Kevin Child , Head of ELTS, from his Travels in HE Blog writes about the recent English In Wales Conference held in Swansea. http://kceltsblog.blogspot.co.uk/
What a great day the LEW Conference turned out to be! (I’m not as surprised as I sound here, I know who put the work in to ensure the success.)
We welcomed over 115 delegates from all over Wales to the Emily Phipps Building for the day on Saturday 10th November.
This was the first event of its kind, and feedback from all participants indicated an overwhelming view that it was long overdue.
Here is a Wordle image describing the feedback, the largest adjectives indicate the most commonly used in feedback.
The highlight being the Plenary Lecture from David Crystal, even though Mr Crystal couldn’t attend in person due to a family crisis we were extremely grateful that he gave up some of his precious family time to deliver, via Skype.
David Crystal via Norway on Skype |
| Audience enthralled by David Crystal |
Isn’t technology marvellous? (Not without its issues however!)
Martin Hewings’ workshop on Best Practice in EAP Writing, went down really well also and gave an excellent insight into the requirements for delivering this kind of programme.
| Martin Hewings |
ELTS was very well represented in the other presentations (3 out or 12) with:
- Neil Harris discussing the need to meet student needs and expectations in terms of IELTS preparation and the need for English for Academic Purposes,
- Liz Stratton describing English for Specific Academic Purposes Presessional development
- Jon Lishman showcasing ELTS’ plans and developments in Curriculum Mapping, and Assessment and Feedback. These developments were described as “Jaw dropping” by more than one delegate.
Sandy George also presented her SALT award winning poster on Portfolio Based Assessment, again causing much interest from delegates.
| Assessment for Learning |
Colleagues from Cambridge ESOL and Cambridge University Press were also delighted with the event and delegates took great pleasure in clearing out the selection of free publications.
Overall an excellent day for Learn English in Wales, ELTS and Swansea University, I have to thank all involved in the organisation of the day and especially the amazing team of people at English Language Training Services.
