November Gwangju-Jeonnam Chapter KOTESOL Workshops
Date & Time: November 9, 2024 | 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location: Gwangju National University of Education, Creativity Convergence Building (창의융합관), 3rd Floor, English Cafe. Map Link.
Join us for the November Gwangju-Jeonnam Chapter KOTESOL workshops! This month, we’re excited to offer two insightful presentations that explore connections in teaching and Korean history. After the workshops, you’re invited to join us for dinner at a nearby location (TBA) to continue the conversation and networking.
Agenda:
2:00 PM – Welcome & Introductions
2:15 PM – Workshop 1: Building Connections for Better Instruction: Strategies to Enhance Learning. Presented by Melvin Dixon
3:15 PM – Break
3:30 PM – Workshop 2: Korean Highlights: The Past 50 Years. Presented by David Shaffer
4:30 PM – Announcements
5:00 PM – Let’s go together to dinner (Location TBA)
Workshop 1: Building Connections for Better Instruction: Strategies to Enhance Learning
Abstract:
As an educator committed to delivering high-quality instruction, it is natural to become engrossed in one's own pedagogy and actions in the classroom. Sometimes, the improvements we seek can come from connecting with those around us, whether it be students, colleagues, or whoever else we may encounter. This workshop is designed to encourage participants to recognize and nurture these connections with others in order to enrich lives both within and beyond the classroom. These connections improve both teacher performances and student outcomes. Through individual and shared explorations of the experiences and interests of those around us, participants will equip themselves with strategies to enhance relationships and create positive learning environments.
Bio:
Melvin Dixon moved to South Korea in 2006. He currently works at Gyeonggi University of Science and Technology, where he teaches and works in the Global Education Center, preparing students for work and study abroad. Melvin is vice president of the Seoul KOTESOL chapter and a contributor to KOTESOL Voices and The English Connection (TEC).
Workshop 2: Korean Highlights: The Past 50 Years
Abstract:
There has been dramatic change in the Republic of Korea over the last 50 years: from Park Chung-hee’s Third Republic and the main artery to Gwangju being unpaved to Korea becoming an OECD member and one of the most wired nations in the world. This presentation will lead the attendees chronologically through highlights of the major events gripping the republic over the span of the presenter’s residency in the nation – the assassination of President Park, the sinking of the Sewol ferry, and the Gwangju 5.18 Uprising, to name but a few. Attendees will be able to leave this presentation with a more structured timeline of events and a more detailed understanding of historical milestones transpiring in Korea from the first-hand experiences of the presenter, who has made Gwangju his home since the early 1970s. A Q&A session will be included. (This is not a presentation on TEFL in Korea.)
Biographical Profile:
David Shaffer has lived and worked in Gwangju since 1971, when he came to Korea as a U.S. Peace Corps volunteer. His master’s and doctoral degrees are in linguistics, and he has spent his teaching career at Chosun University. Dr. Shaffer has written numerous articles and several books on Korea’s culture, history, and literature. His academic interests span TESOL, linguistics, and applied linguistics. At present, most of his time is consumed doing things KOTESOL and as editor of the Gwangju News.
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Cost: Free! Attendance certificates available upon request.
Who Should Attend: Anyone interested in teaching English. All KOTESOL members, educators, and anyone interested in professional development and networking can benefit.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Dinner after at Buukgan
