Grace Yuwono (Western Sydney University College, Australia)
Abstract
The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly disrupted higher education delivery. The pandemic has prompted a seemingly hasty move from traditional classroom environments to more flexible teaching and learning environments. Flexible delivery modes (which include online, hybrid, and hyflex modes) have since been offered and implemented at most higher education institutions including in academic English classes at my university. Despite the convenience of such modes, there have been ongoing issues and challenges regarding student engagement and their sense of belonging and connection. My presentation will offer some snapshots of engagement and connection issues in my academic English classes at Western Sydney University College between June and September 2024. I will also share my personal experiences and insights after teaching these classes for one term. I will argue that we need to re-emphasise our academic and non-academic support to improve engagement and enhance connection, which could ultimately lead to student success.
Research Paper (In person; 25 minutes)
Motivation / Identity / Agency
Primarily of interest to teachers of university students
About the Presenter
Grace Yuwono received her PhD in education from the University of Sydney in 2008. Her dissertation focused on English teacher professionalism in Indonesia. She has extensive teaching experience at universities in Australia and Indonesia and is currently teaching academic English at Western Sydney University College. She is also an academic advisor who provides academic and pastoral support to first-year students.
