Concurrent Sessions
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PRESENTATION TITLE |
From Pen and Paper to Tech App: Is it worth it? |
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VENUE |
E3 101 (10:40 - 11:30) |
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PRESENTER |
Adam J. Simpson (Macmillan Education) |
Abstract Blended learning remains a divisive concept in language teaching: for every positive learning experience involving technology, there’s an instance of failure because of technical resources. In my talk I’ll attempt to resolve the question: ‘Is it really worth it?’ This talk discusses classroom research examining an aspect of my teaching that I transported into the realm of blended learning: poster presentations. A key motivation for the research was to see if this classic pen and paper activity could be implemented using technology by leveraging the kinds of technology my students use every day, and whether it was worthwhile doing so.
Adam J. Simpson has been living and teaching in Turkey for fifteen years, all that time spent in tertiary level education in Istanbul. His professional interests include Dogme ELT, descriptive rather than prescriptive curriculum development, and the considered use of technology in language teaching. He regularly speaks at conferences and is the author of a multi-award winning blog: Teach them English.
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PRESENTATION TITLE |
Teacher Tech Tool Box |
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VENUE |
ÇSM 501 (10:40 - 11:30) |
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PRESENTER |
Ayşegül Liman Kaban (Bahçeşehir University) |
Abstract Bring your android phones to this session! In this session you are going to find a list of the programs, websites, and technology tools that I use in the classroom. I also give a brief description of what each of these tools were for and how I use them. Over the years technology has changed, and I have changed many of the tools that I have used. In addition to that I believe that it’s time to step up the game, and make this a resource that is truly valuable to teachers. In this session I intend to make an intensive revision to the Teachers Technology Toolbox.
Ayşegül Liman Kaban works as an English Instructor at Bahçeşehir University. She completed her BA in TEFL and MA in Interpersonal Communication at Marmara University with distinction. She has been recognized by various entities, such as the ELTBLOGATHON Awards, The German National Agency Teacher Trainer Scholarship, and IELTS Morgan Terry Memorial Scholarship 2013 as an innovative, technology integrated project creator. She has been giving talks and workshops at international and national conferences, especially focusing on Mobile Learning, Google Apps, E-portfolio, digital learning apps. She is also Newsletter Editor of IATEFL TEASIG. She shares regularly on eslaction.wordpress.com and on Twitter (@Aysegul_Kaban).
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PRESENTATION TITLE |
What’s in Control of a Listening Class? Testing? |
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VENUE |
ÇSM 502 (10:40 - 11:30) |
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PRESENTER |
Meltem Akbulut Yıldırmış (Şehir University) |
Abstract Listening lessons which usually follow the “listen, answer, check” pattern pose challenges to students. In this comprehension-based approach, audios are played, comprehension check questions are responded to, and feedback is given in the form of the desired answer. In lessons such as this, listening is not taught, but tested. In this workshop, we will explore several techniques that may lead to competent listening.
Meltem Akbulut Yıldırmış received her BA (Hons) degree from the Foreign Language Education Department at Bogazici University in 2008. She started her MA in Adult Education at Bogazici University and graduated with Honors in 2011. While getting her Master’s degree, she received her CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults). Meltem worked at Beykoz Logistics School of Higher Education for two years as an English Instructor and joined İstanbul Şehir University in 2011. She completed Educational Technology Diploma Program through Michigan State University in 2013. Her project (with Aslı Abak Şen), “Discuss With Us” was nominated and shortlisted in the Local Innovation category at the 2013 ELTons Awards. She is currently pursuing a PhD degree in Adult Education at Bogazici University. Her research interests include professional development, computer and technology-blended English teaching, and educational leadership.
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PRESENTATION TITLE |
TGIF: Songs in Action |
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VENUE |
ÇSM 503 (10:40 - 11:30) |
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PRESENTER |
Sibel Taşkın Şimşek (Sabancı University) |
Abstract “Can we leave early? It is Friday today, please.”, “Can we do a fun activity in the last lesson please? Today is Friday.” Like me, you must have heard such words from your students many times, because Fridays are generally known as one of the most difficult days to motivate students to focus on a task, especially if it is the last lesson, after working hard all through the week. Knowing that the weekend will start soon, their motivation starts to decrease and it becomes really hard to keep them in class, so how can we keep them in the class, motivated and engaged by using the power of songs?
