2015 Fall Conference Program

This page has more information on the conference locations, how to St. Mary’s University and parking.

Presenter are available below.

Schedule at a glance:

Friday, November 20th

6:30-7:15 Registration. Wine and cheese social Loyola Conference Hall
7:15-8:15 Keynote address: Marian Crandall
Saturday, November 21st  
8:30-9:00 Registration and   welcome. Lobby, The Language Centre
All day Publishers’ display  Lobby, The Language Centre
9:00-10:00 Concurrent sessions A Classrooms, The Language Centre
10:30-11:45 Keynote address: Randi Reppen Loyola Conference Hall
12:00-12:45 Lunch Loyola Conference Hall
12:45-1:15 Annual General Meeting of TESL NS Loyola Conference Hall
1:30-2:30 Concurrent sessions B Classrooms, The Language Centre
2:45-3:45 Concurrent sessions C Classrooms, The Language Centre
3:45 Book draw

Click here to download the full conference schedule with session descriptions.

Descriptions

Friday keynote: Fairness as a Consideration in Developing Assessments              

There are so many variables to be considered in writing test questions that it is not surprising that one of the most important considerations, fairness, is often overlooked. In this session, we’ll define fairness, review some universal principles, and discuss the challenges of creating fair questions given the linguistically and culturally diverse backgrounds typical of many ESL classrooms.  Audience members will be encouraged to provide examples of their own experiences with fairness issues.

Marian N. Crandall is an Associate Director in the Global Client Relations Group at Educational Testing Service.  She has been with ETS for 12 years and previously worked as an assessment specialist for the TOEFL and TOEIC tests in the English Language Learning division.  Prior to joining ETS, she was an ESL instructor.  She has an AB in Political Philosophy from Kenyon College, an MSIA from Carnegie Mellon University, and an ESL teaching certificate from Columbia University.

Saturday keynote: Twelve Principles for effective grammar instruction

[Click here to download slides.]

Accurate and precise use of grammar is essential for student success in academic contexts.  Grammar can be viewed both as knowledge and as ability. This presentation proposes 12 principles as a basis for grammar instruction that focuses on learning to use grammar  appropriately and accurately in a variety of contexts. Each principle is illustrated with examples from classroom practice.

Randi Reppen is Professor of Applied Linguistics and TESL at Northern Arizona University where she teaches in the MA TESL and Applied Linguistics Ph.D. programs. She has extensive ESL and teacher training experience, including 11 years directing NAU’s Intensive English program. Randi’s main interests the use of corpus research to inform language teaching and for developing better language teaching materials. Recent publications include Using corpora in the Language Classroom, Grammar and Beyond, and the Cambridge Handbook of English Corpus Linguistics (co-edited with Doug Biber). In her spare time, Randi enjoys outdoor activities, especially, biking, Nordic skiing and tennis.

Concurrent Session Slides [Click to download]

 

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