Seoul Chapter June Workshop - Creating Compelling Lessons through Contextual Awareness

Topic: 
"Creating Compelling Lessons through Contextual Awareness" by Prof. George Whitehead, The University of Suwon

Date/Time: 
June 27th (Saturday, 3-5PM)

Venue: 
Rm. 105, Injaegwan, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul, South Korea

Workshop Coordinator: 
Dr. Ian Done D. Ramos / workshop@seoulkotesol.org
or professionalworkian@gmail.com

For more information, visit our website - http://www.koreatesol.org/seoul

Abstract
In order to motivate learners, lessons must first grasp the students’ interest; however, this is much easier said than done. Most of the time, English educators in Korea face the difficult task of teaching textbook content that is far from interesting. This interactive workshop aims to raise awareness on the importance of contextual awareness in English language education in South Korea and provide practical ways in which educators can create compelling lessons from textbook content. First, issues of contextual awareness in relation to materials as well as lesson planning will be discussed, followed by a definition of the key components of compelling lessons. Attendees will then be guided through a set of concept checking exercises in which they will discuss whether or not certain content would be compelling. This will be followed by the application of understanding through creatively brainstorming ways in which textbook content can be transformed into lessons that are relevant, relatable and interesting for students.

Biography
George Whitehead is currently working at the University of Suwon as an assistant professor in the English Language and Literature Department. He has previously held positions in Canada, Japan and Korea as a language instructor, curriculum developer, teacher-trainer, and director of university TESOL programs. His research interests include: the washback effects of high-stakes testing, contextualizing language teaching in EFL contexts, and teacher training.