Achieving Excellence through Life Skills Education Conference

Achieving Excellence through
Life Skills Education
problem
solving
drama
personality
health
public
speaking
emotional
intelligence
interpersonal
skills
creativity
career
enhancement
cultural
awareness
public
speaking
the arts
presentation
skills
drama
literature
the arts
being happy
technology
time
management
life-long
learning
empathy
drama
presentation
skills
creativity
empathy
stress
management
communication
skills
http://www.tesolarabia.org
selfawareness
intrapersonal
skills
environmental
awareness
March 8-10, 2012

Dubai Men's College
th
International
TESOL
S Arabia
Table of
Contents
Dedication to Our Patron
Acknowledgement of Sponsors
Letter from the President
Letter from the Conference Co-chairs
Conference Organizing Committee
Making the Most of the Conference
Food, Drink, and Transport at the Conference
Plenary Speakers
Featured Speakers
Professional Development Certicate Courses
Job Fair
Exhibitors
TACON FAQ
Innovative Materials Showcase
The Dubai Discussions and Forums
20 x 20 Powered by PechaKucha (New this Year!)
IT Village
Poster Sessions
TESOL Arabia Book Drive
Annual General Meeting (AGM)
Professional Service Awards
Dr Lisa Barlow Memorial Travel Grants
International Travel Grants
Professional Development Course Grants
TESOL Arabia Research Grants
Conference Proceedings Call for Papers
Franklin SpellEvent
TESOL Arabias International Afliations
Special Interests Groups (SIGs)
Special Interest Group (SIG) Sessions
TESOL Arabia Chapter Representatives
TESOL Arabia Executive Council
Concurrent Sessions: How Are They Selected?
Concurrent Sessions
Floor Plan
Conference Feedback Form
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Dedication to
Our Patron
TESOL Arabia would like to dedicate this years conference to Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister
of Higher Education and Scientic Research, for his continuous support and patronage of TESOL Arabia
(a non-prot, public professional development membership organization for educators) and its mission.
Through his support of our activities, we have been able to realize our goals of:
Creating a network of educators and teaching professionals
Promoting and developing excellence in teaching, research, and administration
Providing high-quality professional development opportunities, publications, events and services
We would also like to acknowledge his support for the eld of EFL/ESL with the internationally-renowned
TESOL International Research Fund (TIRF) Grants which provide doctoral fellowships to support the
teaching and learning of English in the Arab world. His Excellency has provided three doctoral dissertation
fellowships per year between 2008 and 2010.
At the Abu Dhabi University graduation in 2009, His Excellency said it well:
investment in education is an investment in the countrys future, development and

securityWe are grateful that the United Arab Emirates has become one of the most
prestigious academic centers in the region in terms of its offering of a comprehensive
learning environment to its citizens and expatriates living on its soil.
We thank you Your Excellency, for without your support of education, English language teaching and
learning, and TESOL Arabia, we could not have become the organization we are today.
The TESOL Arabia Executive Council
Acknowledgement of
Sponsors
TESOL Arabia is a non-prot volunteer organization, and yet its Annual Conference Committee have put
English language teaching and testing in the Middle East on the global map.
To provide this high-prole, professionally recognized event, and other professional development
opportunities throughout the academic year, we depend on sponsors to help us. It is their help, generosity
and support that ensures our continued success.
Our sponsors help to make TESOL Arabias efforts a reality by providing quality professional development
for teaching professionals throughout the Gulf and around the world. We offer thanks to our sponsors for
their generous support.
Platinum
Platinum
Gold
Acknowledgement of
Sponsors
Silver
Silver
Silver
Silver
Silver
Silver
Bronze
Bronze
Friends of TESOL Arabia:
Macmillan
National Geographic Learning
Special thanks for IT support from Zayed University and Dubai Mens College
Letter from the
President
It is my great pleasure to welcome everyone to our 18th Annual International Conference here at the
impressive campus of Dubai Mens College, part of the Higher Colleges of Technology system in the UAE.
We are very grateful to the Director, management, faculty, staff and students of Dubai Mens College for
hosting us so generously and appreciate the consistent support they have given TESOL Arabia for many
years.
This year the Conference Co-chairs, Christine Coombe and Beth Wiens, have invited the widest range of
guest speakers I have ever seen at a TESOL Arabia Conference, covering just about every possible interest
in our eld. In fact I doubt whether there is any other signicant conference in the world that can offer so
much in terms of invited expertise. Not only are there many speakers new to us, but we are also happy to
welcome back some who have informed and entertained us in previous conferences. We are delighted that
people are so willing to make a return visit. We also have a large number of concurrent sessions selected
from the largest number of proposals we have ever received. This event is going from strength to strength
and is indicative of the signicance of ELT in the region.
Conference time provides an opportunity to explore new professional avenues, share ideas and experiences
with others, meet old friends and make new ones. I hope everyone makes good use of all thats on offer,
as well as joining in with the friendliness and willingness to share that is a characteristic of TESOL Arabia
Conferences. We will then return home after the close on Saturday feeling fullled, reinvigorated and
enthused for the months ahead.
Happy conference-going!
Les Kirkham
TESOL Arabia President, 2011-2012
Letter from the Conference
Co-chairs
Christine
Coombe
Beth Wiens
Dear TESOL Arabia members and conference delegates,

On behalf of the organizing committee and the TESOL Arabia Executive Council, we would like to welcome
you to the 18th Annual TESOL Arabia International Conference and Exhibition.
This is the premier conference in the region for EFL/ESL teaching and learning. This year, we have nearly 250
different sessions throughout the conference, including nine world-renowned plenary speakers, many wellknown featured speakers, as well as SIG and development course sessions. We also host a very successful
Job Fair and Exhibition. The success of this event is due to the hard work of many volunteers. So much work
is done behind the scenes, yet many people dont know about it because the annual conference is such a
successful event each year.
This years theme, Achieving Excellence through Life Skills Education, reects our desire to help delegates
see with new eyes; to help all of us better understand ourselves and learn how we can be better teachers,
educators and administrators. We want to show that personal development can also help you develop
professionally, and that education is not limited to the classroom.
As in previous years, we have an excellent Exhibition with many publishers, materials distributors and
educational institutions. If you are searching for employment, the TESOL Arabia Conference Job Fair is one
of the best employment clearinghouse opportunities for both job seekers and recruiters in the region. We
also have great Pre-Conference Professional Development Courses, Conference Certicate Courses, Dubai
Discussions and Forums, the IT Village, Poster Sessions, and the new 20X20 (powered by PechaKucha). So
much is offered, it is the professional development opportunity of the year for those of us in the profession.
We would like to thank Dubai Mens College as our gracious host this year. Their support as our TESOL
Arabia Conference 2012 venue has been outstanding.
Finally, we would like to thank our patron, His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, for his
support over the past 20 years. We have dedicated this conference to him for his commitment to education
and the eld of English Language teaching and learning.
Please enjoy the conference!
Dr Christine Coombe
Beth Wiens
Conference Co-chair
Conference Co-chair
Your success
in academic
study starts here
Education for productive minds
Arab Gulf
Education
February
2012
February
2012
Summer
2012
a Lecture and seminar strand specically focused

on listening skills in academic contexts, based on
Universityy of Cambridge
g seminars and lectures.
a Integrated skills approach with each unit covering
all four skills.
Cambridge University Press,
Ofce F-27, Block 13
Knowledge Village,
PO Box 502915 Dubai,
United Arab Emirates
email: ofce@cupdubai.org
tel: +971 4 3672166
fax: + 971 4 3678632
Arab Gulf
Center
Education
a Flexible structure allows teachers to focus on

particular areas to suit courses of different lengths,
or to follow the course from start to nish.
a PLUS! The DVD contains authentic lectures by
the University of Cambridge experts, seminars
and vox pops of students talking about their own
experiences of university life.
Arab Gulf Education - Al Nahda Road, Al Qusais 2 - Dubai , UAE - Tel: 00971 4 2204007 - Fax: 00971 4 2204011
www.cambridge.org/elt/academicenglish
The Collaborator
THE HIGHER COLLEGES OF TECHNOLOGY
United Arab Emirates
Careers at the
Higher Colleges of Technology
As the largest college system in the United Arab Emirates,
the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) prides itself as
being one of the most progressive and innovative centers
for higher learning in the Middle East. With over 19,000
UAE National students and 2,000 employees located at 17
campuses, the HCT is a federally-funded national system
dedicated to providing post-secondary education from
Foundation to Masters Level qualications.
Pleasouer bovisiotthuats at
a
TESOL Arabi
or
applyyoonurliinneterview
to pre-book
L Arabia
at the TESO
Job Fair.
10
HCT is also known for hosting international education

events such as Education Without Borders (EWB) and
the Festival of Thinkers conference. EWB is a biennial
international student forum geared towards designing
solutions for world challenges such as sustainable
development and renewable energy. The Festival of
Thinkers provides a platform for youth, Nobel Laureates
and other distinguished speakers to collaborate on
innovative thoughts and ideas that inspire action.
The success of these events is made possible by the
HCT leadership and sta dedicated to delivering
world-class education. To remain at the forefront of
contemporary educational practices, the HCT is actively
seeking dedicated and collaborative professionals to join
our team.
Learn more at http://recruit.hct.ac.ae
Conference Organizing
Committee
The organization of an event like the TESOL Arabia conference is a huge task. It would not have been
possible without the dedication and hard work of a superb team of volunteers.
Conference Co-chairs
Christine Coombe, Dubai Mens College

Beth Wiens, Zayed University
Conference Treasurer
Beth Wiens, Zayed University
Proposals Co-chairs
Konrad Cedro, Dubai Mens College

Justin Shewell, Arizona State University
Sponsorship Co-chairs
Les Kirkham, TESOL Arabia

Sandra Oddy, Al Ain Womens College
Development Courses Chair
Maria Brown, Dubai Mens College
Hotel Liaison
Les Kirkham, TESOL Arabia
Job Fair Co-chairs
Trace Manuel, Higher Colleges of Technology-CERT Military

Language Program
Mike Fields, Higher Colleges of Technology-CERT Military
Language Program
Dubai Discussions and Forums

Chair
Mick King, University of Exeter
Innovative Materials Showcase

Chair
Mashael Al-Hamly, Kuwait University
IT Village Co-chairs
Bruce McCoy, Zayed University

Jennifer McCoy, Zayed University
20x20 Moderator
Rehab Ragab, Institute of Applied Technology
Social Events Coordinator
Suan Abu-Rmaileh, United Arab Emirates University
Volunteer Coordinator
James McDonald, Zayed University
Conference Book Editors
Melanie Gobert, Abu Dhabi Mens College

Tandy Bailey, Abu Dhabi Womens College
11
Making the Most of
The Conference
Phil Quirke
Director
Madinat Zayed and
Ruwais Colleges
TESOL Arabia 2012 is the major ELT conference in the Middle East, and over these three days there is a
seemingly bewildering array of workshops and presentations available. If this is your rst conference, you
might like to follow the tips below to make the conference a more enjoyable and worthwhile professional
experience.
Arrive as early as you can at the conference site. Get your conference badge and program before you
do anything else. Youll need to wear your badge throughout the conference to be allowed entry to
the exhibition hall and presentations.
Find a quiet corner to read the conference book and to review the daily schedule.
Read the schedule in chronological order and cross-reference to the presenter details and session
abstracts found in the back of this book. Choose the sessions you most want to see, but also
remember to allow yourself breaks for food and drink.
Once you have chosen the sessions you want to attend, have a look at the map, located at the back
of this conference book, to orient yourself to the venue.
Walk around the venue to make sure you can nd the different meeting rooms.
Plan time to meet up with colleagues from around the worldthese will be some of the best
memories youll take with you from the conference.
Arrive for each presentation a few minutes early so that you can get the maximum benet from it.
Dont try to attend two or three sessions in one time slot just to get the handouts; youll end up
beneting from none of them. If you have a couple of sessions you would like to see at the same
time, try arranging with a colleague to split them with you. That way, youll get the handouts and
notes and feedback from your colleague.
Please make sure you complete the conference evaluation form in this conference booklet and return
it to us. It will also be online (http://tesolarabia.org/conference/) for one month after the conference
in case you dont get the chance to complete it before you leave. The next conference can only be as
good as the feedback we receive from this one.
Finally, enjoy the TESOL Arabia Conference 2012. We learn better when were having fun!
12
Food, Drink, and Transport
at the Conference
Remember to allow yourself
time for food and drinks.
Food and Drink

As a paid delegate of the TESOL Arabia 2012 Conference, you will receive two vouchers per day which can be
exchanged for coffee/tea/water or juice and a light snack. Your vouchers can be redeemed at refreshment
stations located in the Exhibition area as well as the Dubai Mens College cafeteria.
Full meals can be purchased at a cost of 15-30 AED at a number of different outlets in the DMC cafeteria.
They include:
Al Farooj - Grilled and fried chicken
Fresh 4U - Lebanese bakery plus live pasta station
Fruitshop on Greams Road - Fresh fruit juices and salads
Royal Kebab - Indian and Chinese cuisine
Al Shindagha Public Kitchen - Local Emirati cuisine
Subway - Subs and salads
Tea Stall - Tea and snacks
Transport
Periodic shuttle buses will be running from select conference hotels throughout the day. Priority will be
given to guests staying at those hotels. Shuttle buses will service the Arabian Park Hotel, the Al Bustan
Rotana Hotel and the Premier Inn.
We will also have coaches available on the following schedule:
Thursday
7:30 AM
6:45 PM
Friday
7:30 AM
6:45 PM
Saturday
7:30 AM
4:45 PM
Departure from Al Bustan Rotana to Dubai Mens College

Departure from Dubai Mens College
1) To Al Bustan Rotana and Wa Shopping Mall
2) To Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates
Departure from Dubai Mens College
1) To Al Bustan Rotana and Wa Shopping Mall
2) To Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates
Departure from Dubai Mens College to Al Bustan Rotana
If you would prefer a taxi, you can call one at 04-2080808 or ask the DMC security staff to phone one for
you at the reception desk.
13
14
Plenary
Jim Scrivener
Head of Teacher Development
Bell International
Speaker
A Call: For Activist Interventionist Teaching

Thursday, March 8, 10:30 AM-11:15 AM, Auditorium
Are we really as effective at teaching as we imagine we are? We say that we are communicative, but do
we, in practice, do whatevers in the course book?
Is our methodology really rather hit and miss?
Does much contemporary teaching (uency tasks, communicative focus, fear of being teacher-centred)
actually sidestep the real teaching work and the real needs of learners?
And is it possible that the majority of teachers who have been trained in the last twenty or so years have
become so used to delegating the teaching work to good enough books that they have lost many of the
teaching techniques that previous generations took for granted?
This talk proposes a muscular reinvigoration of teaching: focused, active, alert and getting much closer
to where the learning is. I will suggest that there is a particular type of teaching skill that has been lost
more than others. This is the skill of getting in close to where the learning is going on for example,
looking closely at language, helping learners to zoom in on language items in order to recognize them,
understand them, say them better and use them well. I will propose that this kind of exploratory, reective,
quantum-level, analytical, language and learning-focused teaching is essential and its absence in so many
classrooms is becoming a serious problem.
Bio:
Jim Scrivener is currently Head of Teacher Development for Bell International. Previously, he has been
Head of Teacher Training for International House, Hastings and Director of Education for IH Budapest.
His publications include Learning Teaching (Macmillan ELT) which won the ARELS Frank Bell Prize 1995, Oxford
Basics: Teaching Grammar, Teachers Books and Portfolios for Straightforward, two business course books
for OUP and he has many articles on onestopenglish.com. His most recent book, Teaching English Grammar
(Macmillan ELT) won the HRH Duke of Edinburgh English Speaking Union 2010 award as Best Entry for Teachers.
Jim has worked in many different countries over the years, including two years in Kenya, three in the USSR
and seven in Hungary. He is a frequent conference presenter and course leader around the world. He
was head of the team that designed the Euro exams, now widely taken in Central Europe and has been
actively involved with Cambridge ESOL exams including design of their online teacher portfolio. He recently
designed and implemented the rst Online Delta course.
Jim is married to Nomi and has two grown-up sons - Alex and Ben - and a young daughter, Maisie.
Generously sponsored by
15
Plenary
Speaker
Jane Revell
Master NLP Practitioner and
Author
Introducing NLP
Thursday, March 8, 2:30 PM-3:15 PM, Auditorium
Neuro-Linguistic Programming is a mouthful! The very name can put people off nding out more about it
and thats a pity, because NLP is a lot to do with achieving excellence and therefore, with the theme of the
18th Annual TESOL Arabia International Conference. In my plenary, I hope to give you a general idea of what
NLP is all about, and suggest some ways in which it might be useful to you not only professionally, in the
classroom or training-room, but also in your personal life and your relationships with people beyond the
teaching environment.
Bio:
Starting as a volunteer in Rwanda in central Africa in 1972, Jane Revell has been involved in English
language teaching for almost forty years as a teacher, teacher-trainer and author of many primary and
secondary ELT course books.
She is a Master Practitioner and certified International Trainer of NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming)
as well as a Stress Management consultant, and she has written some acclaimed books on those
subjects, most notably In Your Hands and Handing Over (with Susan Norman), and Success over Stress.
Jane was a pioneer in bringing NLP into ELT in the late 90s, introducing the ideas to both
teachers and language learners through her writing, and also through her lecturing and training
programmes. Some of the key concepts, such as building rapport, the importance of state,
and multisensory learning and teaching, are now well accepted by many people in education.
Jane lives in Brittany, in north-western France, with her husband, Bob, and their three cats. She continues
to write - most recently a book about passing exams - and to run courses, and teach English and Pilates
(sometimes both at once!).
16
Plenary
Joe McVeigh
Independent Consultant and
Author
Speaker
Achieving Excellence Through Intercultural Awareness

As English language teachers we naturally focus on language itself and how we can help our students
learn it better. But research has shown that intercultural competence can be just as important as language
ability. How can we become more aware of cultural differences and how can we - and our students - bridge
cultural gaps? We will examine some key concepts of intercultural communication and look at some
practical ways to help learners communicate more effectively when they interact with those from different
cultural backgrounds.
Bio:
Joe McVeigh has taught English for over 30 years in the United States at Middlebury College, the
University of Southern California, the California Institute of Technology, and California State University,
Los Angeles. His classrooms have included students and teachers from more than fty countries. Joe has
also lived and worked in the UK, China, India, Saudi Arabia, Hungary, and Chile. He works independently
as a consultant, program-reviewer, teacher-trainer, and workshop presenter. He is co-author with Ann
Wintergerst of Tips for Teaching Culture: A Practical Approach to Intercultural Communication (Pearson,
2010) and coauthor with Jennifer Bixby of two books in the Q: Skills for Success series (Oxford, 2011).
Joe has conducted program reviews or accreditation consulting for intensive English programs in the USA
and the Middle East. He was co-author and presenter of a workshop on strategic planning and teambuilding
for intensive English programs. He has also served on the Board of Directors of Teachers of English to
Speakers of Other Languages, Inc. and is a past chair of TESOLs Intensive English Programs Interest
Section and a current member of its Book Publications Committee. He has edited books for McGraw-Hill
and Cambridge University Press.
Generously sponsored
ored
d byy
17
Plenary
Speaker
Jeremy Harmer
The New School, New York
Were All in this Together Arent We?

