THE END

Yesterday, June 02, as of 18:00, the 11th METU ELT Convention ended.

Here are some photographs from the convention, gala dinner, and farewell cocktail party:

Thank you all for joining us. See you again next time!

The 11th METU International Convention

Social Events

 

While learning and sharing, we will have time for fun as well.

There is the Historical Ankara Tour on the first day of the convention, Thursday, 31 May, 11:30 - 13:30. A bus will take the delegates to Ankara Castle. There will be some time to walk around the small streets and enjoy the view from the hill top. Later, we will visit the Anatolian Civilizations Museum (Entrance Fee: 15 TL) and enjoy watching the invaluable collection from the Assyrians, Hittites, Frigians, and more. We will get back to METU just in time for the plenary session at 13:30. 

On 01 June,there is the campus tour. We will take a bus/minibus for a drive around the campus noting major spots, including the Science and Technology Museum where we will visit two exhibitions: History of Science and Technology and History of Transportation. After the tour around the campus, the bus/minibus will take us back to the market area where you can have lunch and walk back to the convention venue. 

Gala Dinner: Gala Dinner is on 01 June at İncek TKY Club. A bus will take the participants to the restaurant from the Convention Venue. There will plenty of Turkish food, drinks and music. Enjoy!

Revised Convention Program

A revised Convention Program is available at: http://dbe.metu.edu.tr/convention2012/program.htm.

2012 Convention Program

	31 May 2012, Thursday
09:00-09:30	Opening Remarks
09:30-10:30	Academic Writing:  The Vocabulary Connection Plenary Speech - Eli Hinkel
	Coffe Break
11:00-11:30	Concurrent Sessions
	The Effects of Pronunciation Training on Listening Comprehension S. Ak
	Greek and Latin Affixes and The Generation Effect J. Oliphant
	3 Ws of Integrating Literature and Media into ELT Curriculum M. Güçeri & Z. İskenderoğlu Önel
	EFL Learners’ Attitudes towards Learning World Cultures S. Guven
	Audio Feedback on Writing Tasks: students maximizing teacher response  P. Wachob
	Individual Learner Differences in EFL curriculum  Ş.Yalcin & Nina Spada
	Students Stepping into the Teacher’s Shoes in Writing Lessons S. Gür
	Students’ Experiences in Speaking English during Activities in Second Life T. Bulu & T.Kamalı
	Break *Historical Ankara Tour  11:30-13:30
11:45-12:30	Concurrent Sessions
	Iranian and Turkish EFL Teachers’ Perceptions on Teacher Autonomy E. Khezerlou
	Better Pronunciation: Techniques for Prestige and Confidence M. Choguill
	PB Works as a Course Management System: Challenges for Language Classrooms F. Kılıçkaya
	Bakery Products as Metaphors: Peace Building Through Language Teaching D. Agiş
	Exploring L2 writing teachers’ self-perceptions N. Yiğitoğlu
	Enjoyable Listening with Creative Techniques F. Güngör
	The Importance of Teaching Materials in Academic Writing Classes S. Algı
	Critical Theory in the Classroom D. Taşer
	Lunch Break
13:30-14:30	Digital Literacies: A New Challenge Plenary Speech - Nicky Hockly
	Break
14:45-15:30	Concurrent Sessions
	Embracing the Vocabulary Challenge in Comprehending Authentic Video C. Browne
	Why Isn't Group Work Inspiring Your Students? A. J. Simpson
	Lowering the Affective Filter with Text-To-Speech Animations in Class Dialogues T. Karanfil & E. Güzel & S. Neufeld
	Combining the Social and Linguistic Aspects of Language Learning D. Ortactepe
	Stuck in a Rut or Think Outside the Box? E. Petek
	Designing a Class Wiki E. Yetgin
	Motivating EFL Writing Sudents with Blogs D. Staub & Z. Gönenç Afyon & Y. Nalkesen
	Enhancing Students’ Creativity via Authentic Materials and ‘Fun-provoking’ Activities B. Kağıtçı
	Coffe Break
15:45-16:30	Concurrent Sessions
	Transforming Story Writing with Digital Storytelling A. Tekiner Tolu
	The Effects of Brain Based Learning on Writing Performance S. Üster
	Corrective Feedback in Second Language Learning and Teaching Nina Spada
	Prepositions of Place in Beginner English Ç. Hatipoglu
	Critical Friendship Circles: Embracing the Challenge of Peer Feedback P. Wachob
	Grammar Instruction in ELT: What do Non-native English Teachers Believe O. Önalan
	Speech to Writing Transformation W. M. Hight
	Putting the ‘Flash’ into Flashcards E. Güzel & T. Karanfil & S. Neufeld
	Break
16:45-17:45	Morphing Methodology to Personal Pedagogy Plenary Speech-Ted Rodgers

