SESSION 3D

Louise Pavey
"I Can Say It Through Music"

Abstract
Louise's presentation examines some of the problems students have when speaking English and how simple rhythm and musical activities can improve fluency and accuracy in speech. Many sounds in English are not found in other languages and can cause problems for students to be understood when speaking.

Louise uses features which are common to both music and language such as rhythm, stress, pitch, tone, volume and pauses. She uses resources and materials that are easily accessible for teachers and students to use. Her activities are adaptable for all ages from childhood to adults, and for every learning level, beginner to advanced. Learning is hidden through musical activities and songs which can help students gain confidence with difficult words and sounds, and improve their clarity.

The Language Centre at the University of Newcastle has trialled these activities in special programs such as the Music Club, Conversation with a Beat, Remedial Pronunciation and Elementary Lectures and classes. These activities have resulted in an increase in student morale and improved pronunciation and focus.

In this exciting and entertaining workshop, Louise will demonstrate rhythm activities for difficult sounds for example, /Ɵ/, /r/ and /l/ etc. using cups and chopsticks, and body percussion to engage students. Participants will experience techniques used in choral and song writing that can be adapted and used for single sounds, difficult words and sentences.

Come along and join in the fun experience you will want to share with your students!

Bio
Louise Pavey has been teaching at the University of Newcastle Language Centre since 2009.She holds a Dip.Mus.Ed (Music), B.Ed (Music) and Cert IV TESOL. Currently the Elementary Coordinator, Louise combines her musical background of 36 years with ESL teaching. Louise has presented her exciting workshops at the 2015 English Australia Conference in Brisbane, UECA PD Fest in Sydney in May 2016, where she was peer-selected "Best Presentation" thus taking her to the Adelaide UECA PD Fest in October 2016. She was the recipient in December 2016 of the English Language and Foundation Studies Centre Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning in ELICOS Programs at the University of Newcastle. Over the past twelve months she has been collaborating with Speech Pathologist Helen Blake, and developing music activities for pronunciation to assist ESL students in their speaking.