Friday, March 9, 8:30 AM-9:15 AM, Auditorium
When I think back to early days as a language teacher, I remember camaraderie personal and
professional innovation and human interaction. Collaboration appeared to be the name of the
game then, but what about now? What kind of collaboration really matters in our connected world?
This talk will look at ways in which teachers and academic management can work together, both internally
and externally. How can (or should) teachers share their highs and lows, their innovations and their
concerns?
Bio:
Jeremy Harmer is a writer and trainer, currently working on the MATESOL at the New School, New York. His
books include The Practice of English Language Teaching, How to Teach English and the brand new Essential
Teacher Knowledge all published by Pearson Education. He is the general editor of the Pearson How to series.
Jeremy travels to countries around the world offering talks and seminars about teaching and learning English.
Away from ELT Jeremy is a musician and performer. With colleague Steve Bingham he has made a CD
Touchable Dreams of poetry and music and they are currently touring Bent and Broken into a Better
Shape - a show about Charles Dickens.
18
Plenary
Christine Coombe
Dubai Mens College, Dubai, UAE
President TESOL International
Speaker
Teacher Effectiveness in ELT: Empirical and

Practical Perspectives
Friday, March 9, 2:30 PM-3:15 PM, Auditorium
A primary concern amongst English language teachers today is how to be more effective in the ever-changing
world of education. This presentation will provide a review of the research about what constitutes an effective
teacher as well as provide strategies for increasing teacher effectiveness in the EF/SL classroom.
Bio:
Christine Coombe has a PhD in Foreign/Second Language Education from the Ohio State University. She
is currently on the English faculty of Dubai Mens College. She is the former Testing and Measurements
Supervisor at UAE University and Assessment Coordinator of Zayed University. Christine is co-editor of
Assessment Practices (2003, TESOL Publications); co-author, A Practical Guide to Assessing English
Language Learners (2007, University of Michigan Press); co-editor, Evaluating Teacher Effectiveness
in EF/SL Contexts (2007, UMP); co-editor, Language Teacher Research in the Middle East (2007, TESOL
Publications), Leadership in English Language Teaching and Learning (2008, UMP) and Applications of Taskbased Learning in TESOL (2010, TESOL Publications), The Cambridge Guide to Language Assessment (2012,
Cambridge University Press) and Reigniting, Retooling and Retiring in English Language Teaching (2012,
UMP). Christines forthcoming books are on task-based learning in EFL contexts and research methods in ELT.
Christine has lived and worked in the Arabian Gulf for the past 19 years. In this capacity, she has served as
President of TESOL Arabia and as the founder and co-chair of the TESOL Arabia Testing Special Interest
Group who organize the Current Trends in English Language Testing (CTELT) Conference.
During her tenure in the Middle East, she has won many awards including: 2002 Spaan Fellowship for
Research in Second/Foreign Language Assessment; 2002-03 TOEFL Outstanding Young Scholar Award;
TOEFL Board Grant for 2003-04, 2005-06, 2007-08 and 2009-10 for her work in delivering assessment
training in developing countries. Most recently she served on the TESOL Board of Directors as Convention
Chair for Tampa 2006 and was the recipient of the Chancellors Teacher of the Year for 2003-04. She is
currently TESOL International President (2010-2013).
19
Plenary
Speaker
Dave Allan
Norwich Institute for Language Education
Norwich, UK
Taking TEA into the 21st Century

In many countries, particularly those with long language teaching and testing traditions, TEA (on this
occasion testing, examining and assessment) has proved slow to change in response to potential new
developments. The world of ELT has seen massive changes in syllabus design, materials and methodology
since the early days of communicative language teaching, but only relatively recently has the impact of
things like item-banking, the Common European Framework (CEFR) and digital technology become really
signicant on a major scale, with implications and opportunities not only for international exam boards but
also for classroom teachers.
We are now witnessing a worldwide explosion in the use of digital delivery in TEA. In this talk I will briey
review the important changes that have taken place in TEA in the half century since Robert Lados seminal
work Language Testing and explore the ways in which online delivery, including CATs (tests you do with
a mouse) can genuinely improve the quality of some of the instruments we need for both formative and
summative purposes in language education. On the productive side the development of detailed descriptors
and rating scales linked to meaningful external frameworks has offered the chance for criterion-referenced
assessment to be both more valid and more reliable, particularly in terms of scoring validity.
Bio:
Dave Allan is the founding Director of NILE, the Norwich Institute for Language Education in
Norwich in the UK, which provides training and professional development for some 1,600 teachers
a year from around 40 countries worldwide, at all levels from initial training to a postgraduate
programme offering PG Cert., PG Dip. and MA in Professional Development for Language Education.
Dave has been involved in testing and assessment in language education for over 30 years. The author of
the Oxford Placement Tests and a long-term co-ordinator and committee member for IATEFL TEASIG, he has
lectured and run seminars on a range of assessment issues all round the world. He has been an adviser
and consultant to major national projects and validation studies, working with education ministries, regional
authorities and the British Council to provide large-scale training up to Masters level for test designers and
item-writers in Europe, Africa and South America. He is presently involved in long-term projects to develop
web-based delivery of tests with both summative and formative functions and with the development of tests
of both receptive and productive skills in the context of national educational standards linked to the CEFR.
20
Plenary
Rod Bolitho
Norwich Institute for Language Education
Norwich, UK
Speaker
The Fifth Skill

Saturday, March 10, 8:30 AM-9:15 AM, Auditorium
In this talk I will argue that the development of thinking skills should be at the heart of language education,
and that a language teacher has an obligation to attend to the quality of process in the classroom as
well as to the imparting of content. I will touch on the relationship between each of the four traditional
language skills with thinking, and will suggest that language classes offer a particularly favourable context
for the development of critical thinking. I will also hazard a guess as to why many teachers choose to ignore
this opportunity, and will relate this to the links between education and citizenship.
Classroom Talk and the Development of Thinking

Skills Workshop
Saturday, March 10, 12:30 PM-1:15 PM, Auditorium
This course will be in workshop format with participants invited to take part in three or four activities
designed to activate good quality talk and thinking. Please be ready to take part actively. There will be an
opportunity for discussion, and participants will be invited to relate the issues raised to their own teaching
contexts. There will be a short round-up of key principles at the end of the session.
Bio:
Rod Bolitho is Academic Director at Norwich Institute for Language Education, UK, where he leads the MA
programme in Professional Development for Language Education, which is run in collaboration with Leeds
Metropolitan University. Previously, he was Assistant Dean and Director of International Education at the
University College of St Mark & St John in Plymouth for over 17 years. He has been consultant to educational
projects in many countries, including (currently and recently) in Uzbekistan, India, Austria, Croatia, Russia,
Ukraine and Romania, and has given conference presentations in over 30 countries, most recently in
Turkey, Switzerland, Russia and India. Rod has a number of publications in the eld, including (with Brian
Tomlinson) Discover English and (with Tony Wright) Trainer Development. His main ELT interests are in CPD,
Language Awareness, Talk and Critical Thinking in Teaching and Training, and Materials Development. He
gets most satisfaction and learns most from supporting and facilitating professional learning in others and
he believes that formal schooling and conventional language classes often stie learners potential for
learning and growth. Rod loves reading, cooking and walking, and is a passionate Liverpool FC supporter.
This is his rst professional visit to the Arabian Peninsula.
21
Plenary
Speaker
Andy Curtis
Anaheim University
California, USA
The Meaning of Retirement in the TESOL World

This plenary talk will be based on a recently published chapter, Rethinking Retirement (Curtis, 2012), the aim
of which is to help TESOL professionals to fundamentally change the way they think about and prepare for
Retirement, with a focus on Early Retirement. The talk will start with a brief review of some recently published
work on Retirement, followed by a critical examination of some of the current denitions of Retirement.
Next, we will consider some of the reasons why Retirement is important not only for individuals who may
be nearing retirement, but why it is also important for societies and communities in general. The following
parts of the talk will look at some of the reasons for retiring later than usual, after which a case is made for
TESOL professionals to consider Early Retirement. Also, to balance the typical focus on the nancial aspects
of Retirement, the importance of some of the non-nancial aspects of Retirement will be discussed.
Bio:
Andy Curtis (MA, PhD, University of York, England) was until recently the director of the English Language
Teaching Unit and a professor in the Faculty of Education at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (20072011), and he is now a professor in the Graduate School of Education at Anaheim University, California. Over
the last 20 years, he has published in a wide range of journals and books on English language education,
language teacher professional development and language program development, and he has worked with
English teachers and learners in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, as well as North, South and Central
America. His current interests include teacher professional development, leadership in language education
and change management in tertiary education contexts.
22
Plenary
Keith Folse
University of Central Florida, USA
Speaker
Teaching Vocabulary: Research Findings and Practical

Classroom Considerations
In the last two decades, we have seen a great deal of research on the teaching and learning of
vocabulary in a second language. This research has important practical implications for our
classes in terms of how our curriculum is arranged, what our textbooks could look like, and what
teachers should (and should not) do in class with regard to new vocabulary. However, given that
we have a limited amount of class time, what does all of this mean for us classroom teachers?
In teachers meetings, I frequently hear teachers say, I think vocabulary is certainly important, but I really
dont have time in my class. If so many teachers agree that vocabulary is important, then how are the
students supposed to learn enough vocabulary if no one is teaching it? (Or are they?) In which class or
classes should this supposedly important language component be covered? Whose job is it? Is teaching
vocabulary the reading teachers job? The writing teachers job? The grammar teachers job? Is this in fact
not the classic case of no one is doing anything because everyone thinks someone else is doing it?
In this talk on the teaching of vocabulary, we will consider several concrete research ndings along with
three practical classroom limitations. Vocabulary is so important for our students success that we really
need to give a great deal of thought to our current practices and how we can improve our classes in terms
of lexical focus for 2012 and beyond.
Bio
Dr Keith Folse is Professor of TESOL at the University of Central Florida, where he teaches in the MA, PhD,
and undergraduate certicate programs. His teacher certication was initially in secondary language arts
and French, but he has taught from second grade to seventy-year-olds. Dr Folse has taught ESL/EFL for
more than thirty years in the USA, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Japan, and Kuwait. In addition, he has taught
French in the USA and Spanish in Japan. At the University of Central Florida, he has won many teaching and
research awards, including Graduate Professor of the Year, as well as the TESOL organizations Teacher of
the Year award.
Keith has always been interested in materials writing, and his doctoral dissertation examined which types
of vocabulary exercises might produce more vocabulary learning He is the author of 57 textbooks on a
variety of subjects from grammar to vocabulary to composition, including ve best-selling books in the
Great Writing series by Cengage.
Keith is a frequent presenter at conferences worldwide, especially on topics related to best teaching
practices for vocabulary and grammar, including for teacher education and training. He is particularly
interested in the role of vocabulary and grammar in second language writing.
23
24
@ Hamdy Reda
Featured
MOHAMMED Al Fahim
Author and Gulf Chief Executive
Award Winner 1995
Speaker
From Rags to Riches: A Story of Abu Dhabi

Thursday, March 8, 11:30 AM-12:15 PM, Auditorium
The present is the byproduct of the past; therefore, we cannot neglect to understand the historical
knowledge which helps us to succeed in our profession and life. From Rags to Riches tells the story of Abu
Dhabi from the pre-oil era until the 1990s through the eyes of local businessman, Mohammed Al Fahim,
who grew up in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain in the 1950s and 60s. Mr Al Fahim has documented a very important
time period in the history of the UAE through the eyes of his childhood and his knowledge of the people
and the region. He writes of the poverty of the one-room school house coupled with the shared sense
of community of the people, the harsh trips across the desert by camel caravan from Abu Dhabi to Al Ain
paired with the arrival of the rst automobiles on desert sands without roads, the novelty and wonder
of his rst airplane ight from Das Island coupled with the death of his mother in childbirth due to a lack
of hospitals and qualied medical staff. Amber Haque, PhD, Associate Professor of Psychology at United
Arab Emirates University, writes that From Rags to Riches: A Story of Abu Dhabi is an excellent resource on
identity and national legacy for the local youth that should actually be a part of course curriculum at the
undergraduate level for all college students.
Bio:
Mohammed Abdul Jalil Al Fahim was born in 1948, in the city of Al Ain, Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab
Emirates. For his initial schooling, he attended the the Quran Religious School and then joined the Al
Falahiya School for further studies in 1959, before travelling to England for higher studies. Upon his return
from England, crowned with the successful completion of his studies, Mohammed Al Fahim joined the
family business in 1968 and helped in diversifying the business by opening its doors to various elds. Real
estate, automotive, industrial projects, travel and tourism, and agriculture are many of the new elds the
company ventured into.
Amongst his numerous business achievements, Mohammed Al Fahim has occupied several honorable
positions that allowed him to contribute in the development of the capital of the UAE: he was a Board
Member at the Telephone Company, the Council for Water and Electricity as well as Chairman of the
National Investment and Securities Corporation (Niscorp) and 1st Vice President of the Abu Dhabi Chamber
of Commerce and Industry. Adding to his achievements, Mohammed Al Fahim established the Makarem
Company for General Trading and Real Estate. At present, he holds the position of Honorary Chairman of Al
Fahim Group and is on the Board of Directors of the family-owned insurance company. He has been invited
to speak in a number of universities in the United States and won the Gulf Chief Executive Award in 1995
and Arab Business Excellence Award in 2007. He is also a member of the Consultative Board to the Ministry
of Health and Chairman of the CBE Advisory Board of the United Arab Emirates University. His rst book:
From Rags to Riches: A Story of Abu Dhabi published in English has been translated into Arabic, French,
Japanese, German, Italian, Russian, Spanish and Urdu.
25
Featured
Speaker
Robert Ackland
State University of New York, USA
Dynamic Idiolect: Moving Beyond a Stereoscopic

View with Multiple Languages
Literature, Literacy & Language Arts LLLA SIG
Session
Thursday, March 8, 11:30 AM-12:15 PM, Room L115
Lets consider how our cumulative language ability helps us continue to develop our skills in multiple
languages. We can call this the dynamic idiolectan individuals unique and evolving combination of
linguistic prociencies. This session will focus on people who speak several different languages. How
do they rate their prociencies, from minimal to advanced, in each of the languages they know? Moving
beyond cognates, how might multilingual speakers explain the impact of one language on another? What
are their attitudes toward multicultural communication and purposeful code-switching? How do they think
multilingual literacy could broaden our horizons and allow us to see the world in multiple dimensions with
a holographic perspective? This session will give results from a number of conversations and will prompt
participants to continue the exploration.
Prosody: Making Sense of the Word and the World

through Oral Reading Fluency Workshop
Saturday, March 10, 10:30 AM-11:15 PM, Room L217
Reading is the active construction of meaning from textthis sounds simple. But how do we know if
language learners in our classrooms are making sense as they read? Prosody (reading with expression)
can provide a window to this internal process. By drawing attention to uent oral reading we can prompt
learners to monitor their own comprehension in a target language. This session will introduce oral reading
activities with meaningful books chosen by readers. Strategies used by uent readers (e.g., self-correcting
signicant miscues, modifying pace to stress the communication of intent, and using punctuation to
produce conventional speech patterns) can enhance reading and speaking in L2 and beyond.
Bio:
Robert Ackland, PhD, is a teacher educator and program area coordinator at the State University of New
York College at Plattsburgh. He worked as a reading specialist in elementary schools for six years and has
published articles in Language Arts and the Journal of Staff Development. As a Professor of Literacy Education,
Bob strives to help teachers develop their abilities to engage in action research and to nd their voices as
professionals and decision-makers. Most recently, Bob co-authored The Fluent Reader in Action: A Close-up
Look into 15 Diverse ClassroomsGrades PreK-4 and a companion text focusing on grades 5 and up.
26
Featured
Paul Matsuda
Arizona State University, USA
Speaker
Teaching Writing in EFL Contexts

Once a neglected skill, writing has become one of the hottest topics in English language teaching. While
writing instruction has become an important part of language instruction in English-dominant contexts,
English language teachers in non-English-dominant contextsor so-called EFL contextsoften struggle to
nd ways to help students develop writing prociency. In this presentation, the speaker will discuss some
of the common (mis)conceptions about writing in EFL contexts and discuss how writing might be taught
and to what end.
Bio:
Dr Paul Kei Matsuda is Professor of English and the Director of Second Language Writing at Arizona State
University, USA, where he works closely with masters and doctoral students in Applied Linguistics, Rhetoric
and Composition, and TESOL. He is co-founding chair of the Symposium on Second Language Writing
and editor of Parlor Press Series on Second Language Writing. He has edited a dozen books and special
journal issues, and published over 50 articles and chapters on second language writing. His work appears
in journals such as College English, College Composition and Communication, English for Specic Purposes,
Journal of Second Language Writing, and Written Communication, among others. Currently, he serves on 14
editorial boards for national and international journals. A sought-after speaker, he has given plenary talks
and workshops at various conferences and universities in China, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Spain,
Qatar, Taiwan, Thailand, and throughout the United States. Website: http://pmatsuda.faculty.asu.edu/
27
Featured
Speaker
Paula Wilson
Actor, Writer, Dancer, Director and
Author
ESL Theater - Theory and Effective Practice

Theater conservatories around the world use games and exercises to train performers to communicate
more effectively. These same exercises can be used in the ESL classroom to teach non-native speakers
to respond without hesitation or fear. Session attendees will actively explore some of the more effective
exercises.
Bio:
An award-winning actor, writer, dancer, and director originally from the USA, Paula Wilson began working
in childrens theater while in college. In 2009, she moved to South Korea where she taught and directed
English-language musical theater classes and productions for 20 months and wrote a series of textbooks
for use in the ESL theater classroom. From there, she moved to South America, where she wrote a 50episode ESL series for adults. When not performing, she continues to write and teach, and is the Artistic
Director of the New England Ethnic Dance Festival. She is a graduate of Walnut Hill School for the Arts
(Design and Production), Pomona College (Dance and Theatre Management), The New School University
(Screenwriting and 3rd World Cinema), and the Alvin Ailey School Professional Division.
28
Featured
John ODWYER
Bilkent University, Turkey
Speaker
Pedagogical Leadership for Life Skills in ESOL

Leadership & Management LM SIG Session
Thursday, March 8, 1:30 PM-2:15 PM, Room L115
The adage Teach a man to sh... is no longer sufcient nor, on its own, an entirely appropriate guide for
educators at the outset of the 21st century. This presentation explores some of the issues implicit in a
life-skills approach to second language learning and the implications for language instruction. In response
pedagogical leaders in the three educational cycles (primary, secondary, tertiary) may need to rethink the
pedagogical base of their institutional practice with a view to reshaping conventional second language
learning approaches in order to meet the life skill needs of students. Examples of what this might entail
in practical terms will be presented and discussed, along with challenges that might face pedagogical and
institutional leaders committed to a broader education in second language learning contexts.
Bio:
John ODwyer is Director of Bilkent University School of English Language (BUSEL), Ankara, Turkey, an
English language teaching institution of some 300 teaching staff, where people management and
sustainability are key issues. Bilkent University teaches in the medium of English and BUSEL wrestles with
the issues of maintaining high standards of language education in a non-target language community. John
is also Assistant Professor in the Bilkent University Graduate School of Education where he teaches on the
Masters in Management in Education.
At the same time he is General Director of the Ihsan Dogramac

Foundation Primary and High Schools,
both International Baccalaureate World Schools, which integrate the Turkish national curriculum within an
international, inquiry-based learning perspective.
He has held leadership roles in educational institutions in international contexts for over 25 years, striving
to create generative organisations responsive to the challenges facing todays educators, and has worked
in a range of countries on projects in teacher training, project evaluation, and curriculum development.
His PhD focussed on the use of formative evaluation for organisational development and learning in a
context of curriculum renewal. His current interests (and concerns) include establishing viable instructional
leadership, international education and curriculum development, and promoting and supporting positive
change and sustainability.
29
Featured
Speaker
Rubina Khan
University of Dhaka, Bangladesh
Developing Effective Leadership Skills and Strategies

Teacher professionalism and expanded leadership roles are indispensable in order to maximize our
potential in a rapidly changing global world. The purpose of this workshop is to acquaint participants
with leadership approaches, styles and concepts of educational leadership and management. Differences
between leadership and management roles will also be emphasized. Guidelines for developing leadership
skills and strategies will be provided.
Bio:
Rubina Khan is Professor of English language and teacher education in the Department of English,
University of Dhaka. She has an MA in TESOL from the University of Northern Iowa and a PhD in ELT from the
University of Warwick. She has worked as an educational consultant on testing and teacher development
on a number of national and international projects. She has published in professional journals at home
and abroad. Her areas of interest are testing, evaluation, teacher education and leadership skills. She is the
President of the Bangladesh English Language Teachers Association (BELTA).
30
Featured
Speakers
Natalya
Alexeeva
Zarmena
Emelyanova
North-Eastern Federal
University,
Yakutsk, Russia
North-Eastern Federal
University,
Yakutsk, Russia
The TexTESOL V-Yakut TESOL Partnership: 2008-2011

