THE SPEAKERS

MONDAY, OCTOBER 7th - 06:30 PM

STINGLESS AMAZONIA NATIVE BEES

OVERVIEW

Abstract ??

Rosa vásquez

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER

Dr. Rosa Vásquez Espinoza is a chemical biologist, conservationist, National Geographic Explorer, and award-winning artist. Of Peruvian-Andean and Amazonian descent, Rosa grew up learning about traditional medicine from her grandmother in their backyard’s “natural pharmacy”. Inspired to dive deeper, she went onto discovering new antibiotics and green chemistry tools during her PhD. Today, Rosa travels to the most extreme environments in the planet from the Amazon Rainforest to Yellowstone’s acidic, boiling waters searching for the tiniest creatures, from microbes to stingless bees, to create big changes in the world.

Rosa is the founder and executive director of Amazon Research International (ARI), a for- purpose organization in Peru dedicated to advance conservation and knowledge of Amazonian biodiversity and culture through science, capacity building, conservation policy and storytelling. ARI works closely with communities to use science and conservation to empower their economies in sustainable and ethical manners. Currently, with ARI, Rosa investigates the chemical and generic diversity of the Peruvian Boiling River and its heat-loving microbes, and Amazonian stingless bees and their medicinal honey in collaboration with local experts and communities.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8th - 09:00 AM

EMPOWERING MINDS - Navigating a Sea of Authenticity, Artificiality and Ambiguity

OVERVIEW

Faced with a decision between authenticity and artificiality, most of us probably choose authenticity. It has connotations of being real, true and honest whereas anything artificial is considered fake, untrustworthy and misinformed. However, in 2024, it is no longer a binary choice. The divide between the two is more ambiguous than ever. The discussion on authenticity in language teaching has a long history (Gilmore, 2019) and educators tend to agree that authenticity is desirable in the classroom (Pinner, 2013). The problem is that these same educators have often failed to agree on that authenticity is. In this session, John will explore authenticity in relation to the ‘real’ language we select to teach, the ‘authentic’ texts we offer our students, and the ‘true-to-life’ communicative activities we design. John will begin by looking at the artificiality into our present-day classrooms. John will also consider future challenges for educators where the relationship between authenticity and artificiality has become highly ambiguous.

Within this presentation, I aim to clarify the numerous opportunities and obstacles that AI introduces to our classrooms. I will explore its potential to foster positive transformations, not only in teacher development and education methodologies but also in nurturing our students’ growth.

John Huges

ELT AUTHOR

John Hughes is an award-winning ELT author with over thirty years’ experience of teaching and teacher training. He has worked with learners and teachers from all over the world and is a well-known conference presenter. For National Geographic Learning, he is an author on the course series Pathways, Third Edition; Life, Third Edition; World English, Third Edition; World Link, Fourth Edition; Success with Business, and Total Business. He’s also co-author of the methodology title, Critical Thinking in ELT. He has lectured in materials writing and development at Oxford University and now runs courses at www.writingeltmaterials.com.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8th - 10:30 AM

BUILDING BRIDGES - Nurturing human connections in a digital age

OVERVIEW

This enlightening presentation will highlight the critical role of social-emotional learning (SEL) in English language education. This session will underscore the significance of fostering empathy and resilience among learners to effectively navigate the complexities and opportunities of the Digital Age, which has profoundly influenced human interaction. Through engaging discussions and practical insights, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how SEL can empower students to build meaningful connections, effectively communicate, and thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. Prepare to explore innovative strategies and practical approaches that promote the holistic development of learners, equipping them with the essential skills to succeed in the digital era while maintaining

MARY SCHOLL

SENIOR ACADEMIC CONSULTANT

Mary Scholl deeply values presence, learning, empathy, creativity, and curiosity and is founder and fellow of the Institute for Collaborative Learning in Costa Rica.  She has been teaching language for 30 years, designing and implementing educational projects in Latin America for over 18 years and served as an English language specialist for 16 years in 9 countries.  A teacher-trainer and trainer of trainers, Mary is also a certified practitioner and facilitator at the Centre for Holding Space and holds a certification in teaching mindfulness meditation from Greater Good Science Center and The Awareness Training Institute at the University of California at Berkeley. She holds an MA in Teaching English and Spanish from SIT Graduate Institute and has done doctoral studies in Adult Learning and Leadership at Teacher’s College at Columbia University.  She has lived and/or taught on four continents and currently enjoys working virtually around the world from her home in rural Costa Rica, in addition to face-to-face work wherever she is invited! She is a frequent presenter at local, national and international conferences 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.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8TH - 01:00 PM

