Title: Beyond "Filling the Gap": How to Use Pop Music to Enhance ESL Students' Speaking, Critical Thinking, and Opinion Sharing
Abstract:
In English as a second language (ESL) courses, songs are popular tools for listening practice, often accompanied by fill-in-the-gap worksheets. To go beyond sheer listening exercises, this workshop will present practical ideas and activities using popular music to help students develop their overall language abilities. From expressing thoughts and opinions, discussing themes, asking and answering questions, and making connections, songs can be powerful and exciting instruments for multi-skilled language enhancement for EFL students of all ages.
Bio:
Dr. Natalie Thibault is an assistant professor at Wonkwang University in Iksan, South Korea. She is an experienced English as a second language (ESL) instructor, having taught in Asia for nearly two decades. In addition to her teaching career, she has been focusing her qualitative research efforts on rapport-building between students and professors, internationalization of Korean higher education, and international student experiences. Dr. Thibault is involved with several international publications dedicated to qualitative and education-related research, including The Qualitative Report, for which she is a Senior Editor.
Title: International Women’s Day: Global Perspectives & Classroom Connections
Abstract:
Join us for a special International Women’s Day event where we explore how this global celebration is observed in different countries and discuss ways to bring its themes into the classroom.
Our discussion facilitators will share insights into how International Women’s Day is recognized and celebrated in their home countries, offering cultural perspectives and traditions that may be new to many of us. As part of this collaborative workshop, we’ll brainstorm some ways to incorporate the themes of the event — such as gender equality, women’s achievements, and inspiring role models — into our teaching.
Bios:
Aida Ulukbekova is originally from Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia. She holds a degree in English from Hankuk Cyber University and is a certified TESOL instructor. With 17 years of teaching experience in Korea, she has had the privilege of helping students grow in their language skills. Fluent in Kyrgyz, Russian, English, and Korean, she is passionate about teaching, working with kids, and continuously exploring new opportunities for learning and growth.
Maria Vasquez is a Costa Rican English teacher with an associate degree and 5 years of experience. She has been living in Korea for 7 years, and is fluent in Spanish, English, and Korean (but still struggles with some Korean tongue twisters). Maria loves teaching, but sometimes wonders if students or her four cats listen better. She's passionate about language, culture, and making learning fun—because if you’re not laughing, are you really learning?
Liliana M. Tintin is originally from Ecuador, South America. She has been living on and off in Korea since 1996. She got her B.A. in International Studies in Jeonju at Jeonbuk National University. She is currently getting her M.A in English Education at the same University. Liliana has been teaching for more than 12 years at various academies and on her private practice IT’S ENGLISH. She has been involved in various research papers which have been published in academic Journals. She completed her CELTA certification a few years ago in Ecuador. She is happy she survived the CELTA training.