Join presenters from Yakutsk, Siberia, Russia in an engaging description of how the partnership between
TexTESOL V (USA) and Yakut TESOL (Siberia, Russia) has grown since its beginning three years ago. The
presenters use photos, video clips, and personal accounts to illustrate life in Yakutsk and Dallas. They
describe the vital collaboration that has developed between the Texas and Russian afliates, including
TexTESOL V Board members participation in childrens summer camps, summer schools for adults and
professional development workshops in Yakutsk, children from Yakutsks participation in summer school
at the Hockaday School and Yakut TESOL Board members participation in co-teaching Russian/English
in Dallas. They also discuss the projects being planned, including online collaboration, Yakutian student
enrollment in Dallas area classes, and an exchange of visiting scholars including further co-teaching of
Russian/English in the Dallas area.
Bios:
Natalya Alexeeva is Yakut TESOL President. She is currently the Chair of the Department of Foreign
Languages at North-Eastern Federal University, Russia.
Zarmena Emelyanova is a faculty member of the Department of Foreign Languages at North-Eastern
Federal University, Russia, and Treasurer of Yakut TESOL.
31
Featured
Speakers
Nancy
Mullins
Andrea
Stairs
Maine Department of
Education, USA
University of Southern
Maine, USA
Addressing Both Language Acquisition and Literacy in

the Classroom
READ SIG Session
This workshop looks at both language acquisition and literacy. Why it is important to focus separately on
each but also the need to know where they intersect to integrate both into an instructional cycle. Discussion
will address classroom strategies for the direct instruction of language and the promotion of literacy.
Bios:
Nancy Mullins earned her Masters in Literacy Education and English as a Second Language from the
University of Southern Maine. She taught intensive English at the University of Sharjah in the United Arab
Emirates from 1999 to 2006. After returning to her home state of Maine in the United States, she became
the Director of ESL/Bilingual programs for the Maine Department of Education. In that position, Nancy
oversees the professional development for Maines ESL teachers as well as the states English language
acquisition programs and services to all of Maines English language learners.
Andrea J. Stairs is Assistant Professor and Department Chair of Literacy, Language, and Culture at the
University of Southern Maine in Gorham, Maine, where she teaches graduate courses in literacy and English
as a Second Language. A former middle and high school English teacher and literacy coach, she earned
her PhD in Education specializing in Curriculum and Instruction from Boston College. Her research interests
include urban teacher learning over time, teacher education in professional development schools, choice in
the English language arts/reading curriculum, and teacher research in literacy. She is co-editor, with Kelly A.
Donnell, of Research on Urban Teacher Learning: Examining Contextual Factors Over Time (IAP, 2010) and
co-author, with Kelly A. Donnell and Alyssa Hadley Dunn, of Urban Teaching in America: Theory, Research,
and Practice in K-12 Classrooms (Sage, 2011).
32
Featured
Josephine Kennedy
World Learning SIT Graduate
Institute, USA
Speaker
Roads and Realities of Teacher Trainers

With apologies to William Shakespeare, some are born trainers, some achieve training, and others have
training thrust upon them...
For many teachers, the transition to becoming a trainer is a common step in career and professional
development. What is not common is how teachers become trainers, and how they view themselves and
their work. Some become trainers after making a conscious career-changing decision. For others, training is
the result of further education and training, and for others, training becomes an extension of their current
jobs. Given the different backgrounds of teachers and the paths taken to become trainers, it should be no
surprise that as trainers these people are as unique in their new roles as they were as teachers.
How do trainers view what they do? What knowledge, attitudes, skills and awarenesses do they believe are
important to being a successful trainer? What challenges do they encounter and what potential for further
growth do they see?
This talk explores pathways teachers have taken to becoming trainers in a variety of educational contexts.
Some are certied trainers, some not. Some are respected veteran trainers; some are new to the eld.
Using statistical and anecdotal information, I will consider qualities many trainers share and unique skills
and abilities they bring to their work. Finally, I hope to help participants get a clearer picture of training and
see what opportunities may exist for them.
Bio:
Josephine Clark Kennedy is Senior Education Specialist and Afliate Faculty at World Learning SIT Graduate
Institute, in Washington, DC / Brattleboro, Vermont, USA. Her work mainly involves collaborating with ministries
of education in developing countries to design and carryout sustainable English language education reform
efforts. She serves as practicum supervisor to MA TESOL students at SIT Graduate Institute, and also designs
and delivers pre- and in-service teacher training and development courses around the world, most recently in
Algeria, Libya, Tunisia and Kosovo. Until 2010, Josephine served as Lead Faculty at Abu Dhabi Mens College,
where she worked with an amazing group of colleagues to design and deliver up-to-date English language
courses to UAE nationals. Dedicated to professional development and creating opportunities for teachers to
establish professional networks, Josephine is an active member of various language teacher organizations.
She is past President and Conference Co-chair of TESOL Arabia, and currently works with teachers in various
developing countries to establish their own language teacher organizations.
33
Featured
Speaker
Nicky Hockly
The Consultants-E, Spain
Facebook Nation: Social Networks & ELT

Educational Technology Ed Tech SIG Session
Friday, March 9, 9:30 AM-10:15 AM, Room L115
Social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube are big news as well as big business. Clearly
they are an integral part of the daily life of millions of people all over the world. But what does this mean
for English language teachers? Should social networks be kept out of ELT? Or is there a place for these and
similar sites in our classrooms? And if so, where and how?
Bio:
Nicky Hockly has worked in the eld of face-to-face and distance education since 1987 as a teacher,
teacher trainer and consultant. She holds an MA in TEFL from the Universidad de Granada, Spain, a CTEFLA
(1987) and a DTEFLA (1991). She has worked as a teacher trainer on Cambridge-ESOL CELTA courses, and
has given seminars, in-service workshops and teacher training courses for practising language teachers all
over the world. She has also been involved in materials development, for both EFL course books and online
learning. Before joining The Consultants-E, she was Academic Counsellor at the Fundacion Universitaria
Iberoamericana on a distance Master in TEFL programme, offered through various Spanish and Latin
American universities. In 2003 she left to set up The Consultants-E, where she is Director of Pedagogy.
Nicky was co-ordinator of the IATEFL TTEd SIG (Teacher Trainers and Educators Special Interest Group)
from 2003-2005, and a member of the IATEFL TTEd Committee until 2006. She was editor of a magazine
aimed at EFL teacher development, called iTs for Teachers, from 2002 - 2004, and was on The ELT Journal
Advisory Panel for two years (2004-6).
She has written many articles on education and online learning and spoken at conferences all over the world. She
currently writes a regular column in English Teaching Professional Magazine on uses of ICT for teachers (2009 present),andhasco-written HowtoTeachEnglishwithTechnology,Longman2007,whichlooksattheapplication
of new technologies to the classroom. She is also author of Learning English as a Foreign Language for Dummies,
John Wiley 2009, with Gavin Dudeney, and Teaching Online, Delta Publishing 2010, with Lindsay Clandeld.
She lives in Barcelona, Spain.
34
Featured
Rosa Aronson
Executive Director,
TESOL International Association, USA
Speaker
Global Trends in English Language Learning and their

Implications for English Language Teachers
Like other educational subjects, the eld of English Language continues to be deeply shaped by economic,
social and technological changes happening on a global scale. For instance, English has taken on a
prominent role in science, economics and diplomacy. In developing countries, English prociency is often
seen as a vehicle to social mobility. As a result, an increasing number of countries have implemented
educational policies that seek to teach English language in early grades and use English as a medium of
instruction. In this session, participants will learn how these mega trends affect their profession and their
classroom experiences.
Bio:
Rosa Aronson is the executive director of the TESOL International Association. A former Fulbright exchange
teacher, Dr Aronson started her education career as an English as a Foreign Language teacher in France.
She holds an MA in English Linguistics from the University of Aix-en-Provence, France, and a PhD in Social
Foundations of Education from the University of Virginia, in the United States. Aronson earned the Certied
Association Executive (CAE) designation from the American Society of Association Executives. She is the
author of At Risk Students Defy the Odds, published by Scarecrow Press in 2001.
Dr Aronson brings to TESOL 24 years of experience in nonprot association management with the National
Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), headquartered in Reston, Virginia, USA. Her experience
at NASSP includes advocacy, policy development, educational initiatives, standards, grant development,
research, and program management. Aronsons last executive-level position with that association was as
Senior Director for Advocacy, Alliances and Student Programs.
35
Featured
Speaker
Fiona Copeland
Aston University, UK
Legitimate Talk in Feedback Conferences

Teacher Training & Teacher Development TTTD SIG Session
Friday, March 9, 11:30 AM-12:15 PM, Auditorium
Feedback on performance is a feature of professional training. Much feedback is delivered in post
observation conferences where a trainer will discuss the trainees performance with him/her. What
transpires in these conferences, however, is hidden from view (Heritage and Se, 1992:362) and the
norms of interaction are largely unexamined in the literature. Even less is known about feedback
conducted in groups, yet many teachers training to teach English experience feedback in this way.
This paper provides a discourse analysis of four extracts from group feedback conferences on a preservice programme for teachers of English language. Drawing on the concept of legitimate talk, the
analysis shows how topics and speaking rights are established and negotiated and how participants
orientate to and contest both the forms of knowledge that emerge and the speaking rights.
Developing Research and the Researcher: The Case for Mixed

Methods in TESOL Investigations Research SIG Session
Saturday, March 10, 11:30 AM-12:15 PM, Auditorium
There is a growing trend towards mixed methods research design particularly in the social sciences (for
example, Creswell, 2003; Drnyei, 2007). Researchers who wish to develop both breadth and depth
of understanding of the research topic choose to combine elements of qualitative and quantitative
approaches in order to do so (Johnson et al., 2007) as together they provide affordances that individual
research methods may not.
This presentation will make the case for mixed methods approaches when researching policy and practice
in TESOL. Drawing on a recent research project (Investigating Global Practices in Teaching English to Young
Learners) carried out by colleagues at Aston University and sponsored by The British Council, it will describe
the data sets collected, namely survey, interviews and eld notes, and the epistemological warrant for
choosing them. It will show how the data sets enabled a nuanced picture of current practices to emerge
and how ndings from one data set complemented and underpinned data in another. It will argue that
combining methods provides an opportunity to explore the potential of different perspectives on the
research process (Richards et al. 2011:310) which results not only in more rounded research ndings but
also in more rounded researchers.
Bio:
Fiona Copland taught English in high schools in Nigeria and Hong Kong before spending 5 years in Tokyo
teaching English to adults and training teachers. Since returning to the UK, she has gained an MA and PhD
and now works at Aston University as Programmes Director for MSc TESOL. She is interested in feedback in
teacher education, teaching English to young learners and research methods.
36
Featured
Luisa Cristina Alvarez

Universidad Pedagogica Experimental
Libertador, Venezuela
Speaker
Teaching and Assessing Oral Skills: Towards the

Whole Learner
Friday, March 9, 11:30 AM-12:15 PM, Room L115
The purpose of this session is to provide participants with new ideas or strategies to promote the
development of oral skills from a more independent, life- skills perspective; and how this aspect of the
language can be assessed with alternate, more authentic, ways. In order to accomplish this objective,
the presenter will rst engage participants in a process of reection of their own process of learning to
speak the target language, and a guided discussion of the factors affecting this process. This aspect will
be followed by a practical demonstration of different strategies that can be implemented in the classroom,
where different life skills are involved and encouraged. Attendees will be teamed up in various ways,
such as pairs, small groups and the whole group to perform the activities presented. Following these
demonstrations, a connection between these strategies and alternate ways of assessing the speaking
skill, and rubrics will be discussed.
VENTESOL: Empowering English Language

Teaching in Venezuela
Saturday, March 10, 12:30 PM-1:15 PM, Room L217
The session will be based on a brief description of the history of the afliate and its current status;
particularly, on how the association has evidently grown in the past three years. Despite the economic
crisis in Venezuela, VENTESOL has expanded its activities in various ways and projects with the support of
the United States Embassy in Caracas, and many other institutions. On this sense, a succinct explanation
about these projects and on how they are being developed will be provided along with videos and pictures.
The volunteer work of the board members and many teachers around the country has successfully created
a continuously expanding English Language Community in Venezuela, with strong worldwide connections
in the eld. As a result, the mission of VENTESOL as an afliate of TESOL International is going on the right
track: Empowering teachers and teacher trainees to accomplish their professional goals.
Bio:
Luisa Cristina Alvarez is a professor from Universidad Pedaggica Experimental Libertado and the current
President of Venezuela TESOL. She holds an MA in English Language Teaching from Maryville College, USA
(1986), and an Advanced Education Certicate in Filology from UNILEN, Spain (2008). She was a Visiting
Scholar at Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA (2000-2001). She has been a presenter, organizer,
and participant at numerous international and national events in her eld of expertise. Her research
interests include EFL teaching methodology and assessment.
37
Featured
Speaker
Hector Ramirez
Houghton Mifin Harcourt, USA
The New Attitude for ELT Culture

As our schools become more and more diverse, we must recognize the needs of our students who are
learning in a foreign language. Students nd themselves in language and culture shock when they rst
arrive in our classrooms. All disciplines must be comprehensible to learners. Through this dialogue we will
look at a positive change in attitude toward students empowerment while they become self-driven and
visible.
Bio:
Hector J. Ramirez brings a unique perspective to English Language acquisition since, as a native of Mexico,
he transitioned into English as a teenager. After moving to the USA, he completed his undergraduate degree
in International Relations from the United States International University in San Diego, California and the
International University of Europe in London. His post-graduate studies were in Elementary Education and
Multicultural Studies at San Diego State University.
Mr Ramirez was an elementary teacher who developed an active and successful bilingual classroom in
the San Diego School District in California. He applied many practical strategies to help second language
learners be successful, condent students across the curriculum. Mr Ramirez became Senior Education
Advisor after working 15 years in Houghton Mifin Harcourts American and International markets. The
Business Development Team represents innovation in education, driven by blended instruction which
includes digital and print curriculum.
Throughout his career Mr Ramirez has been a highly respected keynote and session speaker on a range of
topics addressing instruction in English for multi-lingual students. Mr Ramirez believes the transformation
of education will be led by blending print and digital content, innovative technology and professional
development.
38
Featured
Lienhard Legenhausen
University of Mnster, Germany
Speaker
Principles and Procedures in the Autonomy

ClassroomDeveloping Lifelong Learning Skills
Learner Independence LI SIG Session
Friday, March 9, 1:30 PM-2:15 PM, Room L115
The inationary use of the term autonomy when applied to language classes has meant that the concept
has been watered down and distorted, in some cases beyond recognition. It therefore seems once again
necessary to outline some basic principles of developing learner autonomy, and illustrate the procedures
and learning outcomes of such an approach. What are the tools supporting the learners and what types of
activity have turned out to be appealing to learners and benecial to their learning process?
The talk will report on a longitudinal study of a class of mixed ability EFL learners who took over
responsibility for their own learning. These learners did not use a textbook nor were they exposed to any
explicit grammar teaching. The successes of these learners are well-suited to counter skeptical voices of
researchers and practitioners alike who think that the principles of autonomous learning are inapplicable
in their own teaching contexts.
Classroom Research in Autonomous Language

Learning Workshop
Saturday, March 10, 11:30 AM-12:15 PM, Room L217
The question whether teachers can or should engage in research has often been controversially discussed.
One of the arguments in the debate is that it puts too much of an additional burden on teachersin view
of the many daily duties. This argument loses much of its weight when introducing the principles of action
research into the classroom. Action research, for example, needs to be seen as a natural extension of the
teachers professional skills. It can be shown that there is a close afnity between developing autonomous
learning, on the one hand, and carrying out action research, on the other.
The workshop will start out with brief introductory input on the state of affairs of the topic research and
autonomy. We will then try and identify problem areas in our foreign language classrooms and ask if we
can do something about them by carrying out our own action research.
Bio:
Lienhard Legenhausen is Professor Emeritus of Language Pedagogy and Applied Linguistics at the University
of Mnster, Germany. His research interests include the study of learner language, technology-enhanced
language learning as well as learner-centred approaches to classroom learning/teaching. Together with Leni
Dam, Denmark, he started the LAALE (Language Acquisition in an Autonomous Learning Environment) project
in which they systematically observed the linguistic development of a class of Danish mixed ability learners
who were taught according to the principles of autonomous language learning over a period of four years.
39
Featured
Speaker
Steve Taylore-Knowles
ELT Author
Teaching the Art of Life

Despite predictions about language teachers being replaced by technology, we humans remain at the heart
of language learning! What we do is often described as an artbut what kind of art is teaching? What does
the metaphor say about how we view the process, ourselves as teachers and our learners? Is it a metaphor
that we can usefully turn onto the content of our teaching? Perhaps we can offer our learners something
that is difcult to imagine ever being replicated by a computer: the life skills they need for their academic,
professional and personal lives. Perhaps we can teach them the art of life.
Bio:
Steve Taylore-Knowles has spent almost two decades in ELT as a writer, a trainer, an examiner and a
teacher. He holds undergraduate and postgraduate degrees from the University of Warwick, and is a
Licentiate of Trinity College, London. For a number of years he lived and worked in Greece, where he served
on the Executive Board of TESOL Greece, and where he taught students and trained teachers at all levels,
specialising in exam preparation.
He has written a number of internationally-successful courses, including the ve-level Laser series for
teenagers and the three-level Destination grammar and vocabulary series, both for Macmillan. His most
recent courses to be launched globally are the sister courses openMind (Macmillan, 2010) and masterMind
(Macmillan, 2011), which together comprise a ground-breaking multi-level series for young adults. He
regularly lectures throughout the world on various aspects of ELT and speaking engagements have taken
him to many countries in Europe, Asia, North and South America and the Middle East.
Steve is now based in his native county of Lancashire in the north of England, where he lives with wife Jo
and young daughter Scout.
40
Featured
Z. N. Patil
The English and Foreign
Languages University
Hyderabad, India
Speaker
Contextualizing English for Specic Purposes

English for Specic Purposes ESP SIG Session
The present invited speech has seven sections: diachronic and synchronic language variation; language
variation due to cultural differences, solidarity and power principles, modes of discourse, styles of discourse,
elds of discourse, and some vital issues which teachers of English for specic purposes need to remember.
First, effective teaching of English for specic purposes presupposes understanding of learner needs.
Secondly, we have a lot to learn from genre analyses. Lexical and grammatical features of various registers
can be listed through a thorough examination of texts. Thirdly, it is wrong to think that English for specic
purposes is nothing more than the teaching of technical vocabulary. Fourthly, English for specic purposes
should be taught in context. Fifthly, a teacher of English for specic purposes should not lose sight of the
functional aspect of language. Sixthly, we need to view English for specic purposes in a broader context
of language learning. In other words, it is imperative to remember that we cannot teach English for specic
purposes without strengthening the learners general English. Finally, we need to remember that linguistic
variations that characterize English for specic purposes are more or less peripheral. The core vocabulary
and grammar of the language remain the same.
Bio:
Dr Z. N. Patil is a Professor of English in the Department of Training and Development of the English and
Foreign Languages University in India. He has published several articles in prestigious journals and books.
He has authored three reference books and more than a dozen school and college textbooks. He has taught
at various levels for 35 years in India, 3 years in Vietnam and 3 years in Japan. He has delivered plenary
speeches and keynote and valedictory addresses at international conferences in India, Japan, Korea, the
Philippines, Bangladesh and China, and special talks and workshops in Singapore, Indonesia and UK. He
has been associated as an advisor with Asian EFL Journal, its sister journals, Arab World English, Iranian
Journal of Language Studies, and Research Practice Journal among others.
41
Featured
Speaker
Liying Cheng
Queens University, Canada
Impact of Large-scale Literacy Testing on Second

Language Students
Testing, Assessment & Evaluation TAE SIG Session
The prevalence of large-scale testing on students is well documented in education. The conuence
of both the increased number of second language students due to globalization and immigration and
the expanding testing framework for public accountability has created a new and largely unanticipated
educational problemalarmingly high failure rates for these students. This talk will present interrelated
empirical studies on the impact of the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT)a Canadian
province-wide literacy test constructed and normed for rst language English speakerson second
language students. The ndings have demonstrated that the OSSLT has an impact on test constructs,
test formats, and reading and writing activities and strategies. The broader implications for instruction,
program policy, and test accommodation will be discussed.
Bio:
Liying Cheng, PhD, is Professor and a Director of the Assessment and Evaluation Group (AEG) at the Faculty
of Education, Queens University. Her primary research interests are the impact of large-scale testing on
instruction, the relationships between assessment and instruction, and the academic and professional
acculturation of international and new immigrant students, workers, and professionals to Canada. She
conducts the majority of her research within the context of teaching and learning English as a second/foreign
language (including immersion and bilingual contexts). Since 2000, she has obtained research funding
totaling more than one million Canadian dollars. In addition, she has conducted more than 130 conference
presentations and has more than 90 publications. Her recent books are English Language Assessment and
the Chinese Learner (co-edited with A. Curtis, Taylor & Francis, 2010); Language Testing Reconsidered (coedited with J. Fox et. al., University of Ottawa Press, 2007); Changing Language Teaching through Language
Testing (Cambridge University Press, 2005); and Washback in Language Testing: Research Contexts and
Methods (co-edited with Y. Watanabe and A. Curtis, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 2004).
42
Offering Resources
for Study in the
United States and
for English Teaching
EducationUSA Advising Centers help students across the

Emirates get the guidance they need to study at American
colleges and universities. Our centers at the U.S. Embassy
in Abu Dhabi and the U.S. Consulate General in Dubai offer
free, accurate, comprehensive, and timely information about
educational institutions in the U.S.
The Embassy and Consulate General also support the
teaching of English through:
The English Access Microscholarship Program provides
hundreds of under-resourced Emirati students with
intensive after-school English classes, providing them the
skills and knowledge they need to succeed in higher
education.
The English Teaching Forum is a quarterly publication
with a searchable online archive, offers invaluable resources
including lesson plans, classroom activities, and more, for
English teachers at all levels.
Materials for Teaching and Learning English: we provide
books and other pedagogical material to program partners
across the Emirates.
EducationUSA.state.gov
Abu Dhabi: 02 -414-2245 - EducationUSAAD@state.gov
Dubai: 04-309-4142 - EducationUSAdubai@state.gov
Our English Language

