Gwangju-Jeonnam KOTESOL April Workshop
Join us for an engaging afternoon of professional development and discussion at the Gwangju-Jeonnam Chapter KOTESOL April workshop. This event will feature two dynamic sessions exploring innovative approaches to language teaching, followed by an informal dinner to continue the conversation.
Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025
Time: 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Location:
Gwangju National University of Education (GNUE)
Creativity Convergence Building (창의융합관; #9 on the map) – 3rd Floor, English Café Lounge
(Look for the new Salon De Redbridge café on the ground floor. This building is connected to or directly in front of our old meeting venue.)
Map & Directions
Workshop 1: Art in Language Learning
Presenter: Ide O’Connell
Art is a powerful tool for engaging young learners and enhancing language acquisition. In this interactive session, participants will explore the benefits of incorporating art into the classroom and learn how to find and select age-appropriate activities using online resources. Key considerations for effective projects will be discussed, and attendees will take part in a hands-on activity, creating a chalk pastel drawing of the Northern Lights—an example of how art can support learning in a fun and meaningful way.
About the Presenter:
Ide O’Connell has been teaching since 2002, with experience in Korea, Russia, Spain, and Hong Kong. She holds a Master’s in Applied Linguistics from Macquarie University and specializes in English for Specific Purposes. Currently teaching at a private elementary school in Korea, she integrates creative approaches into language learning, drawing from her passion for art and a recent certificate in early childhood education with a focus on art.
Workshop 2: Fandom in the Classroom
Presenter: Courtney McLaren
What is fandom? What do fans do? Does fandom have a place in the classroom? As fan culture becomes increasingly mainstream, the ways in which fans engage with texts, each other, and the world create valuable opportunities for teaching and learning. From literacy to transcultural identity to global citizenship, fandom offers a variety of interdisciplinary pedagogical tools that can be adapted for the classroom. This workshop will explore the role of fandom in education, providing practical activities and discussion on how to integrate fan studies into your teaching.
About the Presenter:
Courtney McLaren teaches at Baegun Middle School in Gwangyang and holds a Master’s in Communications from Simon Fraser University. A dedicated fan and scholar, her research focuses on transcultural fandom, cosmopolitanism, and fan grief.
Join Us for Dinner After the Event
After an afternoon of learning and discussion, continue the conversation over dinner with fellow educators. This will be a great opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and welcome both new and returning members.
We look forward to seeing you there.
For questions, visit the Gwangju-Jeonnam KOTESOL Facebook group.
