JNJ KOTESOL's next workshop is on April 11 at 2:45 in Jilligwan Room 109 at Jeonju University. We have two speakers who are going to present on very different topics. Mark Davis is going to present on English writing, focusing on forms and how to reduce the teacher's workload. Paul Star is teaching about Alternate Reality Games for the classroom. These activities cross the real world with a fictional one using English for the interactivity, storytelling and problem solving.
Presentation 1: Using Alternate Reality Games in the Classroom By Paul Starr
Abstract: Alternate Reality Games (ARGs) are a unique blend of interactivity, problem solving, and storytelling spanning a variety of media and real world spaces. They are fictional stories that bleed into the real world and often lead players to decode various puzzles and cooperate with other players to move the story forward. Players often report that playing in ARGs is like being in a spy movie in real life. While ARGs have yet to be widely applied to educational settings, this presentation will focus on their potential usefulness in ELT. This presentation will provide an overview of ARGs and their previous uses as educational tools. The focus will then shift to two recent uses of ARGs by the presenter in EPIK classrooms and discussion of the successes and failures of these examples. Participants will be asked to try designing some basic ARG elements for their own learning environments.
Bio: Paul Starr currently teaches at Hanam Middle School in Gwangju with English Program in Korea (EPIK). He came to Korea in 2013 after completing his Bachelor’s in Media Production and earning an MA in Adult and Community Education at Ball State University. During his time at Ball State, he produced a number of Alternate Reality Games and has presented his work with ARGs in education at conferences in Kansas and Kentucky.
Presentation 2: Focusing on Form in English Writing
Abstract: Many EFL teachers view teaching writing as a joyless task filled with late nights of red pen correction overload, but it doesn't need to be that way. This presentation delivers a step by step guide to English composition that teachers can implement quickly in their classrooms. By focusing on a comprehensive writing strategy and form, teachers can empower students to achieve communicative outcomes for real-world tasks. In addition, targeted editing will be examined as a way to replace the common "intensive grammar instruction" approach, allowing for students to practice fluency and accuracy at different stages of the writing process. This approach works at any stage of the language learning process, as it was originally developed with Korean primary school students, and allows for great flexibility in subject matter when teaching different university majors. Finally, a short review of Task-based unit plans coupled with resultant student writing samples will provide examples for successful implementation. Shifting the onus of work from the teacher to the student is the main idea behind this approach, so hopefully it will help writing teachers put down their red pens (or at least use less ink). Overall, "Focusing on Form in English Writing" will give teachers a different way to think about their role in teaching English composition.
Bio: Mark Davis holds a Master of Arts in Teaching (English) from Union Graduate College in New York, USA. He has lived in South Korea since 2011, and is currently an Assistant Professor of English Composition at Sejong University in Seoul. In addition, he teaches various English-medium elective courses (including public speaking, debate, history, and philosophy), and is the Faculty Adviser for a student-run English drama education group. During his first year in Korea, he worked as a TOEFL Writing/Speaking Teacher at an English academy in Changwon. His interests include curriculum design, task-based language learning, technical writing for STEM students, and job skills development. He encourages feedback at markdouglasdavis@gmail.com.