Program offers:
A progressive teaching environment
A modern new campus with SmartBoards and

a wireless environment
Many Professional Development opportunities
General English, EAP and ESP courses
Student Academic Support Services
A team of over 200 faculty and staff
43
Professional Development Certicate
Courses
Maria Brown
Chair
For todays professionals, continuing development is a common goal. For TESOL Arabia members, that
desire has been translated into the right to specic development sessions that focus on and provide
opportunity for more in-depth analysis and reection on a particular topic, or topics which are related to
the central theme of the conference. Thus, in addition to selecting and scheduling a growing number of
concurrent sessions on the widest variety of topics, the Conference Organising Committee ensures the
availability of a Professional Development Certicate Course. As the name suggests, such a course is a
series of focused sessions led by specically invited experts in the eld. The number of participants is
strictly limited and care is taken to ensure that the surroundings and resources are conducive to the most
interactive experience possible. Refreshments will be provided throughout the day at intervals between
sessions and presenters are encouraged to stay on after their sessions in order to mingle with participants.
The maximum number allowed on a course is 50. Each course session lasts for forty-ve minutes. They
are distributed over the three days of the conferencefrom Thursday, March 8 to Saturday, March 10. On
successful completion, participants will receive a Certicate of Participation. In order to qualify for the
Certicate of Participation, delegates must attend a minimum of six of the ten sessions offered. Entrance
to Certicate Course events is strictly limited to delegates who have registered for the Conference and then
paid the additional fee required. That additional cost is 700 AED.
Registration for this course will continue on-site. Those interested in registering
will still be able to do so, as long as seats are available and time permits.
Building on the conference theme for 2012, we are pleased to offer a Certicate Course that focuses on
Life Skills Education, entitled: Achieving Excellence through Life Skills Education. The course features ten
invited, plenary, and featured speakers each of whom will develop a topic related to Life Skills Education
and discuss how it can lead to effective professional and personal development in the eld of TESOL. We
are privileged indeed to be able to conrm the participation of a highly distinguished and truly international
group of professionals and experts: Andy Curtis, Christine Coombe, Jane Revell, Joe McVeigh, Josephine
Clark Kennedy, John ODwyer, Paul Kei Matsuda, Keith Folse, Rosa Aronson, and Reza Pishghadam.
Course participants have the choice of a total of ten different sessions from which to pick the minimum
of six that they will attend. However, those who prefer to attend all ten are very welcome to do that.
It has always been the tradition at TESOL Arabia conferences to ensure that there is no clash between
Development Course sessions and the conference plenaries, ensuring that delegates can attend these
events. We strongly recommend that participants attend those four plenaries that most situate and
enhance their development experience of excellence through Life Skills Education. It will be obvious from
their titles which they are.
44
Achieving Excellence through Life Skills EducationA Compendium

The pursuit of excellence in the classroom and beyond is the quest of many ELT professionals. A central
question is how best to educate oneself to achieve this. A consensus has formed about a number of threats
that stand in the way of achieving this, whilst at the same time some clear life skills have been identied
that are key to its achievement. The ten sessions develop varying aspects of this discussion. How leaders
position themselves in this quest and whether that quest is best led from the front, or from another
anglesay, from the edge, or the Peripheryis a question that Andy Curtis will lead the discussion on.
In another session, Josephine Clark Kennedy will explore what it means to change and how it feels for
teachers to have to both be the instruments of change and bear its brunt whilst having minimal input into
its design. Such situations are fraught with the potential for uncertainty and stress. In another session, Joe
McVeigh will discuss two crucial life skills for coping with this: the development of self-awareness and the
management of stress. Later on in the course, having identied the pivotal role that satisfaction plays in
life, Christine Coombe will go on to reveal what the research tells us about how educators can best increase
the happiness quotient of their personal and professional lives. Looking specically into the classroom
and training room, Jane Revell, will re-assert the importance of the kinaesthetic in achieving excellence
and Reza Pishghadam will explain the term Life Syllabus and consider its importance. Then again, the
charge of teachers is to disseminate. John O Dwyer will lead a session on how best to integrate the learning
of life skills into the second language curriculum. On the other hand, the pursuit of excellence may lead
a teacher to the realisation that they can make an exceptional contribution in the eld of administration.
Rosa Aronson provides an opportunity to see how the strengths people develop as teachers can help them
make that shift as well as identifying areas that require further development. Two other sessions delve into
the urge to publish. Paul Matsudas session focuses on what makes the research of English teachers at the
university level not only well-written and methodologically sophisticated but also publishable. On the other
hand, Keith Folse looks at the skills teachers need when they nd that they have great teaching materials
that they would like to share with others by getting them published.
All in all, this course should provide participants with more than just a peep at the compendium of life skills
that are required to successfully achieve excellence.
Young Learners Development Course
Additionally, this year, we are pleased to be able to offer a development course for teachers who work with
young learners. Each of the four ninety-minute sessions for this course will take place on Saturday morning,
March 10. Because this is a Special Interest Group event, the fee payable will be 100 AED. The maximum
number of participants is 80.
Once again, registration for this course will continue on-site. Those interested in registering will
still be able to do so, as long as seats are available and time permits.
The course will focus on strategies for teaching young learners and will feature Patrick Dougherty, Hector
Ramirez, Katrina Sinclair, Graeme Law-Davis, and Christopher Morrow. Fiodhna will pick up the conference
theme in her session Teaching for Life when she compares old and new methods in the primary school
classroom. Hector will follow her with a session on language usage at multiple levels with multiple tools
which he calls Ideas with Impact. Katrina and Graeme will look at Language in Action in the Early
Years and Chris Morrow will give the nal session entitled Integrating Your Primary Curriculum with
Communicative Tasks.
45
JOB
FAIR
Trace Manual
Michael Fields
Co-chair
Co-chair
TESOL Arabia organizes the Job Fair as a service for our members and others seeking employment. The
purpose of the Job Fair is to provide people seeking employment the opportunity to meet with representatives
of institutions seeking new employees. It should be noted that we live and work in a culture where hiring
practices sometimes differ from those candidates may feel are the norm. We at TESOL Arabia assume no
responsibility for the hiring practices followed by the participating recruiters.
Job Fair Hours

Thursday, March 8, 10:00 AM-7:00 PM
Friday, March 9, 9:00 AM-7:00 PM
Saturday, March 10, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location
Job Fair Registration: Main Registration Desk for Conference
Job Fair Area for Candidates (job seekers): B Block, 1st Floor, Room B-121
Job Fair Area for Recruiters: B Block, 2nd Floor, Room B-250
Interviews: B Block, 2nd Floor
Procedures for Candidates (Job Seekers):

1.
Register and pay for the TESOL Arabia Conference and Exhibition and also the Job Fair. All
candidates who are interviewing during ofcial Job Fair hours must be registered for both the
conference and the Job Fair. Sign in for the Job Fair at the Job Fair Area; please see number 3 below.
2.
Come to the Job Fair with as many copies of your current CV/rsum as the number of
employers you might like to interview with. It is also a good idea to bring your CV/rsum on a
ash drive in case you decide to make some changes during the Conference.
3.
Sign in at the Job Fair desk in the Job Fair Area (B-Block on the 1st Floor, Room B-121). You will
receive a Job Fair ID number and ID card with the number on it. The card must be shown when
submitting CVs/rsums for employers to look over.
4.
Read the job announcements posted around the Job Fair Area, Room B-121. For each job you
would like to apply for, write your Job Fair ID number in the upper left corner of your rsum/CV,
and the appropriate job code in the upper right corner.
5. Submit these CVs/rsums to the Job Fair submissions desk in the Job Fair Area.
6. Check back periodically at the display area near the Job Fair desk to see the lists of candidates
(Job Fair ID numbers) recruiters want to interview.
7.
If your code number appears on a recruiters list, make an interview appointment at the Job Fair desk.
46
Exhibitors
Visit the regions largest display of EFL/ESL publications
and software at stands located near the cafeteria at
Dubai Mens College.
Company/Institute
Contact Person
Tel
Email
Cambridge University Press
Audrey Blincow
971 4 3672166
ablincow@cambridge.org
Princess Nora Bint Abdul Rahman University
Barbara Toth
966 8222597
barb@barbtoth.com
University of Exeter
Emma Reeve
44 1392 724839
e.l.reeve@exeter.ac.uk
Oxford University Press
Julie Till
971 4 3644695
julie.till@oup.com
National Geographic Learning
Michelle Cresswell
44 1264343042
michelle.cresswell@cengage.com
EF Education First
Katarina Ausenius
971 4 4462500
efuae@ef.com
Trinity College London
Farhana Shabbirdin
44 204 8206100
farhana_s@hotmail.co.uk
Macmillan Education
Alice McCall - Judson
44 1865405883
a.judson@macmillan.com
EAQUALS
Anna Andor
36 17855890
aandor@eaquals.org
Learning Land
Ahmed Helal
20 224178623
export@learninglandedu.com
AMIDEAST
Mary Corrado
971 24456720
m.corrado@amideast.org
International Publishers Representatives
Tina Parisi
357 22872355
iprschl@spidernet.com.cy
Pearson Education
Michal
Dziewiatowski
971 4 3678618
Michal.Dziewiatowski@Pearson.com
Black Cat Publishing - DeA
Vittorio D>Aversa
39 0185 1874327
vittorio.daversa@blackcat-cideb.
com
Al Mutanabbi Bookshop - Dubai
Dawood Salabbai
971 4 3965778
dawood@mutanabbi.com
Garnet Education
Peter Holly
971 4 3681593
peterholly@garneteducation.com
Campre Graphic Novels
Reema Singhal
91 11 26348225
reema@campre.co.in
Houghton Mifin Harcourt Publishers
Danielle Nasser
971 4 2932458
danielle.nasser@hmhpub.com
Education Experts
Thaer Manna
966 920000139
thaer@edu-experts.com
Global ELT - Exams & IELTS
Lawrence Mamas
44 (0) 12
7325907
marketing@globalelt.co.uk
Common Educational Prociency Assessment

(CEPA)
Rachel Lange
971 2 6951317
rachellange@mohesr.gov.ae
Khalifa University of Science, Technology & Research
Erin Brannen
971 2 5018540
erin.brannen@kustar.ac.ae
Express Publishing
Panos Milioris
30 210 2111130
panos@expresspublishing.co.uk
47
FAQS
Where can I nd the following during TESOL Arabia?
What?
Where?
Plenary and select Featured Sessions
Auditorium
& TESOL Arabia AGM
(unless otherwise noted on the schedule)
Job Fair
Business or B Block
Exhibition
Student Activities & Cafeteria area
Presentation rooms
Foundations or F Block
20X20 Sessions
Auditorium
IT Village
L113 in DMC Learning Center
Poster Sessions
Outside the Auditorium
What meals are included with my conference registration fee?
When you check in at pre- or onsite registration, you will receive three sets of vouchers (two sets for each
day). These vouchers can be exchanged for one drink and snack. Refreshment stations are available in the
DMC Cafeteria and the Exhibition area.
The DMC cafeteria will be open from 11am to 4 pm every day for those who wish to purchase a meal. Please
note that only UAE dirhams are accepted.
How can I check my email?
You can check your email virtually anywhere on campus provided your laptop has wireless capability. DMC
is a wireless environment. See the next page for details. Alternatively, there are computers available in the
Techno Center.
Where are the restrooms located?
There are a number of restrooms at the back of the DMC auditorium. In the buildings on this campus,
restrooms can be found in the corners next to the entrance areas.
For B104, the closest toilets are at both ends of the building.
For COEE 102 & 103, restrooms are located in the building, beside the reception area.
For L113, youll nd the nearest toilets are in the Engineering Building.
48
FAQS
Where are the prayer rooms located?
There are prayer rooms for men located upstairs opposite the Faculty Area and in the Exhibition Area next
to the cafeteria. Prayer room facilities are available for ladies next to Room L115.
Where can I smoke?
DMC is a smoke-free campus. However, there are designated smoking areas. These are marked on the
campus map. (See back cover)
Where can I get photocopies made?
A limited number of photocopies can be made in the photo copy room in the B building. For all other
requirements, there is a stationer inside the Learning Centre called ABC Imaging. They can also help you
with other stationery requirements.
How can I nd out more about giving a presentation at TESOL Arabia 2013?
Stop by the Presenters Registration and meet our proposals chairs, Konrad Cedro and Justin Shewell.
Alternatively, you could attend their session on Tips for Successful Proposal Writing on Saturday, March
9, 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM in L217.
Where can I get more information about TESOL Arabia Publications?
Stop by the TESOL Arabia Publications booth in the Exhibition hall or get in touch with our Publications
Coordinator, Peter Davidson at peter.davidson@zu.ac.ae or our Perspectives Co-editors Melanie Gobert
and Tandy Bailey at perspectives@tesolarabia.org.
I wanted to have the handout(s) of one of the In-conference

Development Courses. Who should I get in touch with?
Contact Maria Brown, Chair of Development Courses at maria.brown@hct.ac.ae. Alternatively, you can
email Christine Coombe, Conference Co-chair at christine.coombe@hct.ac.ae. If available, they will email
you the handout(s).
I would like to have my paper considered for publication in the

Conference Proceedings? Who should I contact?
There are contribution guidelines in the conference book. For further inquiries contact Peter Davidson,
the Conference Proceedings editor at peter.davidson@zu.ac.ae.
49
Innovative Materials
Showcase
Mashael Al-Hamly
Chair
The Innovative Materials Showcase is a recent addition to the program of the TESOL Arabia Conference and
Exhibition. We invite you to learn more about the materials and professional development opportunities
offered by the publishers, distributors, and educational institutions listed below.
Developing a Blended Learning DELTA for the Western

Region
Higher Colleges of Technology, Western Region
Thursday, March 8, 12:30 PM-1:15 PM, Room COEE 102 A&B
This presentation will report on using a LMS platform in conjunction with f2f learning for the delivery of
the Cambridge DELTA in the Western Region of the UAE. By using the combination of online and f2f, the
presentation will show not only how the challenges of time and distance can be overcome, but also how
a blended approach scaffolds learners with the best of f2f and introduces online education as a serious
contender to challenge this more traditional paradigm.
Jonathan Turner has worked in ELT in Spain, the UK, Central Africa, Latin America, and the UAE, as a
teacher, teacher trainer and centre manager. Previously working for Cambridge University Press, he is now
faculty/DELTA trainer at HCT. He has an MSc in TESOL from Aston University in the UK.
Email: jturner@hct.ac.ae
Multi-sensory English for Young Learners using

Letterland
Letterland International, Ltd.
Using Letterlands unique phonics based approach to the teaching of English the session will
provide some innovative, practical and interactive ideas for Early Years Educators. Letterlands
characters transform plain boring letter shapes into child-friendly pictograms and encourage 3-8
year olds to enjoy learning to speak, read, write and spell in English. Focussing on Letterlands
Fix-it Phonics program the session will explore how learning can be fun using this approach.
Lesley White is a former Early Years teacher, who has trained teachers, helpers and parents to use
Letterland throughout the UK and around the world. Part of the Letterland in-service training team since
1992, Lesley has vast experience in all aspects of Letterland and early phonics teaching. Email: Lesley@
letterland.com
50
Showcase
Show Me an IELTS Band Score 6An Insight into

Language Prociency Levels
IELTS Australia
Thursday, March 8, 3:30 PM- 4:15 PM, Room COEE 102 A&B
By way of example, the presenter will provide insight into the prociency that an IELTS 6.0 band score
represents, with a focus on Speaking and Writing skills. Participants will gain rst hand exposure to footage
of a real candidate taking IELTS. This session is designed to provide educators with an introduction to
the tools to assist them with setting or reviewing English language standards for entry, and will provide a
snapshot of the IELTS test format and assessment criteria.
Geoffrey Crewes has extensive experience in English Language Training, with over 25 years in the
international education sector. Geoffrey holds a Bachelor of Arts with a Diploma of Education from Macquarie
University in Sydney, and a Masters in Applied Linguistics from the University of Sydney. Geoffrey is a
member of the Standards and Accreditation Committee of TESOL International, a trustee of the Language
and Development conference series and a member of the International Education Association of Australia.
Email: geoffrey.crewes@idp.com
From Rags to Riches: Student Edition

Makarem Books
From Rags to Riches: A Story of Abu Dhabi, by renowned businessman and author, Mohammed Al-Fahim
is an excellent resource on identity and national legacy for the local youth[that] can actually be a part
of course curriculum at the undergraduate level for all college students, according to Dr Amber Haque,
Associate Professor of Psychology at UAE University. This is the story of how the new 2011 linguistically
accessible students edition came into being from authorship to editing to publishing with the aid of an
Emirates Foundation Grant (#182/2009).
Dr Patrick Dougherty and Dr Melanie Gobert are the author and editor of the recently released From
Rags to Riches: A Story of Abu Dhabi, Students Edition. Email: Shahul Kavungal Abdul Kareem at shahul.k@
makarem.ae
51
Showcase
Teaching Digital Natives

Express Publishing
Friday, March 9, 9:30 AM-10:15 AM, Room COEE 102 A&B
Our learners are growing up in an environment where they take technology for granted. In this session we
shall explore the challenges of teaching this new generation of learners and to look at some of the tools that
are available to us to help us with this task. It is indeed a brave new world and an exciting one as well.
Natassa Manitsa holds a BA in Educational Psychology from the University of Athens, Greece and a Diploma
in Translation and British Studies from the Institute of Linguists, London, England. She has worked as a
teacher, a teacher trainer, a director of studies, an author and translator for more than 15 years. For the last
ve years she has been the Head of the ELT Consultants Department in Express Publishing and the Chief
Editor of the Teachers Corner site of Express Publishing. Email: natassa@expresspublishing.gr
Grammar and Beyond Motivating Students to Notice

Cambridge University Press
Friday, March 9, 10:30 AM-11:15 AM, Room COEE 102 A&B
Students are always looking for ways to improve their grammar. This session describes ways to maximize
student learning by focusing on the way grammar is used in teaching and learning contexts, facilitating
noticing, creating effective activities, eliminating common mistakes, and applying grammar in writing.
Examples come from Grammar and Beyond.
Peter Lucantoni has had a long career in ELT and teacher training. He is the author of several popular
coursebooks for students, and is an Educational Consultant and Teacher Trainer for Cambridge University
Press. He regularly speaks at conferences and trains internationally in both the public and private sectors.
Email: peter@cup-training.org
Motivating Students with Q Skills for Success

Friday, March 9, 11:30 AM-12:15 PM, Room COEE 102 A&B
What is the best way to motivate students studying English in a university foundation year? In this session,
Shaun Crowley (Oxford University Press) will propose how a Question-Centered Approach can motivate students
more effectively than traditional EAP methodologiesdemonstrating how the critical thinking unit framework
in Oxfords new course, Q Skills for Success, encourages students to engage deeply in each unit topic.
Shaun Crowley of Oxford University Press is the ELT Marketing Manager for the Middle East. During Shauns
10 years at OUP, he has been responsible for the marketing development and promotion of several bestselling courses including Headway Plus and Q Skills for Success. Email: shaun.crowley@oup.com
52
Showcase
Exploring Life Skills with the Mind Series

Macmillan
Friday, March 9, 1:30 PM-2:15 PM, Room COEE 102 A&B
openMind (Macmillan, 2010) and masterMind (Macmillan, 2011) together form an innovative multi-level series
for young adults. In addition to solid language skills, grammar skills and vocabulary skills development, the
series has a unique life skills strand. This presentation explores how the materials work and, in particular,
how life skills are developed over the series in meaningful, practical ways.
Steve Taylore-Knowles has been an author, teacher and trainer for over 17 years and has written a number
of internationally-successful courses, including openMind (Macmillan, 2010) and masterMind (Macmillan,
2011). Email: stevetk01@gmail.com
English Through the Beautiful Game

Football is one of the worlds most popular sports and one of the worlds leading industries. English for
Football is a new coursebook from OUP written by the English language teachers at Manchester United
and Liverpool. The course covers the vocabulary, grammar, words and expressions needed by professional
footballers, academy players, managers, coaches, journalists and fans. It is also ideally suited for motivating
students who prefer football to English. In the workshop we will try out a range of activities from the course
and improve your football uency.
Robert McLarty has been the Publishing Manager for ESP at Oxford University Press since 2004. From 1998
to 2004 he was Principal of OISE Oxford and from 1986 to 1998 he ran ILC Paris and was a DELTA teachertrainer. He is the co-author of Business Basics, Quick Work (Elementary) and Business Focus (Elementary
& Pre-Intermediate). Email: Robert.mclarty@oup.com
Reading in a Blended Environment: Digital Readers

