*Reading Club: Does it make an effective PD activity?Fato Uur Eskirak, Baheehir University

Istanbul Bilgi University ELT Conference,An Open Invitation to Collaboration in ELT15 May 2010

*OutlineIntroductionReading ClubWhat?Why?Who is it for?What does it involve?Participants feedbackSuggestions to stakeholders

*Interactive sessionYour contributions (i.e. comments, questions etc.) are welcome throughout the session

Session tasks

*My Context: Bahcesehir University

*READING CLUBWHAT?WHY?WHO is it for?What does it INVOLVE?

*WHAT?

*WHY?To have teachers: - read morereflect on their present experience- experiment with new ideas in a collaborative way- share ideas with each other & learn from each otherdevelop more!

*

*WHO is it for?NovicesThe experienced With or without training

Volunteers

*

*WHAT does it Involve?Reflection sessionsWeekly NTQs & TasksA 500-word post reading reflection report

Please see handout

*Books read so far... (1)

*Books read so far... (2)

*Books read so far... (3)

*Books read so far... (3)

*IATEFL Newsletter: Voices

*Just a quick scene from a session......RC Video.wmv

*

*

PARTICIPANTS FEEDBACK

*Participans Profile (n:10)

Chart1

3

7

EDUCATION

Sheet1

BA3

MA7

Sheet1

EDUCATION

Sheet2

Sheet3

Chart2

6

4

FORMER TRAINING (e.g. ICELT etc)

Sheet1

Yes6

No4

Sheet1

FORMER TRAINING (e.g. ICELT etc)

Sheet2

Sheet3

Chart4

1

2

7

EXPERIENCE

Sheet1

One-Five1

Five-Ten2

Above Eleven7

Sheet1

EXPERIENCE

Sheet2

Sheet3

*Similar Experiences Before?80 % No 20 % Yes (Literature books)

*Sources of MotivationAlready fond of readingTo update their knowledge about ELTTo exchange ideas with colleagues Positive feedback from former participants

*ExpectationsTo learn about new methods, techniques & practical teaching tips about ELT (8)Discussions with colleagues in friendly & relaxed environment (2)

Most said their expectations were fully met.

*Impacts of RC

Chart6

5

5

IMPACT ON YOUR AWARENESS

Sheet1

A lot5

Some5

Sheet1

IMPACT ON YOUR AWARENESS

Sheet2

Sheet3

Chart8

5

4

1

IMPACT ON YOUR TEACHING

Sheet1

A lot5

Some4

Little1

Sheet1

IMPACT ON YOUR TEACHING

Sheet2

Sheet3

Chart10

3

6

1

IMPACT ON SS' LEARNING

Sheet1

A lot3

Some6

Little1

Sheet1

IMPACT ON SS' LEARNING

Sheet2

Sheet3

*Impacts on Awareness (1) I really had no idea that there were so many different factors at play with the learner. The more I read about it, the more I became aware of issues related to motivation and such..

*Impacts on Awareness (2)The club made me think about my teaching

After the sessions I was highly aware of the key points of TBL as well as other areas we explored..

*Impacts on Teaching (1)For instance, regarding task-based approach, I changed some of the things I do in class after reading the book and tried new ways of doing things

Exchanging ideas and reading about new things have brought high awareness to my teaching practice

*Impacts on Teaching (2)It helped me practice new views, which I otherwise would not try

RC activities enabled me to practice TBL more effectively; in addition, it helped me to brush up my previous TEFL readings and knowledge.

*Impacts on ss Learning (1)The ss can immediately know and figure out how much the instructor knows. From the first lesson the Ss can understand the instructors knowledge. So when Ss feel their instructors strength they can feel safe and secure.

*Impacts on ss Learning (2)...more awareness of the different reading strategies

I think as much as I transferred my newly acquired knowledge about these issues, the more they started to think about them as well.

*Adjectives Describing RC

JoyfulFriendlyUsefulEnergetic ImprovingIlluminatingEnrichingInteresting RefreshingMotivatingThought-provokingMind-broadeningStimulatingFruitful EnjoyableReflectiveInteractiveAcademicChallenging

*More Rewarding ComponentDiscussions & exchange of ideas with colleagues on anything related to our classes (7)Attendance (2)The need to come prepared to the sessions (2)Opportunity to reflect on our teaching (2)

*Less Rewarding ComponentReflection report (1)

*Limitations Encountered Lack of time due to too many teacher responsibilities (8)Need to write a review/reflection (1)Lengthy chapters at times (1)

*Friendships after RC

Chart12

8

2

FRIENDSHIPS AFTER RC

Sheet1

Yes8

No2

Sheet1

FRIENDSHIPS AFTER RC

Sheet2

Sheet3

*Reading after RC

Chart11

8

2

READING AFTER RC

Sheet1

Yes8

No2

Sheet1

READING AFTER RC

Sheet2

Sheet3

*Willingness to take up similar activities in future Yes (100 %)

*So What?This longitudinal process is worth all the time, cost & energy invested in it from all stakeholders perspectives so continue with it And also act on the collected feedback to better improve the program for all parties!

*Suggestions for ParticipantsRecognize the existence of alternative PD opportunities Take every opportunity to reflect on your teachingTake every opportunity to share ideas with colleagues in a collaborative way

*

*Suggestions for FacilitatorsBe ready to meet varied needs: from novice to experienced ts etc. Have more teacher say in decision makingBe flexible re time, components etc.Encourage reflection & collaboration with colleagues Combine theory with practice whenever relevantAdopt a task-based & participant centred approachProvide more incentives to motivate ts (certificate, reduced teaching hours etc.)

*

*