OVERVIEW

When we think of the Amazon, the first image we visualize resembles a dense green wall of giant, leafy trees. But what can we see if we look beyond the trees? Documentary photographer and visual storyteller, Pablo Albarenga, will guide us through his journey to the largest tropical forest in the world to discuss some stereotypes and delve into the diversity of stories that hide in the shade of the trees. Through his work, we will learn the stories of those who dedicate their lives to the protection of this biome, whose global relevance is undoubtedly unquestionable.

PABLO ALBARENGA

PHOTOGRAPHER AND NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER

Pablo Albarenga is a documentary photographer and visual storyteller with a focus on stories of social and environmental justice. As a photographer, he has documented land issues in Latin America, involving traditional peoples who are opposing large extractive industries to protect their ancestral lands. Albarenga is a National Geographic Explorer, has been a multiple beneficiary of the Pulitzer Center, and was selected in 2020 as the photographer of the year by the Sony World Photography Awards.

How to teach pronunciation for international communication

OVERVIEW

When pronunciation is presented in many published materials and taught in class, the prime focus is typically on imitating a standard British or a general American pronunciation model. Nevertheless, since English is primarily used as a tool for global communication among people whose first language is not English, such an approach becomes questionable. For example, there is no evidence that these two models of pronunciation are the most intelligible in international contexts nor achievable for most adult learners.

This talk provides participants with clear pedagogical principles and practical activities forming an alternative approach to teaching pronunciation. More specifically, it will start with an overview of the most important findings from the last 20 years of pronunciation research in international contexts. It will then provide participants with clear pedagogical principles they can use to teach pronunciation, including practical pronunciation activities.

MAREK KICZKOWIAK

ELT AUTHOR

Marek Kiczkowiak has been in ELT for over 10 years. He has a PhD in TESOL and has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals on native speakerism and teaching English as a Lingua Franca. He has taught English in seven different countries in a variety of educational contexts and currently writes materials for National Geographic Learning. He runs his own company, Academic English Now, where he helps PhD students write excellent theses and research papers for high-impact journals. 

Winged Journey: Why Would I Need Feet When I Have Wings to Fly?

OVERVIEW

In this amazing and fascinating journey to Foz de Iguaçu, we will learn about the beautiful array of Brazilian birds in the enclosures of Parque das Aves with National Geographic Explorer, Lia Kajiki, who will show us what makes birds such an interesting and important group in the context of conservation and maintenance of the environment.

Lia will also help us to understand how evolution worked to produce so much variety in birds, from the miniature hummingbird to the imposing harpy eagle. We will also get close to the impressive Falls, and we will discover about the extraordinary world of fungi. Participants will also learn about the art of storytelling and how to develop their storytelling skills to share all the knowledge and memorable experiences gained in this extraordinary adventure.

LIA KAJIKI

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER

Lia Kajiki has been curious about birds since her early years. As an eager child, she adventured in other areas, but she always remained interested in the natural history of birds and in understanding their language.

She recently earned her PhD in Ecology at the University of Brasilia (BRA) and since then she has been working as a freelance environmental consultant and ornithologist for conservation projects. She is particularly interested in the incredible universe of animal behavior and the investigation of mechanisms driving the evolution of species.

She is also curious about social networks and the evolution of species sociality. She admires A. R. Wallace’s studies and is fascinated by culture, as shown in her enthusiasm for playing the violin, as a Kyudo (Japanese archery) practitioner and her interest in cinema. Photography has not only been an essential tool in her work as a biologist but a form of expressing her amazement at the incredible biodiversity in her home country.

Social and Emotional Learning for Academic Success

OVERVIEW

Understanding the classroom is an ongoing task for all educational leaders. One component which influences outcomes is the students’ social-emotional experience. We want our students to feel confident to ask questions, to be humble and curious enough to explore and learn from mistakes, to be grounded enough to express their opinions, and to be connected enough to empathize with others. We don’t always know how to cultivate an environment that ensures that learning happens.

In this workshop and group discussion, we’ll dive into the concept of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and explore how it applies to language learning in our classrooms and consider how to support teachers in developing SEL practice in their classes. Participants will learn about well-known frameworks for social emotional learning and the activities that make learning happen.

MARY SCHOLL

SENIOR ACADEMIC INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANT

Mary Scholl, a deep believer in learning, empathy, creativity, and curiosity, is a fellow of the Institute for Collaborative Learning and founder of Centro Espiral Mana in Costa Rica. She has been teaching language (English and Spanish) for 30 years and has been designing and implementing educational projects in Latin America for over 20 years. Mary has been a TESOL Certificate Trainer and trainer of trainers since 2001. Mary holds an MA in Teaching English and Spanish from SIT Graduate Institute. She has lived and/or taught on four continents and gratefully calls Costa Rica home. In 2021, she was named as one of the top 30 English Language Specialists by the U.S. Department of State in recognition of her lasting impact on the Specialist Program and on the field of TESOL.

The Power of Content

OVERVIEW

The modern world is both inspiring and complex. To navigate it successfully, students need to acquire and develop the skills, attitudes, and knowledge that make up the mindset of a global citizen.

In this session, we’re going to explore how National Geographic Learning uses authentic content to spark students’ curiosity, and to create pathways into subject-matter knowledge. We want to provide an educational experience that is meaningful and relevant; to help students to build the English language skills they need to thrive in college, career, and life. Join us to learn how real-world content enables teachers and students to have an impact on the world.

JANINE BOYLAN

PUBLISHER OF CONTENT BASED ENGLISH

Janine Boylan is Publisher of Content-based English products at National Geographic Learning. She has almost 25 years of experience in educational publishing for English learners, with a focus on K-12. She has a M.S. in Learning Science and Technology and began her professional life as a teacher for young learners in the United States and in Japan.

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