Black Cat Publishing
What is a digital reader, and does it make conventional paper reading material obsolete? Certainly
not! But digital readers certainly add an extra dimension to your reading lessons: you simply blend new
technological resources with the kind of material that you have always used. This demonstration of Black
Cats digital readers will show you how to engage your students by exploiting to the full the stimulating
audio and visual support of Black Cat readers, hopefully turning reluctant readers into curious readers! You
will also see how to exploit activities in a more interactive way, and how to access online activities.
Robert Hill has worked in Spain, Greece and England, and has taught at various Italian universities. A
materials writer and teacher trainer, he has spoken at conferences all over the world. He is series editor for
Black Cat readers and author of The Black Cat Guide to Graded Readers. Email: robhill@tin.it
53
Dubai Discussions and
Forums
Mick King
Chair
The Dubai Discussions and Forums this year draw on the conference theme by asking us to consider aspects
of personal and professional development of those involved in TESOL education in current times. We will
be looking at what is relevant and what is not; we will be questioning our readiness to educate in new
environments; and we will be analysing how we adapt to new ideas in our eld and re-position old ones.
Discussions
The two panel discussions will analyse issues from a global perspective. Panellists will include some of
our main speakers as well as regional experts. After sharing answers to set questions the panellists will
respond to audience questions and viewpoints.
Discussion 1: Rethinking Teacher Evaluation

One aspect of teacher evaluation is to inform educators on how they can improve their practice. So why do
some of us nd it so stressful and question its value? The discussion will consider the best way forward for
how we should be evaluated.
Moderator:
Mick King (bio in concurrent sessions)
Panellists:
John ODwyer (bio in featured speakers)
Peter Davidson (bio in concurrent sessions)
Salah Troudi (bio in concurrent sessions)
Amanda Howard
Dr Amanda Howard is lecturer in the Faculty of Education at the British University in Dubai and responsible
for TESOL elective courses at both EdD and MEd level. Her PhD investigates the impact of teacher
observation on classroom behaviour.
Discussion 2: The TESOL Educator of the Future

The teacher who stands still is the teacher who gets left behind. What are the personal and professional
skills that we need to develop to stay in the race? How willing are we to change?
Moderator:
54
Racquel Warner
Racquel Warner holds an MA in TESOL from the University of Wollongong, Australia, and is a current
doctoral candidate at Exeter University, UK. She is MA TESOL and International Foundation Programme
Coordinator at Middlesex University Dubai and her research interests include professional development.
Panellists:
Jim Scrivener (bio in plenary speakers)
Fiona Copland (bio in featured speakers)
Josephine Clark Kennedy (bio in featured speakers)
Marion Engin
Dr Marion Engin has been teaching and training for 23 years. She has worked with pre-service teachers
and in-service teachers at both secondary and tertiary level. She is particularly interested in how teachers
construct teaching knowledge through interaction with peers and trainers.
Forums
In the three forums, voted on by TESOL Arabia members, audience interaction is encouraged. One or two
facilitators will rst introduce the key issues before inviting attendees to enter into the discussion.
Forum 1: IT for ITs sake: Are we using IT effectively

in the TESOL classroom?
With the increasing use of educational technology in the TESOL classroom, there is a need for teachers to
be trained to use it. But is IT training for teachers actually leading to effective usage in the curriculum? This
forum discusses the issue.
Friday, March 9, 9:30 AM-10:15 AM, Room F208

Moderators: Peter Davidson and James Buckingham (bios in concurrent sessions)
Forum 2: Grammar: Time to go back to basics?

Everyone has opinions on how to teach grammar based on beliefs and classroom experiences. Some
believe teacher training should promote formal grammar instruction. Others prefer more recent techniques
such as noticing, consciousness-raising, inductive learning and techniques integrated with task-based and
skill-based activities. This forum weighs up both sides.

Moderator: Christopher Morrow (bio in concurrent sessions)
Forum 3: Teacher observation: Just how useful is it?

Teacher observation, whether formative or part of teacher evaluation, can be seen as really benecial by
some while others will claim it is unnecessarily stressful and a waste of time. This forum looks at both sides
of the debate.
Saturday, March 10, 1:30 PM-2:15 PM, Room L115

Moderator:
Mary Mayall
Mary Mayall is the Head of the Professional Development Unit and Language Centre at the British University
in Dubai. Previously, as Director of Studies at International House Dubai, she observed, provided feedback
to teachers, discussed their professional development needs, and conducted staff improvement training.
55
New 20X20 Powered by
Pechakucha!
Rehab Rejab
Moderator
herre 6
TESOL Arabia 20x20 is a new initiative that started at the 2011 Conference on a small scale where
presenters shared creative ideas in 5-minute-presentations in an open area that took place concurrently
with the poster sessions. This year, TESOL Arabia signed a handshake agreement with the PechaKucha
organization in Japan (http://www.pecha-kucha.org/) to support TESOL Arabias 20x20 event.
The main topic of 20x20 this year is success stories. Thirteen presenters from seven countries will share
their stories and ideas in presentations using 20 slides auto-advancing in PowerPoint presentations.
The event will take place at the main auditorium of Dubai Mens College on Saturday, March 10, from 9:30
to 11:15 AM.
We are looking forward to seeing you and to receiving your feedback after the event.
20x20 Powered by PechaKucha

Motivating Emirati ESL Learners Through Drama
Through her experience, Lara observed that her Emirati ESL learners are more eager to learn through drama
games. That was evidenced by the achievements of her ESL learners when the school started running
extra-curricular clubs: they wrote play scripts in English, auditioned actors from the student body, showed
up to rehearsals after school and on Saturdays, created the show program and performed their pieces at
the Emirates Festival of Literature 2011 Fringe events for schools. Now, thats learning!
Lara Matossian, Institute of Applied Technology in Dubai, is passionate about young minds and drama
and bringing them together in her ESL classroom. Shes been teaching for over ten years and is on the
committee of the Dubai Drama Group.
Examination Hall Holes: Chat and Cheat

Test administration is an integral and crucial part of assessment. Invigilators and candidates are two key
groups under focus in the examination hall, and are expected to maintain the proper code of conduct. This
presentation will provide glimpses of what often happens inside the examination hall and how rules are
outed. Candidates own behavior and their reaction to invigilator behavior will be highlighted. A wake-up
call for invigilators to concentrate on their responsibilities and be more vigilant.
Dr Rubina Khan is Professor of Applied Linguistics and ELT in the Department of English, University of
Dhaka, Bangladesh. Her areas of interest include assessment, evaluation and leadership skills.
56
Pechakucha!
Adventures in British and American English: A Personal History

The presenter, who lives in the United States, describes his experiences of differences between forms of British
and American English particularly as encountered during a year spent in England. These differences include
variations in grammar, pronunciation, spelling, and vocabulary, as well as in slang and idiomatic expressions.
Joe McVeigh is an independent consultant and program reviewer. He is a co-author of the Q: Skills for
Success series from OUP and of Tips for Teaching Culture from Pearson.
The Power of Podcasting

The terms Podcasting and Podcasts have entered the common lexicon, no longer seen as the odd pursuit
of a few technophiles, but as a common way to access and interact with media. Amongst todays digital
youth, Podcasting represents an unparalleled way to both engage students in ongoing learning, and
encourage the pursuit of creativity and personal growth. This presentation will showcase a podcasting
success at a high school in Dubai.
James Lloyd OHearn, Applied Technology High School in Dubai, born amongst polar bears in Northern
Canada, eventually found himself teaching English in Tokyo, and then doing the same in Dubai.
Amazing Teachers!
With 23 years of experience as a teacher, a supervisor, a teacher trainer and an ELT manager, I know how
difcult it is to hire new teachers. It is really difcult to satisfy them when they are experienced. That is
why I decided to train fresh teachers following a standardized method. Right now they all have their TKT
certicates and their Diploma in TESOL. I call them Amazing Teachers because in less than 1 year they
acquired the experience that some teachers do not gain in 10 Years.
Dr Amir Abbas Ravaei, TESOL Trainer and ELT Manager at the Hakim English Training Institute in Tehran,
Iran, holds a PhD in English language. He is a Cambridge University Speaking Examiner and a TESOL trainer
who runs the Diploma in TESOL courses for London Teacher Training College in Iran.
What a PLN Journey!

Educators always nd ways to use the resources around them to acquire new skills and stay up-to-date with
pedagogical developments. With knowledge being constantly redened, it is vital for teachers to develop
mechanisms to keep up. This presentation will tell the story of a three-year-journey spent by the presenter
to build a Personal Learning Network (PLN) and personalize her own professional development.
Rehab Rajab, English Faculty, Applied Technology High School in Dubai and TESOL Arabia Vice/President
Elect 2012, is passionate about sharing and innovative teaching ideas. She is an advocate of technology in
the classroom and considers herself a lifelong learner.
57
Pechakucha!
Content Generator
Content Generator is software that you can download to make your own online interactive games. This
presentation will showcase three free downloads, Fling the Teacher, in which the students build a trebuchet,
Teacher Invaders, based on the arcade game Space Invaders, and the quiz game Half a Min all with
realistic sound effects and with the possibility to be used on the interactive whiteboard as a class activity
or on students computers for online independent learning.
Dr Melanie Gobert, Abu Dhabi Mens College, is the Editor of Perspectives, the TESOL Arabia peer-reviewed
journal. Her interests include online learning and independent learning.
Addressing IELTS Needs Using Blackboard as a Platform

In Fall 2010, the institution where I teach created an English skills course for year three students to raise
their IELTS scores. Failure to achieve the set benchmark would result in students not being allowed to
nish their degrees. Faced with student stress and discontent, I needed to nd a solution that allowed
teaching academic English in a pedagogically sound manner while trying to alleviate student stress. My
solution was to deliver old IELTS exam sections via the Internet using the institutions Blackboard site.
Cornelius OConnell, Emirates College for Advanced Education, Abu Dhabi, has taught in the USA, Japan
and the UAE for the last 20 years. He has a BSc in Phys Ed and an ME in TESOL/Bilingual Ed.
Visual Tools in the ESL Classroom

The presentation builds a strong case for using visual mapping tools in the ESL classroom. The presentation
starts by featuring historical maps dating back 13,000 years and the worlds oldest bilingual script. The
presentation introduces each map and follows with classroom drawn and computer generated examples.
This type of learning is innovative, cognitive, constructive, and generative. The learning theories connected
with this presentation are BICS/CALP, constructivism, and the generation effect.
Joseph Oliphant, English Literature teacher, TED Antalya Koleji/TESOL, Antalya, Turkey has taught Business
English, ESP, and academic English in Turkey for ve years. His research interests are cognitive classrooms,
academic vocabulary, and visual tools.
English Language Instructor in an Oil Company Perspectives from a Female

UAE National
This brief presentation explores the advantages and gains that can be leveraged from an unusual ELT
situation. The UAE is in a situation where the majority of instructors are male non-nationals while their
students are almost invariably nationals. This presentation explores the potential insights and understanding
that the presenter brings to this situation and how these attributes can be put to advantage so as to lay
the foundation for successful learning in the classroom.
Hekmat Bani Hashem, Senior English Instructor, Zakum Development Company (ZADCO), Abu Dhabi,
joined ZADCO as an English Language Instructor in July 2009. Proudly, not only is she the rst UAE national
instructor in ZADCO, but also the rst UAE national instructor in any of the ADNOC Operating Companies.
58
Pechakucha!
Empowering Learners Creativity

Creativity in simple words is the process of producing outstanding outcomes that are both original and
have value based on common acquired knowledge and skills. Creativity is possible in all areas of human
activity and all young people and adults have creative capacities. Developing these capacities involves
a balance between teaching skills and understanding, and promoting the freedom to innovate, and the
willingness to take risks.
Khaldoon Abdalhadi, English teacher, Ministry of Education, Ajman, UAE, has been working in the UAE as
an English language teacher since 2004. She started her teaching career in 1994 and has taught different
age groups. She also worked as an English language translator. Currently she is doing her MA in the eld of
online curriculum and instruction at Hamdan Bin Mohamed eUniversity (HBMEU), Dubai.
Research Within EFL/ESL Contexts: Points to Consider

What is it that makes a good applied linguist researcher? What does research within the eld of EFL/ESL
require? Aiming to ensure quality research, the current presentation seeks to offer an overview of research
within the eld of applied linguistics, as it pertains to second/foreign language acquisition.
Dr Suhair Al Alami, University Lecturer, Al Ghurair University, Dubai, graduated in 2003 with a PhD in
Applied Linguistics. She is currently reading for a second PhD at Aston University in Birmingham, England.
Literature and Technology in EFL/ESL Contexts

For a long time, literature was the main source of input for teaching language. With the advent of
Structuralism and the Audio Lingual Method, the role of literature in the EFL/ESL class declined. However,
in the middle of the 1980s literature surfaced once again and there has been renewed interest in using
literature in the EFL/ESL class. This presentation will propose a program that can be of use to the EFL/ESL
educators who are interested in integrating literature in their EFL/ESL classes using technology.
Dr Nagwa Soliman is currently a senior English Language Lecturer at the British University in Cairo, Egypt. Her
research interests include extensive reading, critical thinking and literature and technology in EFL/ESL contexts.
59
IT
Village
Bruce McCoy
Jennifer
er
rM
McCoy
cCo
Co-Chair
Co-Chair
Are you just

ust getting
get
started integrating IT into your teaching, or are you a
more experienced IT user looking for some new ideas?
Either way, the sessions in this years IT Village are sure to have something for you. There are a variety of
workshops on offer to suit your needs, so come and take a look. Youll take home some new skills that will
help you incorporate technology into your lessons in a way that will effectively support language instruction.
BEGINNER SESSIONS*
INTERMEDIATE SESSIONS*
Teaching English with Twitter
Alternative Assessment Using Web 2.0
Blanco , Susan
Tools
Atesok, Deniz
Yes Everyone Can Glog :-)
Sarigul Aydogan,
Hatice
Using VoiceThread to Create Student
Excellent Vocabulary Word Lists

Titcomb, Jonathon
Introduction to Using an Online Corpus

Baghestani, Shireen
On-line Corpus in L2 Writing Class
Teacher ePortfolios: A Vehicle for Reection
Al-Belushi, Zawan
Moustafa, Ahmed
Presentations
Bessette, Alan
A Workshop on Avatars
Parsaiyan, Fahimeh and Fatemeh Nami
Teaching English with Serious Online Games
Patent, David
Developing Students Skills through
Interactive Online Programs
Nostas, Alissa and Meghan Pearson
Keyboarding as a Barrier to English
Gondree, Eric
Making Online Learning Work in Your Courses
Baran, Katrina
*Presentation details are available in the Concurrent Sessions section.
60
Poster
Sessions
This years
ars p
poster sessions will take place in the Foyer at the Dubai Mens College Main Entrance, just
outside the Auditorium. Presenters will be there on Friday, March 9, from 1:30 PM-2:15 PM after the Annual
General Meeting to answer questions about their work.
PRESENTERS*
TITLE
Alsheikh, Negmeldin and Elham Yahia
Arabic ESL/EFL: Cultural Thought Patterns in Writing
Al-Shammari, Ohood and

Ethel Capellan
Motivating EFL Students: Reection on Motivational

Strategies
Alizadeh, Meharasa and

Samaneh Eslamdoust
Time Distribution in Teaching English Articles
Arakelyan, Marine
Teaching Lexis through Concordance Lines
Balint, Dennis
Emphasizing Note-taking Skills for Better Research

Writing
Haghnazari, Sima
Individual Differences in the Acquisition of Literacy
McHarg, Molly
Developing a Peer Consultant Program in Qatar
Sajedi, Roghayeh
Fostering Language Learning through Critical

Thinking Activities
Shokrpour, Nasrin
Extroversion/Introversion Tendencies and EFL

Speaking Skill
*Presentation details are available in the Concurrent Sessions section.
61
TESOL Arabia
Book Drive
Nurses in Somaliland holding copies of donated

books they used last summer.
Thank you notes from students in the Al Hemam

Institute, Ajman.
The TESOL Arabia Book Drive room is humming with activity these days. The main task is packing up boxes
for a large shipment to Iraqs universities. TA member Anwar Fettlawi helped arrange this by contacting
the Embassy and the Ministry of Higher Education in Baghdad. This shipment should be completed before
the TESOL Arabia conference. Next summer, we plan to send more books to help out with the training of
nurses in Somaliland as we did last summer. In addition, the 620 boxes we shipped last September should
soon be distributed among several Somaliland universities.
Closer to home, the Book Drive continues to support Al Hemam Institute in Ajman which provides after
school training to teens and low-income adults. Several boxes of books were also donated a few weeks ago
to help AUD student-teachers provide weekly English courses to laborers in Dubai. This effort is coordinated
in part by the Adoptacamp charity. We also plan to donate graded readers to a reading project established
by the TA Literature SIG in Sharjah for the Ruqaya Girls School.
We continue to rely on the hard work and youthful energy of several high school volunteers, some of whom
are doing their Duke of Edinburgh Award. Youll probably see some of them at this years TA conference.
The book storage room in Zayed University continues to be ours, and were still sorting out thousands of
books donated by ZU last month, so we expect to stay very busy for the next few months. ZU is planning
to donate even more coursebooks from various majors in the near future after they are decommissioned. A
special thanks for the hard work of volunteers like Stacey Patton at Al Ain Womens College and Jamie Baird
at ZU-AUH. There have been many others who have pitched in a big thank you to all!
62
Annual
General Meeting
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Friday, March 9, 12:30 PM-1:15 PM in the Dubai Mens College Main Auditorium
Rosa Aronson, Executive Director of the TESOL International Association, will open the AGM. Reports from
various TESOL Arabia Committees will be presented, organizational matters will be voted on, results of the
elections for the coming year will be announced, and Professional Service Awards will be presented.
TESOL Arabia Executive Council
President _______________________________________________
Vice President/President-Elect ________________________
Past President _________________________________________
Conference Co-chairs __________________________________
Conference Treasurer __________________________________
Executive Secretary____________________________________
Executive Treasurer (Acting)___________________________
Member-at-Large ______________________________________
Membership Secretary (Acting) ______________________
SIG Coordinator ________________________________________
Perspectives Editors ___________________________________
Publications Coordinator ______________________________
Webmaster _____________________________________________
Abu Dhabi Representative_____________________________
Al Ain Representative _________________________________
Dubai Representative _________________________________
Eastern Region Representative ______________________
Ras Al Khaimah Representative ______________________
Sharjah Representative _______________________________
Western Region Representative ______________________
Les Kirkham
James McDonald
Suan Abu-Rmaileh
Christine Coombe & Beth Wiens
Beth Wiens
David Mulvihill
Suan Abu-Rmaileh
Sandra Oddy
Les Kirkham
Heather M. Baba
Melanie Gobert & Tandy Bailey
Peter Davidson
Konrad Cedro
Fathi Bin Mohamed
Mouhamad Mouhanna
Rehab Rejab
Sally McQuinn
vacant
Mona El Samaty
vacant
All members of TESOL Arabia are encouraged to attend the TESOL Arabia Annual General Meeting. Please
bring your membership card or receipt with you. If you do not have either, please bring a photo ID to obtain
admittance.
63
Professional Service
Awards
Paul De Jong
Justin S
Shewell
hewell
Paul De Jong has worked steadily coordinating the Book Drive since 2004. Thats eight years of Saturdays
given up to sort through tons and tons of books donated to TESOL Arabia, hours spent nding contacts in
places like Iraq, Sudan, Somalia and Afghanistan; hours sorting and packing boxes, arranging for transport
and the like. In his role as the coordinator (and now co-coordinator), he has helped keep the Book Drive
alive. He was instrumental in getting the storage area we have at Zayed University where much of the work
takes place. Thousands of books have been donated and shipped to resource-stricken areas in the Middle
East, Africa and further. Without his dedication to helping provide books for those less fortunate, the Book
Drive would not be what it is today.
Justin Shewell rst began serving TESOL Arabia as the IT SIG Chair. It was at a joint SIG/Chapter event
and he presented on his website eslactivities.com. He had recently arrived in the UAE and he was already
serving TESOL Arabia. He went on to become the Webmaster for TESOL Arabia, an appointed non-voting
Executive Council position from 2005 to 2009, when he left the country to return to the States to pursue
his doctoral degree. He was responsible for the new face of TESOL Arabias website in 2005 and further
developing the database system that allows us to submit and review hundreds of proposals for our biggest
event, the TESOL Arabia Annual International Conference.
Despite leaving an ofcial role on the Executive Committee, Justin continued to work in the background
co-chairing the proposals committee with Dr Lisa Barlow after he had left the country and the Executive
Committee. Justin also ran the IT Village at the annual conference for several years during his tenure as
Webmaster. In the past year, when we lost our TACON Proposals Chair and subsequent Webmaster, Justin
immediately stepped in to ll the breach despite being a resident in the USA. In fact, Justin never let TESOL
Arabia down even during the tenure of the previous Webmaster and TACON Proposals Chair. He was always
there virtually to help us gure out what was going on with our website, proposal database, yahoo groups,
tesolarabia.org emails, etc., and he did it voluntarily without even residing in the country. He truly deserves
the honor of the TESOL Arabia Professional Service Award.
Professional Service Award recipients are nominated by two TESOL Arabia members and then voted on by
the Executive Council. Nominations are open to all TESOL Arabia members, with the exceptions of currently
serving Executive Council members.Information about the Professional Service Awards and the nomination
process is available at the TESOL Arabia website.
64
Dr Lisa Barlow Memorial
Travel Grant
Dr Lisa Barlow
TESOL Arabia President, 2006-2007
TESOL Arabia
Professional Service Award 2010
Many of you will remember Dr Lisa Barlows hard work and dedication to TESOL Arabia and its members.
Dr Barlow faithfully served TESOL Arabia since 1997 in a variety of roles, including and most notably,
President. She also served the organization as Executive Treasurer, Member-at-Large, Vice President and
Past President. In 2010, Dr Barlow received the highly-coveted TESOL Arabia Professional Service Award.
This award is intended for an ELT professional who has made a signicant impact on the organization
and on professional development in the region. In particular, Dr Barlow served as Proposals Co-chair on
the Conference Committee for several years. Conference Proposals Co-chair, Justin Shewell, remembers
her spending hours corresponding with prospective presenters, recruiting submissions, working with the
Proposals Review Team to ensure quality presentations were accepted, and handling the applications for
the Travel-In Grant that allowed many international presenters to attend and present at TESOL Arabia who
would not have been able to otherwise.
Although Dr Barlow did not develop the Travel-In Grant, it was one of the grants she worked most closely
with. In addition, she was passionate about the travel grant and worked diligently to see that the grant
went to deserving international presenters. Therefore, the TESOL Arabia Executive Council voted to rename
the TESOL Arabia Conference Travel-In Grant to the Dr Lisa Barlow Memorial Travel Grant at the Executive
Retreat in September 2011.
Dr Lisa Barlow Memorial Travel Grant Recipients 2012