Sibel Taşkın Şimşek is an EAP instructor and a member of the Online Learning Support Project and Webinar Team at Sabanci University, Istanbul, Turkey. Her interests include technology integration into teaching, MOOCs, learner development & motivation. Her blog “songstoteachenglish.edublogs.org” has recently won the Edublog Awards 2014 “Best Educational Use of Media”.
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PRESENTATION TITLE |
Technology, but why and how? |
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VENUE |
ÇSM 504 (10:40 - 11:30) |
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PRESENTER |
Sedef Koç (Üsküdar SEV School) |
Abstract Technology integration has become a priority at schools in the last decade. There are many tools and applications available for educators. Finding the right tool or the application among so many choices can be overwhelming. Furthermore, the planning of technology integration needs to be thought out carefully to make sure that it has lasting benefits.
Sedef Koç has been teaching English for 16 years at Üsküdar SEV Elementary School and sharing her experiences on her technology blog – sedefedtech.com. She has been presenting her experiences at various conferences both in Turkey and internationally for the last ten years and also giving workshops in different schools about how to integrate technology into the curriculum.
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PRESENTATION TITLE |
Grammar in Context - Newbery Medal Literature as a Grammar Guide |
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VENUE |
ÇSM 201 (10:40 - 11:30) |
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PRESENTER |
Leila Braverman Sayar (Boğaziçi University) |
Abstract ESL education has a strong focus on rote memorization of grammar concepts. With a little extra work on the part of educators, grammar can become an easier and more meaningful concept for students to internalize. One of the biggest barriers to EFL education is providing students with opportunities to interact with natural dialogue and rhythm of the language. Newbery Award winning literature provides this opportunity to students regardless of their learning styles. While getting lost in a classic and riveting story they can find their way through a maze of grammar. Rather than telling students the rules, show them why and they will not only remember, they will understand.
Leila Braverman Sayar is a founder of TeachBrave Educational Consultancy and has worked with teachers and schools around the globe, providing teacher training and consultation on different EFL development projects. She is also currently an English Instructor at Bogazici University in Istanbul, Turkey. She graduated with a Master’s in Liberal Arts with a specialization in ESL education from St. Edwards University in Austin Texas USA. In 2011 she was awarded the Outstanding Liberal Arts Special Project Award for her thesis regarding the use of Newberry Award winning literature in EFL education. She also writes fiction with the hopes of one day competing for a Newbery Medal.
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PRESENTATION TITLE |
YOU MATTER! |
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VENUE |
ÇSM 202 (10:40 - 11:30) |
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PRESENTER |
Aslı Ünlü (ENKA Schools) |
Abstract Prescriptive models of teaching training have been replaced by models that emphasize reflectivity in professional development. To be able to reflect on their teaching beliefs and practice, teachers need to understand the contextual nature of teaching and believe their beliefs matter a lot in the way they teach in addition to some contextual factors .However, the most important part of this journey is to be aware of the underlying factors behind their belief systems like their earlier learning and teaching experiences.
Aslı Ünlü graduated from Boğaziçi University in 2010. After completing her internship at a private primary school, she worked at a private university until 2013 in Istanbul. When she had to move to Gebze for her husband's work, she began working at ENKA Schools there. During this period, she completed her DELTA diploma and began doing her MA at Boğaziçi University in 2014.
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PRESENTATION TITLE |
Code-switching in EFL classes |
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VENUE |
ÇSM 203 (10:40 - 11:30) |
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PRESENTER |
Hülya Korkmaz, Sevda Göncü, Şenel Yalçın (Beykent University & İstanbul University) |
Abstract The main concern of this study was to obtain information about the frequency of code-switching, the circumstances in which code-switching was preferred by teachers, and the perspectives of both students and teachers on code-switching. The data for this study were collected through student questionnaires, teacher interviews and observations of classes. Most of the teachers who teach elementary level classes stated that code-switching was a broadly observed and unopposed phenomenon in monolingual classes. However, the findings of the research showed that although code-switching in beginner levels assisted teaching and the learning process in terms of comprehension, intimacy-building and motivation, etc. to a certain extent, both teachers and students agreed that the amount and frequency of the switches needs to be well-balanced.
Hülya Korkmaz studied ELT at Dokuz Eylül University. After her graduation in 2011, she started working as an English language instructor at Ankara University for 2 years and currently she is working at Beykent University and it’s her second year. She is currently an MA student at Bahcesehir University, Department of ELT.
