Workshops on English Teaching

PAO Kit Norland talks with Yersin University students about "Study in the U.S."

Dr. Leslie Opp-Beckman, Linguistics Department, American English Institute, University of Oregon conducted workshops in HCMC and Dalat City on “Shaping the Way We Teach English: Successful Practices Around the World” from January 13-21, 2008. Approximately 100 lecturers of English from University of Dalat, Yersin Private University, University of Social Sciences and Humanities (USSH), and University of Education attended the workshops.  During the workshops, Dr. Opp-Beckman introduced -- and quickly had the participants modeling -- updated methods and classroom activities that increase student participation and performance.  She and participants also exchanged ideas on addressing specific classroom situations to encourage students to engage in creative ways.  (Large class size, for example, was an oft-cited challenge requiring creative solutions.)  Dr. Opp-Beckman, who developed the “Shaping” methodology, and Public Affairs Officer Kit Norland also discussed English teaching challenges as well as cooperation in promoting English language programs with leaders at: Yersin University; University of Social Sciences and Humanities; and the Southeast Asia Ministers of Education Organization Regional Training Center (SEAMEO RETRAC).