Amany Haroun Al Khayat
Saudi Arabia
Barbara Toth
Saudi Arabia
Eric Gondree
Mai Madgy Abdel-Hakeem

Mohammed Hassan
Egypt
Japan
Nasra Adan
Saudi Arabia
H. Douglas Sewell
South Korea
Nataliia Reutska
Ukraine
Hala Al Toni
Egypt
Ola Hafez
Egypt
Hatice Sargl Aydogan
Turkey
Rabail Qayyum
Pakistan
Jagdish S. Patil
India
Reem Essa Aloud
Saudi Arabia
Joseph Scott Oliphant
Turkey
Samira Moussaoui
Algeria
Kevin Hodgson
Japan
Taghreed Al-Saraj
UK
Laila Rizk
Egypt
Wafa Thabet Mezghani
Tunisia
Lyudmyla Kulakova
Ukraine
Zawan Al-Belushi
Oman
65
TESOL Arabia International
Travel Grants
James McDonald
Chair
Travel Grant Committee
TESOL Arabia offers International Travel Grants to assist members in travel, accommodation, and
living expenses incurred in participating in conferences, conventions, seminars, symposia and similar
professionally-related events, other than TESOL Arabia events, outside the UAE/GCC. This grant provides
limited nancial support for individual eligible TESOL Arabia members to present papers, or play a signicant
role in such events which are relevant to TESOL Arabia. The grant is administered by the International Travel
Grant Committee which is composed of the Vice President, who acts as the Committee Chair, one other
member of the TESOL Arabia Executive Council, and three ordinary members of TESOL Arabia in good
standing appointed at the discretion of the Chair. This Committee elds all applications.
This years TESOL Arabia International Grant Recipients were:
Recipient
Conference
Location
Presentation/Role
Ali Shehadeh
4th Task-based
Language Teaching
Conference
University of
Auckland, New
Zealand
Classroom Applications of TaskBased Language Assessment in

EFL Contexts
Les Kirkham
Uzbekistan
Teachers of English
Association
Tashkent, Uzbekistan
The Assessment Iceberg/

Mentoring Teachers
Christine
Coombe
Thai TESOL
Bangkok, Thailand
Teacher Effectiveness: Empirical

and Practical Perspectives
Suan AbuRmaileh
TESOL International
Philadelphia, USA
Leadership Skills and Strategies

in English Language Teaching
Molly McHarg
TESOL International
Philadelphia, USA
Qatar TESOL Afliate Delegate
The 2011-2012 TESOL Arabia International Travel Grant Committee

James McDonald Chair (ABP Level Coordinator Zayed University)
Andrew Blackmore (Curriculum Supervisor Zayed University)
Sally Ann Long-Duffy (Seminar Counselor Zayed University)
Elizabeth Birch (Instructor Zayed University)
*For more information about the TESOL Arabia International Travel Grant
visit: http://www.tesolarabia.org/grants/travel.php
66
TESOL Arabia Professional
Development Course Grants

TESOL Arabia believes that learning is a continuous and never-ending process. It is something we, as
professionals, should engage in throughout our lives. To help our members realise this goal, TESOL Arabia
has a Professional Development Course (PDC) Grant so that members in good standing can receive some
nancial help with courses of study they wish to follow.
Courses come in various shapes and forms. They include, for example, studying for a Masters or Doctorate
Degree which happens over the period of a few years and attending the TESOL Arabia Pre-Conference
Professional Development courses which happen in one day. TESOL Arabia can help you pay for your course,
no matter how long or short.
To receive a PD Course Grant, TESOL Arabia takes into consideration various elements, one of the most
important of which is the applicants service to the organisation. In other words, what have you as a
member contributed to TESOL Arabia? The more service a member has given to TESOL Arabia, the better
chances of the application being successful.
So what kind of things can you do to serve TESOL Arabia? Well, how about:
doing a presentation/workshop for your local Chapter or SIG. If you are willing to do this, get in
touch with your Area or SIG Rep to discuss matters.
presenting at the Annual International TESOL Arabia Conference
becoming a reviewer of the books we are sent for review in Perspectives. Contact Cindy Gunn, the
Perspectives Reviews Editor, at cgunn@aus.edu.
writing a short report about the course for Perspectives. Contact perspectives@tesolarabia.org
volunteering to help with the TESOL Arabia book drive for your area. Again, contact details are on
the website.
In the 2010-2011 academic year, TESOL Arabia awarded two PDC Grants:
Molly McHarg, for the Teacher-Scholar Symposium at the Eberly College of Business and Information
Technology, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Dana Kampman, for the online course Supervision: An Educative Process, World Learnings Teacher
Training and Professional Development Institute
The 2011-2012 TESOL Arabia Professional Development Course Grant Committee

Sandra Oddy, Al Ain Womens College, HCT (Chair, TESOL Arabia Executive Member)
Jamie McDonald, Zayed University (TESOL Arabia Executive Member)
Kevin Neumann, Al Ain Mens College, HCT (Ordinary Member)
Katrina Sinclair, Al Ain Womens College, HCT (Ordinary Member)
Rachel Pratley, Al Ain Womens College, HCT (Ordinary Member)
*For more information about the TESOL Arabia Professional Development Course Grant
visit: http://www.tesolarabia.org/grants/PD_Course_Grant_Guidelines.pdf
67
TESOL Arabia
Research Grants
Guidelines
1. Overview
TESOL Arabia provides limited nancial support to fund small-scale research projects conducted by active
TESOL Arabia members who are engaged in research on issues and concerns pertinent to the TESOL Arabia
membership. The goal of these grants would be to generate new knowledge about English teaching and
learning in the Arabian Gulf. The grant is administered by the TESOL Arabia Research (TAR) Grant Committee
which is composed of the Publications Coordinator, who acts as the Committee Chair, the Vice-President,
the Proposals Chair, and three ordinary members of TESOL Arabia in good standing appointed at the
discretion of the Chair. This Committee will eld all applications, but reserves the right to send a proposal
out for external review.
2. Current Limitations and Constraints

Given funding limitations, the following constraints are necessary:
i.
Financial support available through the TAR Grant will in many cases be modest and partial in terms of
the full costs of the proposed activity. TESOL Arabia expects that the applicants will apply for other funds
and use some of their own resources. This enables the allocated resources to benet more members.
ii.
There is no absolute entitlement to money in any given year, and when the funds are depleted, no
further applications will be accepted.
iii. Applicants may only be funded for one TAR Grant per budget year. The budget year runs from October
1st to September 30th.
iv. No TAR Grant shall exceed 5000 AED per year.
3. Eligibility
All current members of TESOL Arabia who have been members of TESOL Arabia for at least one full calendar
year are eligible to apply for funding. Current members of TESOL Arabia who have been members for less
than one full calendar year are not eligible to apply for funding. Members may apply jointly or as individuals.
4. Applying for a Research Grant

i. Applicants are requested to submit an application in full, following the format below. This should be sent
to the Chair of the TARG Committee.
ii. Research Grant Proposal Format:
A cover page, which includes:

Title of Project
Name/s and afliation/s of applicant/s
Email, phone, fax and mailing address of applicant/s
Project summary (200-250 words)
Detailed Proposal (5 pages maximum), which includes:

Statement of the research issue or problem
68
TESOL Arabia
Research Grants
Brief theoretical background
Research methodology
Timetable
Plans for dissemination of results (names of journals, conferences etc.)
Select bibliography (2 pages maximum; not included in 5 page limit)
Researcher bio(s)
Detailed budget and rationale for all items (2 pages maximum)

Allowable expenses: personnel, transportation, communication, supplies etc.
Unallowable expenses: equipment (i.e., laptop, software), travel to conferences
Applicants must supply information about all other funds they are receiving as well as report previous
TESOL Arabia grants received
Applicants must state their TESOL Arabia membership number, and describe their service to TESOL Arabia
Current curriculum vitae
iii. All of the above should be pasted into one document and sent as an e-mail attachment to the Publications
Coordinator.
iv. Applications should only be submitted in the budget year in which the research will be conducted. The
budget year runs from 1st October to 30th September.
v. Incomplete documentation will not be considered.
vi. The deadline for applications is January 1, 2013.
5. Criteria for Awarding the Research Grant

Funding is evaluated and awards granted based on the following factors:
i.The relevance of the research for which money is requested to TESOL Arabia
ii.Preference is given to projects that have clear and direct implications for policy and decision makers
involving English language teaching, learning and assessment practices in the Arabian Gulf
iii.Whether the applicant/s has/have previously received money from TESOL Arabia in the form of a PDC
Grant, a Travel Grant (In) or a Travel Grant (Out)
iv.The applicants/s service to TESOL Arabia.
v.Preference is given to projects that can be completed in less than one year
vi.TA reserves the right not to grant funds based on the quantity and quality of proposals received.
In all cases, decisions made by the Committee are nal and no correspondence regarding
decisions reached will be entered into.
6. Responsibilities of the Grantee/s

Grantees will have to
i. Submit six month progress reports to the TARG Committee Chair as well as
ii.Submit a feature article for Perspectives in the scal year.
*Please send proposals and inquiries to Peter.davidson@zu.ac.ae
69
Conference Proceedings
Call For Papers
Peter Davidson
Conference Proceedings Editor
The editors of the Proceedings of the 2012 TESOL Arabia Conference would like to invite you to submit a
paper based on your presentation at the TESOL Arabia 2012 Conference to be considered for publication in
the next volume of the Proceedings. Only those who presented at the conference may submit articles for
the Proceedings.
Please send your article to Publications Coordinator, Peter Davidson at: Peter.davidson@zu.ac.ae
The deadline for submissions is Monday, October 1, 2012.
Please follow the specications outlined below:
Articles should be 3000-4000 words.
Articles should be typed using Times New Roman, font size 12, with 1 line spacing.
If you include Tables and/or Figures, make sure they are no wider than 12 cm.
Do not use color in Tables or Figures.
Do not use footnotes.
Only use portrait orientation (i.e. do not insert any pages in landscape orientation).
Remove all hyperlinks in the text.
Include a complete list of references using APA style. the Publications Manual of
the American Psychological Association, 6th Edition (2009) if necessary or visit
http://ash1r.apa.org/apastyle/basics
Send articles electronically as a Word attachment.
We will acknowledge receipt of articles within two weeks.
On Sale Now at the TESOL Arabia Publication

Booth in the Exhibition Hall!
70
The 3rd TESOL Arabia, TESOL International and
Franklin SpellEvent
Suan Abu-Rmaileh
TESOL Arabia Past President/
SpellEvent Chair
On Saturday, April 21, 2012, students from various public schools in the United Arab Emirates are invited
to participate in the 3rd TESOL Arabia, TESOL International and Franklin SpellEvent. The event will take
place at Dubai Mens College in Academic City, Dubai. This event is organized by TESOL International and
Franklin International Publishers and will be the fourth annual event of its kind. This competition is a global
spelling competition for non-native English speaking students who are under the age of 15. The goal of the
competition is to promote the learning of English as a foreign language.
Students in public schools across the UAE are welcome to apply to participate in the event. This competition
is aimed at students who are in the local schools of the country where the language of instruction in those
schools is the local language with a maximum of three subjects taught in English, the regular English class and
two other subjects taught in English. The language of communication used in the home shouldnt be English.
As for the rst place winner in the competition in the UAE, that participant and one of his/her guardians
will receive an all-expense paid trip for three days to participate in the international TESOL International/
Franklin SpellEvent competition in New York or Washington, DC, USA. The winner will join winners from
14 other countries, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Russia,
Senegal, Spain, South Korea, and Turkey in the competition. The champion of the international SpellEvent
will win a $10,000 scholarship to use towards his or her education.
TESOL Arabias participation in the Franklin Global SpellEvent is part of its commitment to include public
school students and teachers by providing them with opportunities, local and international, to develop
language learning. Out of our appreciation for our young students and for their learning, we believe in
developing their skills and talents in the use of the English language.
TESOL Arabia is keeping the tradition of the SpellEvent and continues to build on the benets of such
events for the community. To participate in this years SpellEvent or seek information about it, you can
email Suan Abu-Rmaileh at suan12000@yahoo.com.
(The top four nishers, Ahmed Mohammed Al

Aryani (1st), Eman Duhail Al Ameri (2nd), Mohammed
Yussef Mohammed Al Shamsi (3rd), and Mirhan
Maher Abdul Razeq (4th).
First Place Winner, Ahmed Mohammed Al Aryani,

Maritza Lorge, of Franklin Publishers, and TESOL
Arabia Past President, Suan Abu-Rmaileh at the
2011 SpellEvent at Dubai Mens College.
71
TESOL Arabias International
Afliations
MOUHAMAD
HAMAD
MOUHANNA
Afliate Representative
IATEFL International 2012
Rehab R
Rejab
ejab
Afliate Representative
TESOL International 2012
Many TESOL Arabia members may not be aware that we have formal relationships with the two pre-eminent
international English teachers associations in the world: TESOL International Association (TESOL) based in
the United States, and the International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language (IATEFL)
which has its Head Ofce in the United Kingdom.
We have been afliated with TESOL since the very beginning back in the mid-90s, and associated with
IATEFL for the past 10 years. Both organizations hold TESOL Arabia in great respect and are keen to
continue ofcial agreements. TESOL Arabia has also contributed signicantly to both organizations. At
present, a TESOL Arabia Executive Council member, Christine Coombe, is actually the current President of
TESOL International (and an ex-member of the IATEFL Conference Committee), and another, Les Kirkham,
has been on the Board of IATEFL for the last 4 years as their Associates Representative.
This is a further way in which TESOL Arabia has planted itself rmly on the world map of professional
development in English language teaching, and a way in which further benets can be accrued for its
members. Although TESOL Arabia is an independent organization, and membership does not automatically
include membership of either IATEFL or TESOL International, our links with both demonstrate our good
standing on the international scene, and we are hoping to extend this to bilateral arrangements with other
national and regional teachers associations around the world.
Each year, TESOL Arabia sends an afliate representative from the TESOL Arabia Executive Council to the
TESOL International Conference in the USA and the IATEFL International Conference in the UK. This years
TESOL Arabia Afliate Representatives are Rehab Rejab, TESOL Arabia Vice President and Dubai Chapter
Representative, of the Applied Institutes of Technology, Dubai, to the TESOL International Conference in
Philadelphia, USA, and Mouhamad Mouhanna, Al Ain Chapter Representative, of United Arab Emirates
University, Al Ain, to the IATEFL International Conference in Glasgow, Scotland, UK.
72
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TESOL Arabia
Special Interest Groups

English for Specic Purposes SIG
Leadership & Management SIG
Phone: 02 644 0339

Email: esptesolarabia@gmail.com
Phone: 050 619 4796

Email: christine.coombe@hct.ac.ae
Saad Rabia
Chair
Najat Saadi Hezber

Co-Chair
Sandra Zaher
Co-Chair
Christine Coombe
Co-Chair
Literature, Literacy, & Language Arts SIG
Teacher Training & Teacher Development SIG
Phone: 050 527 7685

Email: tarabialit@gmail.com
Email: tatdsig@gmail.com
Hala El Muniawai
Teamleader
Radhika OSullivan
Webmaster
Learner Independence SIG
Marion Engin
Co-chair/Editor
Mary Mayall
Treasurer
Testing, Assessment & Evaluation SIG
Phone: 050 619 4796

Email: tailearn@yahoo.com
Website: http://ilearn.20m.com
Phone: 050 843 8728

Email: peter.davidson@zu.ac.ae
Amr El Zarka
Chair
Ranya Al Haddad
Had
Hadd
dda
da
Secretary
Sama El Shal
Treasurer
READ SIG
Educational Technology SIG
Daniel Stebbins
Phone: 050 464 5002
Email: daniel.stebbins@moe.gov.ae
Email: edtechsig@gmail.com
Ning: http://taedtech.ning.com
Yasser Salem, Chair

Phone: 050 266 8937
Email: yassersalem@yahoo.com
Christine Coombe
Co-Chair
Edtecharabia.twitter.com
#taedtech
Daniel Stebbins
Treasurer/ Webmaster
Jim Buckingham
Research SIG
Phone: 050 780 3988

Email: amelki22@yahoo.com
researchsig22@gmail.com
Muhammad Azaza
Chair
74
Helen Donaghue
Co-Chair
Phil Quirke
Co-Chair
Anour Bennani
Proposals/
Publications
Coordinator
Sevhan Acar
Hammudeh
Secretary/Networking
Coordinator
Helene Demirci
Treasurer/Events
Coordinator
Cindy Gunn
Vance Stevens
Peter Davidson
Co-Chair
TESOL Arabia
Special Interest Groups Sessions

TESOL Arabia Special Interests Groups (SIGs) aim to provide year-round opportunities for professional
development, operate channels of communication for SIG and TESOL Arabia information, facilitate discussion
and the exchange of ideas among their members, and encourage research in their specialist areas.
To achieve these aims, the SIGs offer a wide range of activities including Emirates-wide events, courses,
print and online newsletters, discussion lists, online collaborative projects, publishing opportunities, and
web pages. They also invite major international presenters to the annual conference as well as establishing
international links, with their members often representing TESOL Arabia at regional and overseas events.
In addition to the SIGs sessions listed below, most SIG Chairs are presenting at the Conference and/
or facilitating workshops or leading meetings. We hope you will take these opportunities to meet and
chat with the SIG Leadership Teams to nd out more about activities, give your suggestions, share your
experiences and get involved.
SIG
TITLE
SPEAKERS
Literature, Literacy
& Language Arts
Dynamic Idiolect: Moving

Beyond a Stereoscopic
View with Multiple
Languages
Robert
Ackland
Leadership &
Management
Pedagogical Leadership
for Life Skills in ESOL
John ODwyer
Thursday, March 8, 1:30

PM-2:15 PM, Room L115
READ SIG
Addressing Both Language

Acquisition and Literacy in
the Classroom
Nancy
Mullins &
Andrea Stairs
Thursday, March 8,
4:30 PM-5:15 PM, Room
L115
Educational
Technology
Facebook Nation: Social

Networks & ELT
Nicky Hockly
Friday, March 9, 9:30

AM-10:15 AM, Room
L115
TTTD SIG Session

Teacher Training
& Teacher
Development
Legitimate Talk in
Feedback Conferences
Fiona
Copeland
Learner
Independence
Principles and Procedures

in the Autonomy
Classroom - Developing
Lifelong Learning Skills
Lienhard
Legenhausen

English for
Specic Purposes
Contextualizing English
for Specic Purposes
Z. N. Patil

Developing Research
and the Researcher: The
Case of Mixed Methods in
TESOL Investigations
Fiona
Copeland
Saturday, March 10,

11:30 AM-12:15 PM,
Auditorium
Impact of Large-scale
Literacy Testing on Second
Language Students
Liying Cheng
Saturday, March 10,

