VALBEC workshop

Teaching EAL to adults through drama has been shown to bring a multitude of linguistic, social and emotional benefits to the learners. When a language is taught in a way that connects the body and mind, students engage in holistic learning, leading to greater retention of new vocabulary and language structures. In addition, drama encourages learners to draw upon all of their expressive resources including the essential non-verbal elements of communication. This performative pedagogy also has the potential to build trust and rapport within the class environment, which can lead to learners being more willing to take risks, thus developing their confidence and language skills.

In this workshop, teachers will learn a variety of useful strategies through active participation in enjoyable, non-threatening drama exercises. These activities will be immediately applicable to adult EAL classes across a range of ability levels. It is not necessary to have previous experience teaching with drama as the aim of this workshop is to make drama techniques accessible to all interested teachers.

Please note that it is advisable to wear comfortable clothing for ease of movement.

Details:

Tuesday 17 September

Registration from 9:00 – 9:30

Workshop: 9:30 – 12:00

William Angliss, Level 5, 555 La Trobe Street, Melbourne Map

Morning tea provided

Members $20.00

Non-members $30.00

REGISTER BY SEPTEMBER 12

Register – you’ll receive a confirmation email and then follow the link provided in the email and pay. (Credit card with PayPal, no PayPal account required.)

… or jump straight to the payments section on this page!

Jodie Whitehurst teaches adult EAL classes at Williamstown Community and Education Centre. A former secondary school Drama and English teacher, Jodie has a keen interest in the benefits and best practice of bringing drama methods into the adult English language learning space. This topic was the focus of her research project for the Master of TESOL she completed in June, 2019.

Additionally, as a recipient of a 2018 ISS Institute VET International Practitioner Fellowship, Jodie has recently returned from a trip to Europe and Canada, through which she gained a wealth of knowledge and skills in this field. She is passionate about sharing this knowledge with other practitioners who are interested in using drama techniques in their EAL classrooms.