CULTIVATING MULTIPLE LITERACIES - Navigating the complexities of the 21st century

OVERVIEW

In today’s multimodal world, teaching English requires an innovative approach that transcends traditional methods, especially when it comes to engaging learners in a global context. As educators, we must inspire students to explore their identities and connect meaningfully with people, places, and perspectives around the world. By integrating authentic content from National Geographic, we provide learners with real-world experiences that broaden their understanding and foster deeper connections. This approach not only enhances language acquisition but also cultivates critical thinking, cultural awareness, and digital literacy. Through the exploration of diverse global narratives, students gain a more profound sense of their place in the world and the impact they can have on it. By leveraging digital tools and multimedia resources, we can empower learners to navigate and thrive in a complex, interconnected world, making their English language journey both relevant and transformative.

Joan Kang Shin

ELT AUTHOR

Joan Kang Shin, Ph.D. is a Professor of Education at George Mason University and the Director of the Advanced Professional Teacher Development and International Education (APTDIE) Division. She is also the founder and director of the Global Online Teacher Education Center (GOTEC) at Mason. She is an award-winning author and series editor for National Geographic Learning. Her titles include Breaking Through the Screen, Teaching Young Learners English, Our World, and Impact. She recently published a co-edited volume through Routledge called Contemporary Foundations for Teaching English as an Additional Language and a co-authored book through TESOL Press called The 6 Principles for Exemplary Teaching of English Learners: Young Learners in a Multilingual World. In 2021, she was named 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 the field of TESOL. She currently sits on the Board of Trustees for The International Research Foundation for English Language Education (TIRF).

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8TH - 03:00 PM

HELPING LEARNERS MAKE A DIFFERENCE

OVERVIEW

ABSTRACT?????
Join us for an inspiring presentation featuring a National Geographic Explorer {name} who will share captivating stories from his/her own experiences, offering a unique perspective on exploration and the power of storytelling. Through captivating narratives and firsthand accounts, {name} will delve into his/her adventures, revealing the transformative impact of exploration and the profound connections it fosters. Drawing upon the rich heritage of National Geographic, this presentation will ignite a sense of wonder and curiosity, inspiring the audience to embark on the extraordinary world of exploration!

Andrés Ruzo

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER

BIO ?????

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9TH - 10:30 AM

UNLEASHING THE POTENTIAL OF STORYTELLING - Captivating Learners in the Digital Era

OVERVIEW

Rosa Vásquez and Andrés Ruzo

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORERS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9TH - 01:00 PM

BUILDING AUTHENTICITY INTO ENGLISH LEARNING PROGRAMS

OVERVIEW

Join us for an engaging workshop that explores how National Geographic Learning integrates real content into English language teaching programs to make language learning more relevant for today’s students. In this session, we’ll delve into the academic research behind the use of authentic materials and powerful images to create language lessons that truly resonate with learners. Discover the transformative potential of captivating real content that goes beyond words, shaping students into dynamic individuals equipped for the rapidly evolving world. Led by a leading publisher from NGL, this workshop will uncover the magic that happens when real content intersects with language learning.

Laura Le DrÉan

ELT PUBLISHER

Laura Le Dréan, an accomplished professional in English language teaching, is a Publisher at National Geographic Learning, who oversees the development of academic and professional development resources for the global English Language Teaching market. These include coursebooks, digital tools, and assessments designed to meet the diverse needs of learners and educators worldwide. As a former English language teacher, author, and teacher trainer, she has worked with learners and teachers from all over the world. Driven by her passion for excellence, she is dedicated to producing English language teaching materials that empower educators to excel in their classrooms and support students in achieving their language learning goals

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