Workshop - Developing and Testing Productive Skills

On Sept 29th, Oxford University Press and Deniz Plaza sponsored a workshop by Gareth Davies on Developing and Testing Productive Skills. During the workshop one area Davies covered was the criteria teachers should take into consideration during a speaking test i.e. task completion, fluency, vocabulary, accuracy, pronunciation and intonation.

For more information visit Davies blog at http://oupcz.blogspot.com/ and http://www.haberler.com/ogretim-elemanlarina-workshop-3033471-haberi/

Many thanks to Gareth Davies for an informative workshop!

Social Network for Learners of English

English Corner Online is a NEW social network for learners of English. Learners can

• Practice speaking English with learners all over the world

English Corner Online is a meeting place for people from all around the world who want to practise speaking English. Sign up, make friends and start speaking!

• Practise writing too!

English Corner Online is not just for speaking — you can also practise your writing. Start a story or add to someone else's and watch as the story develops.





Of course, as this is new you may also want to check out the network yourself!!

Web 2.0 for teachers - free downloadable book

Want to try something new in class? Stuck for ideas?


Nik Peachey's book - Web 2.0 Tools for Teachers can be downloaded from his blog for free. The book includes suggestions on how web 2.0 tools can be integrated in the classroom. 


Nik's technology task sheets can also be downloaded for free. 

Why not share your ideas, comments & suggestions?

Got ideas, comments or suggestions you'd like to share on professional development? Just visit the public noticeboard and add a 'sticky note'. 

• Click on one of the sample sticky notes (yellow, green, blue, pink) on the right of the board.
• Write your message.
• Add your name if you like or if you prefer you can remain anonymous. 

This is a simple and easy tool, which could also be exploited for use in class... and it's free :) 

The Civic Involvement Project group - Edmodo Workshop

Tahir Eslik held a short training session on Edmodo with the Civic Involvement Project (CIP) working group. The Civic involvement project was set up by Zehra Nalbantoglu at the beginning of the 2010-2011 academic year. Intermediate students in the English Prep School spend a few hours a week working on projects such as recycling, helping homeless animals, and helping the elderly. 

How we can we best use the data projector/computer/internet in the classroom?

It seems that many institutions have installed or are installing data projectors with a desktop computer and internet connection in their language classrooms.  The SFLs of METU.NCC and EMU have joined this trend this year.  Here is a page we set up to share ideas and debate the pros and cons: http://tricider.com/en/admin/8Njw/IejbC. Read more for the background to this idea.  Otherwise, look forward to hearing your ideas and concerns there! 

Summer 2011 - Teacher Trainer Journal

Congratulations to Sezgi, John, Nilgün & Steve. Please check out the latest edition of the Teacher Trainer Journal to read their articles:

Sezgi   - Encouraging teachers to fulfill their potential

John, Nilgün & Steve - Working with words on the web

Well done guys!!!

Professional Development Working Group

After the success of the 1st SFL Workshop Fest, the Professional Development Working Group was formed.

Group Members: Nurcan Garip

                               Hatice B. Güneş

                               Yelda İliç

                               Ayşe Özverir

                               Güran K. Ruso
                               Nadiran Tanyeli
                               Nevin Adalar

If you have any ideas / suggestions regarding Professional Development, please feel free to have a chat with us or contact us at sfleps.profdev@emu.edu.tr 

New Academic Year, New Ideas

New academic year,
New students,
New generation,
New technology......


     How about me? The teacher? 


     Wouldn't it be great, if someone showed me something NEW?


Why not have a look at Russell Stannard's website - ELT / ESL Training Videos at http://www.teachertrainingvideos.com/ Russell's site is a gold mine of new ideas to use with your students in class including ideas for teaching 'other languages' and 'videos to recommend to your students'. The site is updated regularly and you can also sign up for a free monthly newsletter.


Why not try out a new idea in class? And of course, don't forget to share you're experience  :) Just click reply and tell us all about it.