	01 June 2012, Friday
09:00-10:00	Teachers’ Beliefs about Learner Autonomy Plenary Speech-Simon Borg
	Break
10:15-11:00	Concurrent Sessions
	Promoting Intercultural Communication Competence Through Native English Teachers  A. Küllü
	Pearson Capabilities as a Global  Education Solutions Provider  İ. Tor
	Give Mini-breaks to Boost Student Participation! F. P.Torun
	Effect of Metalinguistic Written Corrective Feedback on Linguistic Errors Acquisition M. Solhi
	The Comparison of ELT Freshmen's Receptive and Productive Skills M. N. Demirbaş
	Assessment of Young English Language Learners in Turkish Primary Education Y.  Kırkgöz
	Learning Technologies C. Browne
	Audio Files in an EFL Academic Context Y. Salah El-Din
	Break
11:15-12:00	Concurrent Sessions
	A Literacy Challenge: How to Teach Reading B. Hasanbaşoğlu
	Motivation to Read: Its Nature and Classroom Conditions Ş.Saygı
	Using Facebook as a Classroom Resource M. Volem
	Nominalization: A Key to Academic Literacy P. Crompton
	“Ideas Worth Spreading”: TED Talks in the EAP Classroom E. Servinis
	Error Correction of Student Writing A. Mishriki & A. Demian
	Edmodo –Technology, Autonomy, Exposure, Engagement! T. Eşlik & N. Adalar
	Revealing Expectations: Roles and Responsibilities of Mentors during Practice Teaching A. Rakıcıoğlu Söylemez &, B. Eröz Tuğa
	*METU Tour  12:00-13:00 Lunch Break
13:00-14:00	English as a Lingua Franca: The Challenge of Adopting a Post-Normative Perspective Plenary Speech-Martin Dewey
	Break
14:15-15:00	Concurrent Sessions
	Embracing Challenges in Teachers' Professional Development; Dealing with Teachers' Burnout A. Salama
	Attitudes of Students Towards European Language Portfolio in Reading Skills A. Göksu & A. Dinçer
	Building Vocabulary for Academic Writing Eli Hinkel
	Personalities and Pedagogy Ted Rodgers
	Strategy Use of EFL  Learners in a Presentation Skills Course M. T. Eroğlu
	Teachers’ applying curriculum innovation in Turkish primary education Y.Kırkgöz
	Digital Literacies in the classroom Nicky Hockly
	Techferences: Technology in Conferences D. Bozdoğan & P. Yeni Palabıyık
	Break
15:15-16:15	Writing Assessment and the CEF Plenary Speech-Claudia Harsch
	Break
16:30-17:30	PANEL DISCUSSION - Challenges in Teacher Training Tony Gurr (Chair), Yeşim Güven, Deniz Kurtoğlu Eken, Hande Işıl Mengü, Beril Ayman Yücel
19:30-22:30	GALA DINNER

	02 June 2012, Saturday
09:30-10:30	Towards a Single Sea  of Energy…Fostering Teacher Motivation in the Workplace Plenary Speech-Deniz Kurtoğlu Eken
	Break
11:00-11:30	Concurrent Sessions
	Listening Comprehension Challanges as Reported by IGCSE Egyptian Students G. İbrahim Othman
	Embracing Challenges in Class with Teacher's Practical Knowledge A. Göktürk Sağlam
	Integrated Speaking Tasks and Holistic Scoring T. İmre
	The Gap between Policy Rhetoric and Iranian Teachers’ Assessment Practices F. Mazlum
	Unveiling the Foreign Language Learners’ Perceptions of Effective Teaching V. İnceçay
	Raising Genre Awareness in EFL Classes S. Bakr
	An Authentic Approach to Creating a Unique Language Learning Environment M. Er & S. Ülgü
	English Language Teachers' Self-efficacy & Self-awareness and Students’ Achievement M.Shobeiry & S.M.Alavi
	Break
11:45-12:30	Concurrent Sessions
	Investigating students’ perceptions on the use of Moodle Ö. Zengin
	Features of T-Talk: The Aspect of Learner Involvement  Ş. S. Çimen
	Value-added: EFL Teachers Conducting Classroom-based Action Research C. Carey
	Computerized and Face-to-Face Speaking Assessment: Performance, Perceptions, Anxiety, Computer Attitudes E. Öztekin
	Classroom Activities Compatible with The Principles of Brain Based Learning A. Ersen Yanık
	Strategies for Progressive Improvement of Reading Skills  L. Kamal & M. El Saady
	Community of Practice-a Web2.0 Paradigm for Collaborative Professional Development G. Arslan & E. Güzel & S. Neufeld
	Don’t Just Fill the Gaps, Try Leaving Some Space… D. Dodgson
	Break
13:30-14:00	Concurrent Sessions
	Digital Narratives for Language Acquisition S. Murrmann
	Empowering Learner Autonomy: A Case for Collaborative Learning Z. Güven & T. Valais
	Speaking Portfolios: Alternative or Traditional? S. Özdemir-Çağatay
	"Let's Learn Together" Academic Support Program G. Aydın
	Narrative inquiry into experiences of a teacher and MA student V. McDonagh
	Metadiscourse Use of Two Prolific Researchers in ESP: John Swales and Ken Hyland N. Önder
	iCorpus for Self-directed Language Development A. Özbilgin Gezgin & S. Neufeld
	The Relationship Between Age and Corrective Feedback N. Zarei
	Break
14:15-15:00	Concurrent Sessions
	Minority Within Minority: Challenges-Implication for Francophone Immigrants Learning English S. ElAtia & Dr.J.Motiejunaite
	Free Online Corpora for Collocation Teaching A. S. Öniz
	Learner Autonomy in Language Teaching Simon Borg
	Rating – top-down or bottom-up? Claudia Harsch
	Rethinking the Approach to Teaching Z. Utebayeva
	Working with Interactional Data in English as a Lingua Franca (ELF) Martin Dewey
	Unveiling the Mystery: Investigating L2 Reading Motivation in an EFL Classroom P. Şirin & A. L. Göktürk Sağlam
	Bulding a Community for Language Classroom: EDMODO F. Kılıçkaya
	Break
15:30-16:30	Providing Optional L2 Instruction: How Much and What Type Works Best?  Plenary Speech- Nina Spada
16:30-18:00	Raffle & Farewell Cocktail Party