1:30 PM-2:15 PM,
Auditorium
Research
Testing,
Assessment &
Evaluation
DATE/TIME/ROOM
Thursday, March 8,
11:30 AM-12:15 PM,
Room L115
Friday, March 9,
11:30 AM-12:15 PM,
Auditorium
75
TESOL Arabia
Chapter Representatives
Abu Dhabi Chapter Representative
Al Ain Chapter Representative
Fathi Ben Mohamed
Mouhamad Mouhanna
ADNOC Technical Institute
UGRU United Arab Emirates University
Abu Dhabi, UAE
P.O. Box 17172, Al Ain, UAE
Phone: 050 441 2529
Phone: 055 959 2547
Email: fathibenmohamed@yahoo.com
Email: mmouhanna@gmail.com
Sharjah Chapter Representative

Mona El Samaty
University of Sharjah
College of Arts, English Department
P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, UAE
Dubai Chapter Representative

Rehab Rajab
Applied Technology High School
P.O. Box 124354, Dubai, UAE
Phone: 06 505 3349
Phone: 050 637 5957
Email: monaelsamaty@gmail.com
Email: rehabrejab@yahoo.com
Ras Al Khaimah Chapter Representative
Eastern Region Chapter Representative
Position Vacant
Sally McQuinn
If interested contact Les Kirkham at
Fujairah Womens College,
leskirkham@gmail.com or
Sandra Oddy at sandra.oddy@hct.ac.ae
P.O. Box 1626, Fujairah, UAE

Phone: 056 120 9055
Email: smcquinn@hct.ac.ae
Western Region Chapter

h
Representative
Position Vacant
If interested contact Les Kirkham at
leskirkham@gmail.com or Sandra
Oddy at sandra.oddy@hct.ac.ae
76
TESOL Arabia
Executive Council
President/Membership Secretary
Past President/Executive Treasurer
Les Kirkham
Suan Abu-Rmaileh
Email: leskirkham@gmail.com
UAE University-UGRU
Al Ain, UAE
Phone: 050 713 1803
Email: suan12000@yahoo.com
Vice President/President Elect
Executive Secretary
James McDonald
David Mulvihill
Zayed University
Zayed University
Dubai, UAE
Dubai, UAE
Phone: 04 402 1371
Phone: 056 724 7928
Email: james.mcdonald@zu.ac.ae
Email: david.mulvihill@zu.ac.ae
Conference Treasurer/Conference Co-chair
Conference Co-chair
Beth Wiens
Christine Coombe
Zayed University
Dubai Mens College
Dubai, UAE
Dubai, UAE
Phone: 050 462 0566
Phone: 050 619 4796
Email: beth.wiens@zu.ac.ae
Member-at-Large
SIG Coordinator
Sandra Oddy
Heather Baba
Al Ain Womens College
Abu Dhabi Mens College
Al Ain, UAE
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Phone: 03 709 5216
tasigscoord@gmail.com
Email: sandra.oddy@hct.ac.ae
Perspectives Editors
Melanie Gobert
Tandy Bailey
Abu Dhabi Mens College
Abu Dhabi Womens College
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Email: mgobert@hct.ac.ae
Email: tbailey-seffar@hct.ac.ae
Conference Proceedings Editor/Publications Coordinator

ord
din
Webmaster
Peter Davidson
Konrad Cedro
Zayed University
Dubai Mens College
Dubai, UAE
Dubai, UAE
Phone: 050 843 8782
Phone: 050 144 7680
Email: peter.davidson@zu.ac.ae
Email: konrad.cedro@hct.ac.ae
77
TESOL Arabia Conference
Sessions
Konrad
Cedro
Justin
n
Shewell
Proposals Co-Chairs, TESOL Arabia 2012
How are they Selected

The 2012 TESOL Arabia Conference will feature more than 190 concurrent presentations by presenters from over
30 countries. These presentations have been chosen from over 400 submissions by our Proposals Review Team.
The teams work begins in June, when the conference submission site goes online, and proposals begin to
come in. Each is blind reviewedusing only the title and the 250-word proposal summaryby ve team
members. Proposals that score 4 out of 5 are usually accepted or placed on a waiting list, with preference
given for consistency with the conference theme.
Things really pick up after the November 15 submission deadline, D Day. This year, almost half of our
submissions came in the three days before D Day. After reviewing all the proposals and notifying presenters,
the team works with the conference organizers to determine the presentation schedule. The next several
months are spent nalizing schedules, checking equipment requirements and hoping that out-of-country
presenters are actually able to come.
Ten months of work, for a weekend-long conference may seem a little much, but we on the Proposals
Review Team think that the results justify our efforts. By the end of the last presentation on Saturday, we
hope you will think so, too.
2012 Proposals Review Team

Abdelbasset Jeddi
Emirates College for

Advanced Education, UAE
Mohammad Azaza
ADNOC Technical Institute,

UAE
Christine Sabieh
Notre Dame University,

Louaize, Lebanon
Mona El Samaty
University of Sharjah, UAE
Cindy Gunn
American University of
Sharjah, UAE
David Litz
UAE University, UAE
Fatma Alwan
Ministry of Education, UAE
Hedi Guefrachi
Petroleum Institute, UAE
Peter Hatherley-Greene Emirates Academy of

Hospitality Management, UAE
Jane Hoelker
Qatar Foundation, Qatar
Salah Troudi
University of Exeter, UK
John Langille
Petroleum Institute, UAE
Sally Ali
UAE University, UAE
Maria Brown
HCT Dubai Mens College,

UAE
Susan Blanco
HCT Dubai Mens College,

UAE
Mouhamad Mouhanna UAE University, UAE

Mouna Abou-Assali
Emirates College for

Advanced Education, UAE
Peter Davidson
Zayed University, UAE
*If you are interested in being on next years Proposals Review Committee,
please contact justin@tesolarabia.org or konrad.cedro@hct.ac.ae
78
Concurrent
Speakers
Name:
Abatayo, Junifer A.
Title:
Self-Regulated Strategy Development: Helping Struggling EFL Writers
Schedule:
Saturday, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM, F213
Abstract:
Writing is an integral part in communication. Considering learners in an EFL environment,

learning to write is difcult and demanding. The presenter will show how self-regulation
strategy helps EFL students set goals on the writing process and eventually motivate
and rene their skill.
Bio:
Dr Junifer A. Abatayo has worked as Trainer for American Board Certication for Teacher
Excellence. At present, he is the Chairman of the Assessment Committee at Yanbu
Industrial College. jabatayo@yic.edu.sa
Name:
Abdi Tabari, Mahmoud
Title:
Effects of Planning on Writing Task Performance
Schedule:
Friday, 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM, E204
Abstract:
Following previous studies of the effects of planning on writing narrative task performance
and using Kellogs model of writing, this study set out to investigate the differential
effects of three types of task planning on Iranian EFL learners written descriptive output
elicited by means of a picture composition.
Bio:
Mahmoud Abdi Tabari is a lecturer at Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, and

a member of the Young Researchers Club. His chief research interest is in developing
cognitive accounts of SLA. abditabari@yahoo.com
Name:
Abou-Assali, Mouna and Ieda M. Santos
Title:
Professional Growth through Shared Reection
Schedule:
Friday, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM, F211
Abstract:
In this discussion group, the presenters will share their experience of being involved in
collaborative reective professional discussions. Although they teach different subjects
(ICT and English), they encountered similar classroom challenges in getting students
engaged in class activities. Participants are invited to share similar or different reective
learning experiences.
Bios:
Mouna Abou-Assali is an ESL instructor at ECAE. She is a doctoral candidate at Exeter

University, UK. Her research interests lies in areas related to Teacher professional
development and emotions. massali@ecae.ac.ae
Ieda M. Santos is Assistant Professor of Educational Technologies at ECAE in the UAE.
Her research interests include online learning, technology integration and professional
development. isantos@ecae.ac.ae
79
Name:
Abu-Rmaileh, Suan
Title:
Critical Thinking Use in the Content Area
Schedule:
Saturday, 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM, F219
Abstract:
The presenter discusses the dimensions of learning and their connection to critical
thinking. He denes critical thinking and metacognition, talking about how to promote
critical thinking, identifying students disposition to learning and the teachers roles
in the critical thinking process, and highlighting strategies in helping students use of
critical thinking.
Bio:
Dr Abu-Rmaileh is an English lecturer at UAE University. He has taught in the US, UAE
and Jordan, presenting at local and international conferences. He is an award winning
presenter and researcher. suan12000@yahoo.com
Name:
Adan, Nasra
Title:
Betty or Veronica? Acquisition Through Comics
Schedule:
Friday, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM, F219
Abstract:
Do you have trouble motivating your students to read? Does a high affective lter get in
the way of language acquisition? Come explore humourous, engaging and meaningful
texts that will help captivate your students and lower their anxiety.
Bio:
Nasra Adan is an instructor at the Medical College at University of Hail, Saudi Arabia.
She teaches reading and writing (ESP). She has taught in China, Korea, Japan, Canada
and Saudi Arabia. nasra.adan@mail.sit.edu
Name:
Akbari, Ramin and Christine Coombe
Title:
Teachers Thinking in ELT Classrooms
Schedule:
Thursday, 4:30 PM - 5:15 PM, F211
Abstract:
This presentation deals with teacher cognition or pedagogical thoughts to determine

the way teachers experience or degree affect their classroom performance. The ndings
indicate that teachers with more experience, ELT-related degrees, as well as higher
degrees, produce more pedagogical thoughts.
Bios:
Ramin Akbari has PhD in ELT and is a faculty member of Tarbiat Modares (Instructor
Training) University in Iran. He has published papers on teacher education and critical
pedagogy in journals such as TESOL Quarterly, Modern Language Journal, System, and
ELT Journal, as well as some edited books. He is also the president of TESOL Persia.
akbari_ram@yahoo.com
Christine Coombe has a PhD in Foreign/Second Language Education from the Ohio
State University and is currently on the English faculty of Dubai Mens College. She
has published a number of professional volumes on assessment, teacher evaluation,
language teacher research, leadership and TBLT. Christine is currently TESOL President
(2010-2013) and the Co-chair of the TESOL Arabia 2012 Conference.
ccoombe@hct.ac.ae
80
Name:
Al Alami, Suhair
Title:
The Power of Literature within EFL Contexts
Schedule:
Thursday, 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM, F214
Abstract:
The current paper offers thought-provoking suggestions on how literary texts can be
utilized to promote students communicative competence within EFL contexts. The paper
is based on empirical research undertaken in the United Arab Emirates. The presenter
makes recommendations in light of the studys ndings.
Bio:
Suhair Al Alami holds a PhD in Applied Linguistics. She is also reading for a second
PhD at Aston University. Dr Al Alami works as a lecturer at Al Ghurair University, Dubai.
supaeg@yahoo.co.uk
Name:
Al Ghafri, Mohammed
Title:
The Impact of INSET on Teacher Development
Schedule:
Friday, 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM, F219
Abstract:
This paper explores the links between the impact of two in-service teachers courses and
the teachers classroom practice. The paper reports the results of a case study involving
four Omani teachers from government schools enrolled in the two INSET courses.
Bio:
Mohammed Al Ghafri is a teacher trainer at the Ministry of Education in the Sultanate of

Oman. m1ghafri@gmail.com
Name:
Al Ghazali, Fawzi
Title:
Autonomy Between Technical Support and Learners Beliefs
Schedule:
Friday, 4:30 PM - 5:15 PM, F213
Abstract:
Autonomy is an optimal learning construct associated with effective learning; however,

can the technical support teachers provide be enough to enhance learners independence?
The presenter will answer this question based on a recent study on learners beliefs
about autonomy in UAE schools and their implications on English language pedagogy.
Bio:
Fawzi Al Ghazali has an MA and a PhD in Linguistics from the UK, and his research
interest resides in exploring the different models and pathways for promoting autonomy
in language education. fawzi_ghazali@yahoo.com
Name:
Al Saidi, Faisal
Title:
Noticing: When Learning Takes Care of Itself
Schedule:
Friday, 4:30 PM - 5:15 PM, F208
Abstract:
Attention is the key factor in converting input into intake. In task-based learning,
attention is captured through exploiting the opportunities that arise naturally in the
learners interaction with the task. The presenter will propose a framework which
teachers can use to facilitate the occurrence of such opportunities.
Bio:
Faisal Al-Saidi is an Omani teacher of English. He has attained an MA degree in TESOL

from Leeds University. He is currently teaching at the College of Technology, Al-Musanah,
Oman. faihasa@yahoo.com
81
Name:
Al Zadjali, Fawzia and Simon Etherton
Title:
Shared Writing in Arab Young Learner Classrooms
Schedule:
Friday, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM, F226
Abstract:
This presentation explores the practice of shared writing in a young learner EFL context.
The implementation of shared writing in Omani primary classrooms as part of a balanced
approach to literacy development will be discussed, and informed by research conducted
into the effects of shared writing on childrens writing development.
Bios:
Fawzia Al Zadjali works as a director at the Ministry of Education. She works on developing
English language course books for primary students. Her interest is initial literacy and
teacher education. fawzia_alzedjali@yahoo.com
Simon Etherton works as a training adviser at the Ministry of Education. He manages
the in-service teacher training of all government school English teachers. His interest is
research and initial literacy. s.etherton@moe.om
Name:
Al-Belushi, Zawan
Title:
On-line Corpus in L2 Writing Class
Schedule:
Thursday, 4:30 PM - 5:15 PM, L113 (IT Village)
Abstract:
Direct corpus use by learners has been hailed as one of the promising areas that can
revolutionize L2 writing. The presenter will show how corpus can be used as a reference
tool by the learners. Participants will learn how to use the different features in the
corpus. Level of Experience Required: Beginner
Bio:
Zawan Al-Belushi is an English language supervisor for private schools in Oman. She has
presented papers in different conferences. She is currently interested in technologies in
ELT. zawan2007@hotmail.com
Name:
Al-Issa, Ahmad
Title:
College Students Perceptions of Effective Teaching
Schedule:
Saturday, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM, E204
Abstract:
While substantial literature is available on what constitutes effective teaching, very little,
if any, empirical research is available on how diverse college students in the United Arab
Emirates perceive effective teaching. The presenter will report the ndings of a large
scale study involving college students in the UAE.
Bio:
Ahmad Al-Issa is an associate professor in the English Department at the American University
of Sharjah, where he teaches graduate courses on the MA TESOL Program. aissa@aus.edu
Name:
Al-Saraj, Taghreed
Title:
Exploring Foreign Language Anxiety in Saudi Arabia
Schedule:
Friday, 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM, F220
Abstract:
Foreign language anxiety is a eld that has not been paid attention to in the Arab world
even though it is an important affective variable. The presenter will describe how she
has investigated this phenomena in the Saudi context and compare the differences with
Western research ndings on the topic.
Bio:
Dr Al-Saraj is a recent PhD graduate from the Institute of Education. Her research interest
is in the eld of foreign language anxiety in the Arab world. t.alsaraj@aol.com
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Name:
Al-Shammari, Ohood and Ethel Capellan
Title:
Motivating EFL Students: Reection on Motivational Strategies
Schedule:
Friday, 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM (Poster Session DMC Main Auditorium Foyer)
Abstract:
Effective teaching requires reection which enables teachers to create an improved

teaching environment suited to their own context. What a teacher wants is to achieve
the ILO. Thus, one way of providing students energy and self-direction is the ability to
use appropriate motivational strategies that are constructively aligned.
Bios:
Ohood Al-Shammari is a masters degree holder in English. Formerly an English teacher,

she is now Assistant Deputy for Student Affairs of Jubail University College - Female
branch. January9773@yahoo.com
Ethel Capellan is a teacher and librarian by profession. She nished her MA in English
Literature in the Philippines. She joined Jubail University College as an English Instructor
in December 2010. January9773@yahoo.com
Name:
Al-Toni, Hala
Title:
Integrating Culture into Curriculum
Schedule:
Friday, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM, F213
Abstract:
Teaching culture in EFL classes for enhancing acquisition of the second language and
the appropriate usage in different contexts is a challenge. This session stresses the
importance of culture integration in EFL classes and explores essential cultural themes
introducing techniques and resources for smooth integration of culture into lessons.
Bio:
Hala Al-Toni is an experienced EFL instructor in international schools and private institutions
teaching juniors, young adults and adults and has completed the TESOL Core Certicate
and attended a number of TESOL conferences. gypsyqueen147@yahoo.com
Name:
AlKhayat, Amany
Title:
Creativity in the Classroom with Alice
Schedule:
Friday, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM, L217
Abstract:
Alice is a 3-D software that enables its users to create movies, animations, and games
with 3-D objects. This software was created by Carnegie Mellon University to teach
programming. It can be used as an effective tool to enhance students understanding,
creativity, and learner autonomy.
Bio:
Amany AlKhayat is a lecturer of English at Prince Sultan University. She has been teaching
English for more than ten years. She has published research articles related to Applied
Linguistics. amany_h@aucegypt.edu
83
Name:
Alaali, Naeema and Siddika Sabooni
Title:
Differentiated Instructions: One Size Does Not Fit All!
Schedule:
Saturday, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM, F213
Abstract:
Do you believe all your students have learned and can produce what you have taught?
Join us to experience differentiated teaching and learning strategies which you could
implement for diverse learning needs in order to cater to different levels and ensure
maximum learning takes place in your classroom.
Bios:
Naeema Al-aali is a lecturer at BIBF, Bahrain. She has vast experience in education
including TEFL, ESP and effective communication skills. Her experiences include
Language Curriculum Specialist at MOE-Bahrain. nalaali@bibf.com
Siddika Sabooni is a language consultant at BIBF, Bahrain. She holds a master degree in
Education from the UK and has vast experience in TEFL and ESP. ssabooni@bibf.com
Name:
Alavi-Niya, Maryam and Alireza Jalilifar
Title:
Televised Presidential Debates: A Metadiscourse Analysis
Schedule:
Thursday, 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM, F214
Abstract:
Televised presidential debates are very interesting from the point of view of language
use to negotiate commitment and detachment. Hedges and boosters are among the
means of expressing these functions. The presenter will demonstrate how Obama and
Ahmadinejad utilized hedges and boosters to portray themselves in a favorable light.
Bios:
Maryam Alavi-Niya is an MA holder in English Teaching Methodology from Shahid

