KOTESOL International Conference 2016
(Concurrent Session)
Christopher Ott, English Language Fellow (US State Department) Xi'an International University, China
Jenna Thompson, English Language Fellow (US State Department) Qufu Normal University, China
Building Student Autonomy Through Literature Circles
Abstract
Literature circles are student led book discussions that take place in the classroom and support language learning and literature studies. This workshop will discuss the benefits of using literature circles in the classroom, particularly building student autonomy, while also providing instruction on how teachers can create their own literature circles. In addition, the participants will take part in the hands-on practice of a literature circle to gain a full understanding of the process and benefits.
Biographicals
Christopher Ott is the English Language Fellow (U.S. State Department) at Xi'an International University where he teaches American Culture. Christopher is also a teacher trainer and provides teacher trainings throughout China and Mongolia. Christopher received his Masters of Arts in TESOL from the City University of New York, and holds a Masters in Library and Information Science from Pratt Institute. Christopher has taught EFL/ESL in a variety of educational settings in China, Russia, and the U.S. for the past 8 years. His research interests include academic and creative writing in the EFL classroom, vocabulary development, and progressive education practices in traditional environments.
Jenna Thompson received her BA in Business Administration from Northeastern University and her MA in TESOL from Payap University. She has taught EFL in China, Thailand, Senegal, and The Gambia at a range of levels (elementary, middle school, high school, and university) over the past 10 years. She currently works as a teacher trainer and English Language Fellow (US Department of State) at Qufu Normal University in Shandong Province. From 2012-2014 she also served as an EL Fellow and teacher trainer in Senegal.
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