Speaker : Natalie Thibault, Ed.D.
Title:
Beyond “Filling the Gap”: How to Use Pop Music to Enhance ESL Students’ Speaking, Critical Thinking, and Opinion Sharing
Abstract:
In English as a second language (ESL) courses, songs are popular tools for listening practice, often accompanied by fill-the-gap worksheets. To go beyond sheer listening exercises, this workshop will present practical ideas and activities using popular music to help students develop their overall language abilities. From expressing thoughts and opinions, discussing themes, asking and answering questions, and making connections, songs can be powerful and exciting instruments for multi-skilled language enhancement for EFL students of all ages.
Author’s bio:
Dr. Natalie Thibault is an assistant professor at Wonkwang University in Iksan, South Korea. She is an experienced English as a second language (ESL) instructor, having taught in Asia for nearly two decades. In addition to her teaching career, she has been focusing her qualitative research efforts on rapport-building between students and professors, internationalization of Korean higher education, and international student experiences. Dr. Thibault is involved with several international publications dedicated to qualitative and education-related research, including The Qualitative Report, for which she is a Senior Editor.
Title: The Finer Points of Organizing Students into Pairs and Groups
Presenter: Bryan Hale, Jeonnam Foreign Language High School
Abstract:
Most teachers use pair work and group work, but how often do we reflect on the hows and whys of our groupings? There are finer points to consider when organizing students. Thoughtful decisions can transform classroom dynamics, while missed opportunities can lead to frustration and disengagement. This workshop will explore practical strategies for structuring student pairs and groups to maximize engagement, participation, and learning outcomes. Participants will reflect on key challenges, such as:
Ensuring every student is included. Balancing students’ desire to choose their own partners with keeping them on task. Avoiding scenarios where one student does all the work. Responding when students resist pair and group activities altogether.
In addition to exploring these issues, we will engage in hands-on tasks. Participants will leave with practical strategies for organizing pairs and groups in fun, engaging, and productive ways.
Bio:
Bryan Hale currently teaches at Jeonnam Foreign Language High School in Naju. He is a lifetime member of the Gwangju-Jeonnam KOTESOL chapter and has served in various roles throughout KOTESOL. He holds a Master of Applied Linguistics (TESOL) from the University of New England, Australia.