REGISTRATION FOR THE 11th METU ELT CONVENTION

It's time now to register for the METU ELT Convention!

Early bird registration fee is 80 EUR for three days and 40 EUR for one day.
After completing the payment (bank info here) follow this link to fill in the registration form.

See you all at the Convention on May 31 - June 02, 2012.

As you have all heard, we’ll be having a bit of a ELT bash here in Ankara over 31 May - 02 June  – at the 11th METU ELT Convention.

As part of the festivities, we’ll be running a Teacher Training Panel – with:

• Beril Ayman Yücel
• Deniz Kurtoğlu Eken
• Hande Mengü
• Yeşim Güven

…and, little ole “me” as the panel moderator. 

We’ve been playing with a few ideas for the theme of the panel, but we wanted to extend an invitation to you all – a bit like a pre-convention PLN – and try to pick your brains on topics / issues that are “hot” or perhaps need more attention than they typically get.

 Anyway, we’d love to hear some of your ideas and comments

Tony GURR

Teacher Training Panel Moderator

Convention Program

You can access the summary program here: http://dbe.metu.edu.tr/convention2012/programshort.pdf

Update on METU ELT Convention

Here is an update on the Convention.

Proposal submission period has ended. I have been getting phone calls asking whether participant registration is still possible. Of course! You can register yourself as an audience through this link http://dbe.metu.edu.tr/convention2012/registration.htm. Till 11 May 2012, the earlybird registration fee is 40Eur for one day and 80 Eur for the full three days. Please, fill in the registration form only after you send in the fee to our bank account (which can be found through the same link above) in Euros or TL. If you send in Turkish Lira, we accept the official exchange rate of the bank you use for transaction. As for the DBE instructors, on 9 - 10 May, there will be a pre-registration desk at Çiçek Hall (time to be announced later), where you can complete your registration.

Here are important dates:
Notification of acceptance for proposals will be sent on 30 March.
A preliminary program will be available on our website, www.dbe.metu.edu.tr/convention2012, by 13 April.
Submission of articles for publication: 04 May.
Deadline for early registration:  11 May.
Convention starts: 31 May.

This year, we are holding a panel discussion on Teacher Education/Professional Development during the Convention. Five panelists will get together to discuss challenges, issues, solutions, etc on this topic.Do share your ideas, questions or suggestions on teacher education and professional development. You can post them here or to the Convention e-mail: elt2012@metu.edu.tr.

Looking forward to seeing you at the Convention!

Deadline Extended

Proposal submission deadline for the 11th METU International ELT Convention has been extended till 20 February 2012.

You can submit your proposals through this link: http://dbe.metu.edu.tr/convention2012/2012-convention.htm
 
Early registration for participants ends on 11 May 2012.

Efficiency in ELF Communication: From Pragmatic Motives to Lexico-grammatical Innovation

Here is an article by Alessia Cogo and Martin Dewey published in Nordic Journal of English Studies.

To read, please click here.

Beyond form-focused instruction: Reflections on past, present and future research by Nina Spada

In 1997 Language Teaching published an article I had written entitled ‘Form-focused instruction and second language acquisition: A review of classroom and laboratory research’. It was organized around seven research questions and my goal was to review the results of studies that had investigated the questions to determine if we had any firm answers to them. The research questions were:

1. Does second language instruction make a difference?

2. Does type of instruction make a difference?

3. Is form-focused instruction beneficial to second language acquisition (SLA)?

4. Are particular types of form-focused instruction more beneficial than others?

5. Is there an optimal time to provide form-focused instruction?

6. Are particular language features more affected by form-focused instruction than others?

7. Do particular learners benefit more from form-focused instruction?

Read more on http://www.peterbeech.com/LING1014/resources/Spada.pdf

Introducing Language Teacher Cognition

Here is a short article on teacher cognition by one of our plenary speakers, Dr. Borg:

                  http://www.education.leeds.ac.uk/research/files/145.pdf

Convention QR Code

Here is the Convention's  QR code. You can distribute the code to your friends and colleagues so that they can easily access our Convention website using their mobile phones.

Current Perspectives on Teaching the Four Skills

This article is by Eli Hinkel, one of our plenary speakers of the Convention next spring.

Current Perspectives .. on TESOL Quarterly