Andrew Bosson

Andrew Bosson is an English Language Teacher and Teacher Trainer well into his third decade in the profession. He has occupied various roles during this time, including several years managing both a Teacher Education and an ESOL department in an Adult Education College in England. Following his time in management he moved back to Turkey in 2010 and was delighted to return to the classroom where he could focus on teaching and the many interests he has in the wonderful world of ELT. His MA is in TESOL and Educational Technologies and his current interests include encouraging language learning through Project-based Learning, the promotion of Lifelong Learning, and the application of the concepts of Positive Psychology to promote learning. He teaches English at Sabancı University School of Languages where amongst other things, he is involved in the department’s professional development activities. Since returning to Turkey he has also been very lucky to work with colleagues in many schools and universities around the country. He loves these opportunities to share his ideas and learn from colleagues.

Abstract: Do It Yourself in English Language Teaching and Learning

The Oxford Learner’s Dictionary describes Do it Yourself (DIY) as the activity of making, repairing or decorating things in the home yourself, instead of paying somebody to do it. In addition to possibly saving money, undertaking DIY projects in our homes can bring many benefits including the development of new skills and knowledge as well as the motivation that comes from the work put into completing the project. In this session, we explore the idea of DIY in the context of English Language teaching and learning.  We take a hands-on approach to consider how learner-centred enquiry-based projects can provide meaningful contexts and content for English language learning as well as promote the development of Global Skills for 21st-century learners.