Education
Kelly Metz-Matthews, Ph.D. is faculty and Assistant Program Chair in the English as a Second Language Program at the San Diego College of Continuing Education. She is also Associate Editor of Applied Linguistics, an Oxford University Press journal. A longtime teacher educator and... Read More →
The K-12 level group will discuss topics impacting PreK-12 education, with a primary focus on career pathways both regionally and internationally. Teacher education is witnessing the residual effects and innovations as a result of COVID-19 and will discuss ways to address the academic and social-emotional needs of our multilingual students. How can we prepare educators to meet the changing needs of PreK-12 multilingual learners? What opportunities exist for current educators or those interested in entering the field? Join the interactive K-12 session to find out!
Students don't leave their culture at home, but rather, bring it with them into the classroom. Even if everyone speaks English, when students don't understand each other's culture, there can be culture clashes that result in breakdowns in communication. Once an individual has been insulted, it is difficult to undo. To effectively work with immigrants and refugees, teachers must be knowledgeable about cultural practices around the world. Participants in this workshop will play a game designed to expand awareness and to challenge their knowledge of Do's & Taboos, Food & Drink, Holidays & Festivals, Superstitions and more.