Bahá'í Language Educators SIG Program

27^th Annual Conference of the Association for Bahá'í Studies — North America

San Francisco, California
Friday, August 28, 2003

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Program

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

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

10:30-11:15 Integrating Character Education into your ESL/EFL classrooms
Nancy Watters, President, Watters & Associates; educator and consulting psychologist. Cobble Hill ,BC, Canada
Abstract: Discover The Virtues Project--an inspiring, award-winning program that teaches simple elements of character honored by all cultures and spiritual traditions--traits such as kindness, honesty, respect and responsibility. Learn to weave character education throughout your curriculum. This presentation will give an overview of five specific strategies that help enhance academic achievement, reduce discipline problems, create a caring school climate and boost moral behavior.

11:15-11: 30 Break

11:30-12:00 Innovative Language Pedagogy and Community Building Features of the Ruhi Study Circle Process
Sandra Fotos, Professor of English, Senshu University. Tokyo, Japan
Abstract: The Universal House of Justice considers the Ruhi training courses to be part of a systematic process for transformation of the Baha'i community. The study circle books use innovative pedagogical techniques, many of them language-based, to enhance learning outcomes and to support community building.  This talk presents data from surveys conducted in North America and Latin America on participant response to the training course pedagogy and the 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, Adjunct Professor of Ethomusicology, University of Victoria. BC, Canada
Abstract: On the Northwest Coast, through the vehicles of traditional song, dance, and ceremonial cycles, the process of naming through language lies at the very core of identity and life-ways, playing a crucial role in the development of community life and its attendant healing process.  This multi-media Power-Point presentation offers an overview of the vision and development--embedded in the language of a name--of the Kalakwahti Studies, a Baha'i inpsired oral history research and outreach centre located on Vancouver Island BC.

2:00-2:45  Designing your ESL/EFL Website: An Introduction
Jonah Winters, Website developer; webmaster of the Baha'i Library website and the Baha'i Language Educators SIG website. Vancouver, BC, Canada (see part of the presentation at What is a Content Management System.
Abstract: The presentation discusses the preliminary considerations and steps necessary before designing a ESL/EFL website, introduces software and tutorial sites and gives practice tips for creating a successful online resource for your students and colleagues.

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

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