2016 June Seoul Chapter Workshop

Exploring and Integrating English Language Learners’Funds of Knowledge

by Jungmin Kwon, Columbia University, USA

Venue: Rm. 602, Myungshingwan (명신관) , Main Campus, Sookmyung Women’s University
Seoul, South Korea

Date/Time: June 18 (Saturday), 3:00 - 5:00PM

• 2:00 - 2:50pm ~ Networking (greet and meet) & onsite registration
• 3:00 - 5:00pm ~ Workshop
• 5:01 - 6:00pm ~ Coffee and chat (a coffee shop around the venue)

Contact: Dr. Ian Done D. Ramos, President / Workshop Coordinator, professionalworkian@gmail.com workshop@seoulkotesol.org president@seoulkotesol.org 

Abstract

English language learners, regardless of their age, English proficiency, and sociocultural backgrounds, bring their own cultural knowledge and stories rooted in their prior experiences. In other words, they bring funds of knowledge, the experience and culture unique to their households (Moll, Amanti, Neff & Gonzalez, 1992). It is important for educators to
understand students’ funds of knowledgeto motivate their writing practices and communicative activities. It allows students “to see themselves as participants in, rather than
observers of, the construction of knowledge” (Penrose & Geisler, 1994, p.517). The workshop will delve into the ways in which educators can explore, utilize, and connect students’ funds of knowledge with the ESL/EFL lessons.

The workshop will be highly interactive with examples and group exercises. Attendees will engage in discussion regarding ways to explore students’ linguistic and cultural resources and connect them with English language teaching. The workshop will particularly discuss examples of exploring students’ knowledge of community and home for their speaking and writing practices.

Biography

Jungmin Kwon is a doctoral student in the Department of Curriculum and Teaching at Teachers College, Columbia University, USA. She has taught ESL/EFL courses in Korea and the US. She completed her Master’s degree in American Studies from Brown University as a Fulbright scholar. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Sogang University, Korea. Her research interests include literacy and multicultural education. Jungmin can be contacted at jk3710@tc.columbia.edu

For the venue, please see below:

Rm. 602, Myungshingwan (명신관), Main Campus, Sookmyung Women’s University

Directions:

1. Go out of exit 10 at the Sookmyung subway station and turn left (going behind the exit).
2. Pass through the tunnel.
3. Cross the street toward the bakery "Tours les Jours."
4. Walk straight toward Sookmyung Women's University.
5. Turn right at the main entrance of the main campus.
6. Go straight, turn left after the first building, and then go straight until you see Myungshingwan (명신관 - Myungshin Building).