A KOTESOL Afternoon with Dr. Farrell


(Re)Energizing Teaching Through Reflective Practice
Dr. Thomas S.C. Farrell
Brock University, Canada

Abstract
This interactive talk outlines and discusses how language teachers can (re)energize their teaching by challenging their currently held beliefs and classroom practices by engaging in reflective practice. Experience as a language teacher is not enough, for we do not learn from experience as much as we learn from reflecting on that experience; thus experience combined with reflections can lead to growth, and this is how we become more effective language teachers. This presentation first outlines what reflective practice is, and then lists its key components. Next, I discuss how opportunities can be made for teachers to reflect on different aspects of their teaching such as beliefs and practices, and classroom communication, with tools such as journal writing and group discussions. This will be a hands-on interactive talk with participants getting specific practice in reflection. By the end of the talk, participants will realize the benefits of engaging in reflective practice. Language teachers at all stages of their careers (early and not so early) may benefit from this interactive talk.

Biographical Data
Dr Farrell Photo Thomas S.C. Farrell is Professor of Applied Linguistics at Brock University, Canada. His professional interests include Reflective Practice, and Language Teacher Education and Development. He is series editor for the Language Teacher Research series (Asia, Americas, Africa, Australia/New Zealand, Europe, and the Middle East) for TESOL, USA. His recent books are Succeeding with English Language Learners: A Guide for Beginning Teachers (2006, Corwin Press, Sage); What Successful Literacy Teachers Do: 70 Research-Based Strategies for Teachers, Reading Coaches, and Instructional Planners (2007, co-authored with Neal Glasgow; Corwin Press, Sage Publications); and Reflective Language Teaching: From Research to Practice (2008, Continuum Press). Dr. Farrell taught in Korea from 1979 to 1997 and then moved to Singapore for seven years before accepting his current position at Brock University.

Time & Place
Cafe Meeple (Community Arts Cafe).
Shinchon, Seoul (near Ehwa, Yonsei, and Sogang Universities)
August 10, 2008 (Sun), 2-5 pm.

  • For a map of the venue location, click HERE. From the Shinchon Subway Station (Line 2) at Shinchon Rotary, take Exit 4.
  • For information about the venue, click HERE.


Seating is limited. For reservations, contact Aaron Jolly at: jollyprofessor@gmail.com