Jackie Halsall

Bio:

: Jackie Halsall started her teaching career in secondary schools in the UK, teaching science, maths and special needs. After that she moved into English Language teaching, moving to Istanbul where she taught in language schools, and then progressed to become Director of Studies and then a teacher trainer, working on CELTA and DELTA courses. In 2004, she and her husband moved back to the UK, where she worked as a teacher trainer in Oxford, working as course director on Trinity College CertTESOL and running teacher update courses for overseas teachers from both primary and secondary schools around the world. In 2013, Jackie moved back to Turkey and since then has been working as a freelance trainer, delivering workshops and supporting teachers in schools all around Turkey and in other countries in the region, both face to face, and since the beginning of the pandemic on various online platforms. She is also still heavily involved in working as a tutor on CELTA and DELTA courses.

Abstract:

Redefining Teaching and Learning

In this talk we look at ways in which English Language Teaching and Learning has changed and continues to change, covering ideas such as changing profiles and needs of learners, the demand for increased use of new methods and technologies, and pedagogical shifts such as the move towards more student-centred approaches to learning. We look at ways to adapt our teaching to suit these changing needs, touching on differentiation and inclusive practices and the development of global skills such as critical thinking and digital literacy. We address some of the possible problems, such as the need for ongoing teacher support and development and possible resistance to change. Finally, we look to the future of ELT and how to continue to develop despite uncertainty.