Bahá'í Language Educators: ABS conference program

Program

9:00-9:30 Creating a Talk Show: An EFL Opportunity for AuthenticCommunication
Irshat Madyarov ,Teaching Assistant, Intensive English Program,West Virginia University
Abstract: It is common knowledge that EFL students lackopportunities for authentic communication in English. Thispresentation introduces a way of creating an environment wherestudents can use their language skills in a meaningful way. Thepresenter will share his experience of facilitating a talk show inEnglish for university students in Russia. The talk show was initiatedas a Baha'i-inspired social economic project. Its main objective is tocultivate morality and a positive attitude towards real life problems.Tailored to pedagogic objectives, the talk show can also serve as anefficient tool to teach language skills.

9:30-10:30 The Middle-Eastern Student
Safineh Tahmasseb , Teacher Trainer/ESL Instructor. Universityof California, Irvine-Extension
Abstract: In these times of crises, Middle-Eastern people are,more than ever, objects of prejudice, stereotyping, andcultural/religious misunderstanding. In order to help promote theunity of mankind, especially in the ESL classrooms, this presentationwill provide the participants with a general understanding of thecultures (peoples, religions, languages, values, relationships, systemof education/learning) of the Middle-East. It will also addressthe linguistic challenges the students from that region face in theirESL classes. These challenges include spelling/handwriting, readingwriting, and pronunciation that may or may not be exacerbated bycultural influences.

10:30-11:15 Integrating Character Education into your ESL/EFLclassrooms
Nancy Watters, President, Watters & Associates; educatorand consulting psychologist. Cobble Hill ,BC, Canada
Abstract: Discover The Virtues Project--an inspiring,award-winning program that teaches simple elements of characterhonored by all cultures and spiritual traditions--traits such askindness, honesty, respect and responsibility. Learn to weavecharacter education throughout your curriculum. This presentation willgive an overview of five specific strategies that help enhanceacademic achievement, reduce discipline problems, create a caringschool climate and boost moral behavior.

11:15-11: 30 Break

11:30-12:00 Innovative Language Pedagogy and Community BuildingFeatures of the Ruhi Study Circle Process
Sandra Fotos, Professor of English, Senshu University. Tokyo,Japan
Abstract: The Universal House of Justice considers the Ruhitraining courses to be part of a systematic process for transformationof the Baha'i community. The study circle books use innovativepedagogical techniques, many of them language-based, to enhancelearning outcomes and to support community building. This talkpresents data from surveys conducted in North America and LatinAmerica on participant response to the training course pedagogy andthe community building nature of the study circles .

12:00-1:30 Lunch Break

1:30-2:00 What's in a Name? The Kalakwahti Vision

Pauline Tuttle, AdjunctProfessor of Ethomusicology, University of Victoria. BC, Canada
Abstract: On the Northwest Coast, through the vehicles oftraditional song, dance, and ceremonial cycles, the process of namingthrough language lies at the very core of identity and life-ways,playing a crucial role in the development of community life and itsattendant healing process. This multi-media Power-Pointpresentation offers an overview of the vision anddevelopment--embedded in the language of a name--of the KalakwahtiStudies, a Baha'i inpsired oral history research and outreach centrelocated on Vancouver Island BC.

2:00-2:45 Designing your ESL/EFL Website: An Introduction
Jonah Winters, Website developer; webmaster of the Baha'iLibrary website and the Baha'i Language Educators SIG website.Vancouver, BC, Canada
Abstract: The presentation discusses the preliminaryconsiderations and steps necessary before designing a ESL/EFL website,introduces software and tutorial sites and gives practice tips forcreating a successful online resource for your students andcolleagues.

2:45-3:00 Break

3:00-4:30 Roundtable on Baha'i Inspired Activities
1. Judith Johnson
Activity title: What If
2. Irshat Madyarov
Activity title: Successful consultation skills activity
3. Nancy Watters
Activity title: Virtues Pick
4. Jerry Strain
Activity title: Speak and Write the Promise
5. Sandy Fotos
Activity title: Draw What I Tell You!
6. Marilyn Higgins
Activity title: Working with the Language of Human Rights

4:30-5:30 BLE SIG Annual Meeting and Consultation

Bahá'í Language Educators SIG Program