Sevda Göncü studied Translation at Istanbul University. After her graduation, she worked as an English language instructor at İstanbul Aydın University for two years and then she worked at FSM University for another two years. Currently, she is working at İstanbul University in the foreign languages department. She is an MA student at Bahcesehir University, Department of ELT.
Şenel Yalçın studied ELT at Dokuz Eylül University. After her graduation in 2011, she worked as an English language instructor at Dokuz Eylül University for a year, and then she worked at İzmir University for another year. Currently, she is working at Beykent University and it’s her second year. She is an MA student at Bahcesehir University, Department of ELT.
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PRESENTATION TITLE |
It’s Time to be Moocoholics |
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VENUE |
ÇSM 205 (10:40 - 11:30) |
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PRESENTER |
Ebru Yalçın Özden (Bilgi University) |
Abstract This workshop introduces participants to MOOCs (Massively Open Online Course). A MOOC is a model for delivering learning content online to virtually any person—with no limit on attendance—who wants to take a course.
Ebru Yalçın Özden was born in İzmir in 1980. She graduated from Ege University Faculty of Letters English Language and Literature in 2002. She started teaching English in 2003 at Izmir Yaşar University. She has been working at Istanbul Bilgi University since 2006. She completed her Master’s in Instructional Design and Technology at Walden University in 2012. Since then, she has been researching the field of Online Learning and the use of technology in English Learning.
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PRESENTATION TITLE |
Innovative Vocabulary Practice in the Post-Method Era |
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VENUE |
E4 304 (10:40 - 11:30) |
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PRESENTER |
Görkem Satak & Okan Bölükbaş (Sabancı University) |
Abstract As put by Saville-Troike, ‘vocabulary knowledge is the single most important area of second language competence’ (1984). Students often express a need to expand their vocabulary. We, as teachers, need to help them practice vocabulary by providing the best possible methods in class. The presenters will demonstrate some innovative ways to practice vocabulary including technological tools which are highly engaging for students. The participants will have the opportunity to have hands-on experience of some of these methods and tools.
Görkem Satak is currently teaching at Sabancı University, Turkey. She is also a member of its assessment team. She acquired her BA degree in American Literature from Istanbul University and MA degree in English from Long Island University. She is working on her Cambridge DELTA qualification.
Okan Bölükbaş teaches at the School of Languages at Sabancı University. He acquired his BA degree in ELT from Hacettepe University. He holds LCCI certificate for teaching Business English, DELTA and certificate in Teacher Training. He is interested in educational technology, blogging, and research.
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PRESENTATION TITLE |
A Transformative Approach to ELL in a Preparatory School Context |
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VENUE |
E3 201 (10:40 - 11:30) |
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PRESENTER |
Zeynep Mine Derince & Pelin Tekinalp Çakmak (Marmara University) |
Abstract An observed characteristic of preparatory school curricula in Turkey is to employ textbooks provided by the ELT sales market, promoting mainstream topics. However, it can be questioned whether teachers can go a few steps further than eliciting comprehension level questions. Due to this, learners have a difficult time following courses in their departments, which require an inquisitive analysis, synthesis and evaluation of issues raised. This study aims to portray a preparatory class where learners are engaged in critically analyzing and creatively reproducing a regular task of a textbook, which finally leads to a deeper understanding of world issues.
Zeynep Mine Derince is an instructor of the English language at Marmara University, School of Foreign Languages. She is writing her PhD dissertation at Boğaziçi University, English Language Education Department. Her research areas include critical literacy, language planning and policy, curriculum and material design, and English as a Lingua Franca. She has presented papers in international conferences, published articles in education journals and has a book chapter. She is recently involved in two research projects on ELF awareness and CEFRL.
Pelin Tekinalp Çakmak has been working as an English instructor at the tertiary level. Currently she is the English Academic Coordinator at Marmara University, School of Foreign Languages. She has presented papers at international conferences and focuses her work mostly on ELF awareness, curriculum and material design, testing and critical literacy. She recently became involved in two research projects: one on ELF awareness for in-service teachers in Turkey and the other one on the possibilities of integrating ELF and CEFRL.
