November, 2009 COTESOL Conference

My main motivation for attending the conference was to gain knowledge about the TOEFLiBT test, or Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test. I attended one session by Tamara Milbourn of CU Boulder. Tamara explained the differences between TOEFL and IELTS, which is the European version of TOEFL. IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. Essentially, TOEFL scores are much more widely accepted than IELTS, except for in Europe. TOEFL is a typed test, more academic and analytical with less stress on grammar and spelling. IELTS is a more traditional English test which has easier reading and writing tasks than TOEFL but stresses grammar and spelling.

Dana Harper of the Emily Griffiths School in Denver shared her many years of teaching TOEFL in a very informative workshop. She reviewed all the possible TOEFL textbooks. In addition she pointed out how important note-taking, summarizing, and paraphrasing skill development is for successful TOEFL completion. Harper suggested all activities be timed and offered some wonderful classroom aides and suggestions. I handed out copies of "Word Forms" at the last Basalt meeting. If you would like a copy please contact me.

A very interesting workshop called exploring language ideologies with video presented by Madeleine Adkins highlighted cultural differences for native English speakers worldwide and English language learners. Video can be a powerful learning tool. I like to use the learning English site at bbc.com for podcasts and vocabulary building.

Academic Vocabulary Acquisition by Beth Skelton was packed with attendees. She was a dynamic and eloquent educator who went over all the latest research-based vocabulary acquisition techniques. TPR, Realia, opposites or negatives, drawing pictures, visualizing, affixes (word roots), acting, cognates, repeating abstract words in various contexts, use story or context to explain words, define words used in stories.

Shades of a Word...

Beth also took color samples from paint stores and used a simple word like pretty on the lightest shade, then beautiful on the medium shade, and gorgeous on the darkest shade. That was fun!

Native Speakers + International ESL Students

Rebecca Wasil from Colorado State Pueblo gave a great presentation about a three day mixer between students at an alternative high school and international ESL students. The first day they did many community building activities, the second day a debate, and the third day readers' theatre. The students met at the college campus, at a riverside park, and at the alternative high school. It was an extremely positive experience for both groups since both student populations were marginalized amongst their peers. The high school students started thinking about college and travel. The college students were able to impart their wisdom and gain confidence with their English skills.