SESSION 2B

Julia Gardiner, Swinburne University English Language Centre
Using poetry and creative writing to enhance speaking skills utilising student produced audio

Abstract
This session will use 2 listening texts (poetry) to focus on pronunciation and negotiating meaning. The format will be a combination of activities, presentation and hands-on tasks (so please bring both a laptop and, if possible, headsets with microphones). We will also be using our phones.
Participants will experience two activities as if they were students and evaluate the experience in terms of how useful it would be for you current student cohort and in what other ways the idea ( and digital tools) could be used.

The session will:

• encourage teachers to think about how they can leverage different forms of spoken text to develop students’ awareness of a range of phonological features such as rhythm, elision connected speech, intonation and so on.

• encourage teachers to consider using shorter and varied listening texts in a range of lesson contexts and at various points in a lesson to develop a range of skills such as discussion skills, negotiating meaning, comprehension skills, reflection, stimulate writing and so on.

• Introduce teachers to some useful digital tools which can be used in a range of contexts.

Bio
ELT was my ‘second life’ after working as an actor and sometimes director/writer for 15 years. In my present incarnation I identify as ‘a Masters qualified English language professional with considerable experience across a wide range of teaching, curriculum development, and management and supervisory roles within the TESOL/TEAL context both in Australia and overseas’. I worked at RMIT English Worldwide in a range of roles (teaching, curriculum and management) from 1995 to 2011 and currently call Swinburne University – PAVE, home. I have a special interest in the integration of technologies into the curriculum. Days off, I like taking photos!