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PRESENTATION TITLE |
The Effectiveness of Using Corpus-based Materials in Vocabulary Teaching |
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VENUE |
ÇSM 204 (10:40 - 11:30) |
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PRESENTER |
Assoc. Prof. Turan Paker & Yeliz Ergül Özcan (Pamukkale University & İstanbul Kemerburgaz University) |
Abstract The purpose of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of corpus-based activities in vocabulary teaching and to examine students’ attitudes towards these activities. The study was conducted with thirty-four students studying in an intermediate level preparation class at a private university. The data were collected via pre- and post-tests, a five-point Likert-scale attitude questionnaire, interviews and learner diaries. The results revealed that using corpus-based vocabulary activities were more effective than using only textbook activities, and students hold positive attitudes towards using these activities.
Turan Paker has been in the field of ELT as a teacher, teacher trainer, and researcher for 30 years. He is an Associate Professor in the Department of Foreign Languages, Faculty of Education, Pamukkale University. He holds a PhD in English Language Teaching. His main research interests are teacher training, TEFL, assessment and evaluation, and SLA. He has published articles and presented seminars on TEFL, teacher training, teaching practicum and testing in ELT.
Yeliz Ergül Özcan has been working as an English teacher for 4 years. She is currently working at İstanbul Kemerburgaz University. She holds an MA in English Language Teaching.
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PRESENTATION TITLE |
Two-year 300-student Quantitative Study of English Preparatory Writing: Implications for Turkish Preparatory Programs |
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VENUE |
E3 106 (10:40 - 11:30) |
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PRESENTER |
David R. Albachten & Levent Balcıoğlu (Şehir University) |
Abstract This two-year long study tracks writing in an English-medium university’s English preparatory program. Encompassing over 300 students and using objective and reliable computer-aided methods, the results show clear improvement in the grammatical structure (a 43% improvement), improvement in compositional structure (with some setbacks), and some pronounced writing patterns. The study strongly suggests a need for altering teaching and curricula, putting additional emphasis on several areas in grammar and writing structure, as well as additional writing exercises, all of which are particular issues for Turkish native speakers writing in academic English.
David R. Albachten received his BS and MA from the University of California and The University of Iowa. He founded and leads the Academic Writing Center and also teaches graduate-level academic writing at İstanbul Şehir University.
Levent Balcıoğlu graduated from Ankara University English Language and Literature and has a second MA in ELT from Maltepe University. He teaches at Şehir University English Preparatory Program (SEPP).
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PRESENTATION TITLE |
How to maximize learning through flipped classrooms |
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VENUE |
E3 102 (10:40 - 11:30) |
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PRESENTER |
Duygu Umutlu (Boğaziçi University) |
Abstract Flipped classroom is a recent approach or pedagogical model in education. The rationale behind it is assigning video lectures as homework and allocating more in-class time to problem-solution tasks and hands-on activities. Since 2007, it has been generally implemented in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) courses. However, it is also possible to adapt flipped classroom to language courses. In our classes, we, as English language instructors, can make use of the merits of a flipped classroom in order to maximize our students’ performance in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Duygu Umutlu is an English Language Instructor at the Preparatory School of Boğaziçi University. She has been teaching English for 9 years. She is an MA student in the Educational Technology department of Boğaziçi University. She has been developing computer-based activities and educational software for two years. Her research interests are mobile assisted language learning (MALL), flipped classrooms and computer-assisted language learning (CALL).
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PRESENTATION TITLE |
You are what you blog: The use of blogs among English Language Teaching Professionals |
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VENUE |
E4 301 (10:40 - 11:30) |
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PRESENTER |
Tüge Gülşen (İstanbulBilgi University) |
Abstract In accordance with the rising interest in the manipulation of digital technology in the field of education, we are more likely to witness the use of different means of digital media for educational purposes. Blogs are one of such means of media. Education practitioners use blogging for different purposes, and we see that the number of teacher bloggers is rising and so is the popularity of blogging among teachers. This paper intends to concentrate on the use of teacher blogs specifically in the field of English language teaching (ELT) and aims to analyze how Turkish ELT professionals use blogs to interact and collaborate with their colleagues and students.
Tüge Gülşen holds the degrees of BA in Foreign Languages Education (Middle East Technical University), MA in Learning and Teaching of English and Literacy (Institute of Education, University of London) and MA in Cultural Studies (Istanbul Bilgi University). She is currently doing a PhD in Communication Studies at Istanbul Bilgi University. She has taught and contributed to the curriculum design of different courses ranging from academic skills to Medicine ESP in Istanbul Bilgi University for the last 13 years.