"Teaching is not a dirty word" -- ELT workshop/presentation on Feb 23, 2007

The first of a series of four ELT presentations / workshops organized by the Center for English Language Teaching Materials will take place on

Friday, Feb 23^rd 2007 at 4 p.m. room 601A.

The presentation will be given by dr Aleksandra Jankowska, the Head of the Teacher Training College in Poznań

Title : ‘Teaching is not a dirty word'

In recent years the focus of ELT methodology has shifted from the teacher to the learner. We are no longer looking for the best methods of teaching, instead we are told to facilitate the learning process and create opportunities for the students to use the target language in real-life situations. As it often happens, however, things can be taken too far. Michael Swan warns: "In the present intellectual microclimate it is actually possible, without the absurdity being apparent, to criticize language teachers for concerning themselves with language. .... Teaching can certainly be too form-focused and too teacher-centered; but if we have reached a point where language teachers are supposed neither to teach nor to concern themselves with language, it is perhaps time for a change of direction" (2005: 398).

Attendance is obligatory for all PNJA teachers and for doctoral students at IFA, but everyone concerned about their professional development is welcome as well.

Submitted by Iwona Łęska-Drajerczak