Chamran University of Ahvaz,Iran. Her paper is in-press and she presented a paper in
2010. alaviniya@gmail.com
Alireza Jalilifar is a PhD holder in Applied Linguistics. ar.jalilifar@gmail.com
Name:
Alavi, Mohammad
Title:
Emotional Intelligences and Reading Strategy Use
Schedule:
Friday, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM, F219
Abstract:
This study examined the role of Emotional Intelligences (EI) in Reading Strategy (RS)
use. The analyses of the performances of 253 university students on EI and a RS
questionnaires showed a positive correlation between all components of EI and RS.
Moreover, self-monitoring and self-control are better predictors of reading strategies.
Bio:
Dr Mohammad Alavi, Associate Professor of Applied Linguistics in University of Tehran,

researched extensively on language testing and assessment, ESP, and strategic based
instruction. He has published nationally and internationally. mohammed.alavi@gmail.com
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Name:
Alghamdi, Fayez, Abbad Alabbad and Sami Alshwairkh
Title:
Touchstone/LMS at PYP-KSU: Opportunities and Challenges
Schedule:
Thursday, 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM, E204
Abstract:
Applying advanced, interactive e-learning tools such as Learning Management Systems

in EFL contexts can be benecial but not without challenges. The presenters will report
and reect on the implementation of the cutting-edge CUP Touchstone LMS at the
Preparatory Year Program, King Saud University.
Bios:
Dr Fayez Alghamdi is Vice Dean for Development and Quality at the Preparatory Year
Deanship, and Assistant Professor of English at the College of Arts at King Saud
University.vdq@py. ksu.edu.sa
Dr Abbad Alabbad is Assistant Professor in CALL at the College of Languages and
Translation and a consultant at the Preparatory Year Deanship for e-Learning/CALL at
King Saud University. ab.alabbad@py.ksu.edu.sa
Dr Sami Alshwairkh is General Manager of Cambridge-Obeikan and Assistant Professor
of TESOL at Imam University. He obtained his MA from Colorado State University and
PhD from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. s.alshwairkh@obeikan.com.sa
Name:
Alharbi, Wael
Title:
Can Online Dictionaries and Corpora Benet Writing?
Schedule:
Friday, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM, F208
Abstract:
In recent years, there has been growing interest in incorporating web applications in
language instruction. The presenter will discuss how some freely available referencing
tools, such as online dictionaries and corpora, can be introduced in L2 writing classes
and whether these tools have positive effects on learners writing quality.
Bio:
Wael Alharbi is a lecturer at the University College of Yanbu, Saudi Arabia. He is currently
doing his PhD in Computer Assisted Language Learning at the University of Essex, UK.
whmalh@essex.ac.uk
Name:
Ali Jafri, Naziha
Title:
Teacher-initiated CPD Communities in the UAE
Schedule:
Friday, 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM, F211
Abstract:
Recently, interest has increased in understanding the relationship between community

provisions for continuing professional development (CPD) and teachers engagement
with CPD. The presenter reports on research into the formation and sustenance of
teacher-initiated CPD communities in the UAE and considers implications of ndings for
building and maintaining supportive CPD communities.
Bio:
Dr Naziha Ali Jafri (EdD TESOL) has 11 years experience in academic and vocational TESOL,
technical and corporate communication skills, and corporate trainer development skills
in the UAE. nazihaali2005@yahoo.co.uk
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Name:
Alizadeh, Mehrasa and Samaneh Eslamdoust
Title:
Time Distribution in Teaching English Articles
Schedule:
Abstract:
One of the parameters in grammar instruction is the issue of time distribution. The
presenters will discuss the potential effects of massed vs. distributed instruction by
applying these two different ways of time allocation in teaching English articles to
Iranian EFL learners.
Bios:
Mehrasa Alizadeh is a graduate student at Allameh Tabatabai University in Tehran, where

she is working on her masters thesis on the use of output tasks in grammar instruction.
mehrasa.alizadeh@gmail.com
Samaneh Eslamdoust is an MA student at Allameh Tabatabai University in Tehran. Right now,
she is doing her masters thesis on pragmatic comprehension. sama6326@gmail.com
Name:
Ali, Afrah
Title:
Guided Reading for Second Language Learning
Schedule:
Friday, 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM, F214
Abstract:
The Guided Reading Program (GRP) has been implemented in Bahrains government
primary schools, in cycle two classrooms since the year 2002. This presentation will
discuss the results and implications of a study that investigated teachers and students
perceptions and attitudes towards the use of the GRP in second language learning.
Bio:
Afrah Ali is an English instructor at Bahrain Teachers College, University of Bahrain. She
received her masters degree in TESOL from the American University of Sharjah, UAE.
afrahood@gmail.com
Name:
Ali, Sally
Title:
Investigating Students Main Learning Style Preferences
Schedule:
Friday, 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM, F224
Abstract:
There is no single teaching-learning approach with the vast heterogeneous groups of

students that we have today. Learning styles are mere points along a scale that help
us to discover the ways students learn. This research study investigates students main
learning styles. Detailed handout with research will be available.
Bio:
Sally Ali earned her PhD in Applied Linguistics from Georgetown University and has been
teaching since 1977. She is an assistant professor in the Applied Linguistics Department
at UAE University. sally.ali@uaeu.ac.ae
Name:
Allen, Vicky
Title:
ASL, the Missing Modality to Learning English
Schedule:
Saturday, 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM, E204
Abstract:
American Sign Language combines motion with the English word thus connecting it
with an action that holds meaning in ones native language. The presenter will explore
the use of signs in second language teaching. Participants will gain an understanding of
how sign language can enhance vocabulary teaching in their classroom.
Bio:
Vicky Allen has a BA in Linguistics and MEd in Deaf Education. After more than 25
years teaching the deaf, she now resides in the UAE and teaches English at HCT,
Fujairah. vallen@hct.ac.ae
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Name:
Aloud, Reem
Title:
Online Peer Feedback in Writing Class
Schedule:
Friday, 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM, F211
Abstract:
The study explores the focus of online peer feedback and its impact on writing. The
results reveal that the participants feedback focuses more on form rather than on
content and organization, and that most of the incorporated feedback focuses on form.
The participants, eventually, obtain the highest scores in form.
Bio:
Reem Aloud is a lecturer in a linguistics and translation college with ten years of
experience in teaching EFL learners. reemaloud@yahoo.com
Name:
Alsheikh, Negmeldin and Elham Yahia
Title:
Arabic ESL/EFL: Cultural Thought Patterns in Writing
Schedule:
Abstract:
There is a general consensus among ESL/EFL practitioners that students from different
backgrounds systemically develop their writing patterns differently from those which
appear natural in English. This paper investigated whether writing rhetoric employed
by Arab native speakers originates from language competency or the inherit language
patterns of thought.
Bios:
Negmeldin Alsheikh is an assistant professor at UAE University. His research areas of

interest include literacy, metacognition and reading. He is an administrator for the LLLA
SIG, TESOL Arabia. nalsheikh@uaeu.ac.ae
Elham Yahia is a PhD candidate at St. Johns University, New York, School of Education.
Her areas of interest include motivation, self-efcacy, language and cultural background.
elhamyahia@yahoo.com
Name:
Alwan, Fatma
Title:
Achieving Excellence in Doing Qualitative Research
Schedule:
Friday, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM, E204
Abstract:
This presentation aims at helping teachers understand the difference between research
methodologies to maintain the authenticity criteria of their research methods. It uses
the example of a mixed-methodology study and focuses on explaining the rationale
behind selecting certain methodologies.
Bio:
Fatma Alwan, EdD, is Deputy Director of Ajman Educational Zone, a researcher, a

certied trainer and a member of the advisory boards for the Journal of Asia TEFL and
Perspectives. alwan99@hotmail.com
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Name:
Alyami, Salah
Title:
Saudi EFL Majors Vocabulary Learning Strategies
Schedule:
Friday, 4:30 PM - 5:15 PM, F214
Abstract:
EFL majors can develop their lexical learning using vocabulary learning strategies (VLS)
and also transfer experience to their students when teaching. The presenter will describe
the students most and least used VLS and how they can develop their VLS repertoire to
be enhanced in classroom learning with Saudi EFL majors.
Bio:
Salah Alyami is a senior trainer at Dammam College of Technology. He received a Masters

in TESOL from Exeter University and a PhD in Applied Linguistics from Essex University in
2011. salah1sa@yahoo.com
Name:
Arakelyan, Marine
Title:
Teaching Lexis Through Concordance Lines
Schedule:
Abstract:
This is an attempt to implement the Lexical Approach to teaching lexicon, namely

collocations that are frequently used in academic writing. The general goal of this lesson
is to activate students ability to chunk language successfully (Lewis,1999). Tasks are
based on concordance lines including frequently used vocabulary items> collocations.
Bio:
An EFL teacher with 21 years of teaching experience, Marine Arakelyan received an MA in

TEFL at American University of Armenia and is an EFL Teacher Trainer trained at Montana
State University and Easter Washington University. marinearakelyan@yahoo.com
Name:
Asadi, Lobat
Title:
Linguistic Imperialism Amongst Teachers in Saudi Arabia
Schedule:
Friday, 4:30 PM - 5:15 PM, F211
Abstract:
Linguistic imperialism was revealed in EFL student and teacher surveys at a womens
college in Saudi Arabia. Perceptions of Saudi women held by teachers and how Western
beliefs were imposed will be presented. The presenter will describe how she analyzed
topics and instruction that resist or impose linguistic imperialism.
Bio:
Lobat Asadi has been teaching EFL to women in Saudi Arabia in university preparatory
programs for seven years. Her areas of research include English as a global language
and linguistic imperialism. loloasadi@gmail.com
Name:
Atesok, Deniz
Title:
Alternative Assessment Using Web 2.0 Tools
Schedule:
Friday, 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM, L113 (IT Village)
Abstract:
Thanks to technology, the way we teach has evolved. Today, we benet from Web 2.0
tools to make our instruction more effective. But what about assessment? Are there
any innovative ways of assessing students performance? How? Why? Come along to
this practical workshop to discuss the answers to these questions. Level of Experience
Required: Intermediate
Bio:
Deniz Atesok has worked at Bilgi University, Istanbul, Turkey, since 2008. since 2008.
She has worked with students from diverse ages in a variety of contexts. She shares her
experiences on her blog: www.denizatesok.com. atesok@gmail.com
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Name:
Awad, Dina
Title:
Errors of Choice
Schedule:
Friday, 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM, F208
Abstract:
In addition to the traditional categorisation into correct/incorrect, L2 production can also

include choice errors since a range of forms are used across language communities.
The results of a test carried out at UAE University can provide a model for EFL teachers
on degrees of acceptability in learner English.
Bio:
Dina Awad, Lecturer, Skills Unit, Department of English Literature, UAE University, holds
an MA in English Language Teaching from Kings College London and a PhD in Applied
Linguistics from Lancaster University, UK. dina.awad@uae.ac.ae
Name:
Azaza, Mohamed
Title:
Using Self-Assessment Tools with Arab Young Learners
Schedule:
Thursday, 4:30 PM - 5:15 PM, L217
Abstract:
This presenter will review the current approaches to self-assessment methods, and how
they are used in the local context of the UAE with a group of Arab young learners. The
presenter will also look at the advantages of using self-assessment with young learners
as well as its drawbacks and limitations
Bio:
Mohamed Azaza holds an MSc in TESOL from Aston University and DELTA from the
University of Cambridge. He is the current chair of TESOL Arabias Research SIG.
amelki22@yahoo.com
Name:
Baba, Heather
Title:
Back to the Future: Study and Life Skills
Schedule:
Thursday, 4:30 PM - 5:15 PM, F220
Abstract:
Participants will revisit study and life-skills inventories dating from 2002 to re-evaluate
the categorization and items listed and discuss their relevance to teaching, learning
and life today. Discussion will focus on updating these inventories for 2012 as well as
considering their life-span and pondering further change visible on the horizon.
Bio:
Heather Maria Baba serves as the SIG Coordinator on the Executive Council. Her
research interests include ILCs, independent learning issues and museums for learning.
hmbaba1@yahoo.co.uk
Name:
Baghestani, Shireen
Title:
Introduction to Using an Online Corpus
Schedule:
Saturday, 11:30 AM - 12:45 PM, L113 (IT Village)
Abstract:
A online corpus of standard English is an excellent place for learners to look up

questions pertaining to lexicogrammar, capitalization, preposition use, and much
more. This workshop will demonstrate how to use a popular online corpus of American
English along with ways it can be benecial for learners. Level of Experience
Bio:
Shireen Baghestani has researched learners interaction with corpora and has conducted
numerous workshops on how to use a corpus. She teaches writing at the American
University of Sharjah. sbaghestani@aus.edu
89
Name:
Bahloul, Maher
Title:
Making the Most Out of the Digital Camera
Schedule:
Friday, 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM, F219
Abstract:
The presenter will share with participants a number of activities based on the use of the
digital camera in the classroom. Each activity is based on one form of art such as shadow
puppets, mimes, and theater. Production tips and handouts will also be provided.
Bio:
Dr Maher Bahloul holds a PhD degree in Linguistics from Cornell University, NY, USA.
He taught in the US, North Africa, and the Middle East. He is an associate professor at
American University of Sharjah.. mbahloul@aus.edu
Name:
Balint, Dennis
Title:
Emphasizing Note-taking Skills for Better Research Writing
Schedule:
Abstract:
This poster presentation will display the various activities used to help students at a
university in the UAE develop thorough note-taking skills in order to better organize
gathered information from multiple texts for writing research papers. Importantly, the
note-taking process prescribed also aims to reduce plagiarism in the students writing.
Bio:
Dennis Balint is an assistant professor at Khalifa University. His current research interest
is investigating ways to improve second-language writing pedagogy.
dennis.balint@kustar.ac.ae
Name:
Baran, Katrina
Title:
Making Online Learning Work in Your Courses
Schedule:
Saturday, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM, L113 (IT Village)
Abstract:
More and more, teachers are required to use online instructional tools in their courses.
How can blogs, discussion boards, course management systems and wikis be used? How
can you integrate them into your courses in a way that is meaningful and manageable?
And what is blended learning, anyway? Level of Experience Required: Beginner
Bio:
Katrina Baran has taught ESL/EFL since 1999. She holds a BA(hon) in Linguistics/
CTESL, a Certicate in Online Learning and is pursuing an MA TESOL at the School for
International Training (USA). katrinabaran@yahoo.com
Name:
Barnawi, Osman
Title:
CEFR: One Size,Fits All?
Schedule:
Thursday, 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM, F208
Abstract:
Although the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages is widely

implemented in language programs at Arab universities (AU), it has never troubled
with questions, particularly from critical pedagogy perspectives. The presenter uses
the language program of an AU as an example to examine the effectiveness of this
framework.
Bio:
Osman Barnawi is currently an assistant professor at Yanbu Industrial College. He

obtained his PhD in Composition and TESOL at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and
has published extensively in international journals. albarnawim@hotmail.com
90
Name:
Belhiah, Hassan
Title:
Thinking Critically in English: Challenges and Opportunities
Schedule:
Friday, 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM, F226
Abstract:
This case study documents the efforts of three teachers at a university in Abu Dhabi to
launch a new curriculum that focuses on problem-solving and critical thinking with a
view to increasing students transversal skills. The study presents both achievements
and challenges faced by these teachers in the process.
Bio:
Hassan Belhiah is Assistant Professor at the Department of Education at ALHOSN

University, where he teaches courses in the masters program in Education and
undergraduate courses in English. h.belhiah@alhosnu.ae
Name:
Ben Bennani, Mourad
Title:
Immersion Language Teaching: Challenges and Opportunities
Schedule:
Thursday, 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM, L217
Abstract:
Teaching content through a second language introduces challenges for the teacher who
must teach both the content of the discipline as well as the second language itself. The
presenter will discuss the challenges that immersion teachers encounter, and he will
explore teaching strategies with reference to their strengths and weaknesses.
Bio:
Mourad Ben Bennani is a senior language instructor at Sultan Qaboos University, Oman.
He earned his MA in Applied Linguistics from the University of Southern Queensland,
Australia. mourad.bennani@gmail.com
Name:
Benzari, Jad
Title:
Promoting CALL Teaching via Social Media Tools
Schedule:
Saturday, 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM, F213
Abstract:
Social media tools have recently started to gain momentum in social, economic, political
and cultural life. The eld of ELT is in the centre of this growing interest. In fact, social
networks help develop CALL in teaching English effectively and promoting the quality
and excellence in the teaching and learning process.
Bio:
Moroccan born and raised with 33 years of age, Jad Benzari has taught at several
institutions and holds a Masters degree in Communication and a BA in Linguistics.
jadbenzari@hotmail.com
Name:
Berry, David
Title:
Benets of Action Research in the Classroom
Schedule:
Thursday, 4:30 PM - 5:15 PM, F226
Abstract:
Action research promotes teacher development by helping the teacher observe her/his
own classroom in new ways. The presenter will discuss how action research can benet
the teacher. Also, the presenter will interact with the audience in how to conduct Action
Research. Teachers can try these in their own classrooms.
Bio:
Armed with an MA TESOL and CELTA, I have been teaching English in the classroom for
more than a decade in various countries. I am interested in helping teachers develop
themselves. david.berry@alumni.utoronto.ca
91
Name:
Bessette, Alan
Title:
Using VoiceThread to Create Student Presentations
Schedule:
Friday, 4:30 PM - 5:15 PM, L113 (IT Village)
Abstract:
The goal of this workshop is to demonstrate how to produce presentations on

VoiceThread. After showing some examples of student presentations, the presenter will
describe the steps that go into creating a presentation. Finally, the presenter will lead
the participants through the creation of their own presentations. Level of Experience
Bio:
Alan Bessette has been teaching at Japanese universities for more than 20 years. His
main interests are CALL, second language acquisition and testing.
bessette@poole.ac.jp
Name:
Bidal, Jay, Marlon Anandappa, Jennifer McCoy and Troy Priest
Title:
Increasing Language Engagement: The Digital Accuracy Resource
Schedule:
Thursday, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM, F208
Abstract:
There is a need for engaging, contextually-relevant materials for Emirati language

learners. The presenters describe the theoretical and practical underpinnings of one
project undertaken at Zayed University to provide teachers and learners with online
multimedia activities for enhancing grammar learning.
Bios:
Jay Bidal (MEd) has taught in Japan, Canada, and Turkey, and since 2001 at Zayed
University. He is interested in material development, CALL, grammar instruction, and
Cognitive Apprenticeship theory. jaybidal@gmail.com
Marlon John Anandappa (MA) is a Canadian teaching at Zayed U and is also completing
an MA in Information Technology. His interests are in programming languages and
application software development. m_anandappa@yahoo.com
Jennifer McCoy has an MA TESOL from CSU Sacramento. She currently teaches in the
Academic Bridge Program at Zayed University, Dubai, and has taught in the Czech
Republic, Mexico, and California. jennifer.mccoy@zu.ac.ae
Troy Priest (MA) is the Curriculum Supervisor in the Academic Bridge Program at Zayed
University in Abu Dhabi. His interests are in curriculum development and student
motivation.Troy.Priest@zu.ac.ae
Name:
Blanco, Susan
Title:
Teaching English with Twitter
Schedule:
Thursday, 11:30 AM - 12:45 PM, L113 (IT Village)
Abstract:
Twitter, a popular microblogging application with over two million users, is a valued
medium for global communication and collaboration among students and educators
alike. This presentation will share classroom activities for using Twitter to engage and
motivate students and the advantages it affords ESL teachers in their professional
development. Level of Experience Required: Beginner
Bio:
Susan Blanco is currently on the English Faculty at Dubai Mens College. She has an MA
in TESOL from Brigham Young University. She teaches English courses to college-bound
students. susans_blanco@yahoo.com
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Name:
Bou-Mehdi, Randa
Title:
Investigating High School Students Attitudes Towards Plagiarism
Schedule:
Thursday, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM, F219
Abstract:
Some researchers argue that students plagiarize because they are dishonest, and
others believe that students plagiarize because they lack research and citation skills.
The presenter will describe how she involved 115 students who study at a private school
in Dubai in a study to know their attitudes towards plagiarism.
Bio:
Randa Bou-Mehdi is an adjunct instructor at the American University of Sharjah. Her

interests include integrating technology into ESL classrooms and helping students avoid
plagiarism in the writing classroom. randa.boumehdi@gmail.com
Name:
Bowler, Bill
Title:
Supporting 21st Century Learning in Different Ways
Schedule:
Saturday, 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM, L217
Abstract:
Todays students need to learn digitally. In this session (based on materials developed for
Saudi Arabia) participants will experience and discuss practical examples of ways teachers
can help prepare students for lifelong learning nowadays. Participants will take away a
clear understanding of 21st Century learning and its implications for teaching today.
Bio:
Bill Bowler is an ELT author, series editor, and trainer with many years experience
training in 50 countries globally, and a special interest in North Africa and the Middle
East.bowler. will@gmail.com
Name:
Brewster, Maria Theresa
Title:
Emirati Learners Attitudes and Motivation Towards English
Schedule:
Friday, 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM, F213
Abstract:
This study will present the results of an attitude survey administered at Fujairah Womens
College with a particular focus on reading skills.The study will provide useful information
for educators currently teaching within an Emirati context that struggle with how to
effectively motivate Emirati learners, especially disinclined readers.
Bio:
Maria Brewster is a native New Yorker. Maria has a Master of Arts in TESOL from New
School University, and she has worked as a TESL/TEFL educator for fteen years.
marcopolo1206@yahoo.com
Name:
Buckingham, James
Title:
Redening Your Professional Development Using IT
Schedule:
Friday, 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM, F226
Abstract:
The presenter will examine how common passive PD strategies used by educators are
being replaced by more active strategies thanks to the availability of Web 2.0 tools. The
presenter will model these strategies and discuss how pursuing these new strategies is
becoming increasingly important in todays EFL educator job market.
Bio:
Jim has both post graduate studies in IT and more than 10 years experience in EFL
instruction in the UAE and is currently TA EDTECH SIG coordinator, and IT instructor at
Zayed University. james.buckingham@zu.ac.ae
93
Name:
Burke, Lawrence
Title:
Empowering L2 Learners Through Educational Technology
Schedule:
Thursday, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM, L217
Abstract:
The presenter reports on two independent studies into second language acquisition
using educational technologies. He outlines prior and current investigations which
suggest that more research is required to support the claim that a positive correlation
exists with all types of educational technologies and the successful acquisition of a
second language.
Bio:
Dr Lawrence Burke is on the faculty at Al Ain Mens College, Higher Colleges of Technology,
UAE. His research and writing interests include educational technologies and how we
learn. LBurke@hct.ac.ae
Name:
Burns, Samantha
Title:
A Square Peg in a Round Hole
Schedule:
Saturday, 12:30 PM - 1:15 PM, E204
Abstract:
Teaching an imported individualistic design in a collectivist culture; what happens when

a Western framework is imported into a collectivist culture such as Oman? This paper
explores the individualist-collectivist dichotomy. It will discuss some areas where this
disconnect occurs and pose some strategies for teachers to bridge the gap.
Bio:
Samantha Burns has taught in the EFL/ESL eld in Australia and Brunei Darussalam
and is currently teaching in the Foundation Programme at Dhofar University in southern
Oman. samshanahan@gmail.com
Name:
Butler, Josephine and Patrick Dougherty
Title:
Innovations in Postgraduate Education: Blended Paradigms Revised
Schedule:
Saturday, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM, F214
Abstract:
This presentation will examine the benets and drawbacks of delivering lectures to
postgraduate students in four different cities in the UAE via videoconferencing and
other technologies. Presenters will outline their previous and current research in this
eld. Findings and implications from this research will also be discussed.
Bios:
Josephine Butler is a faculty member at the Higher Colleges of Technology, Abu

Dhabi Womens College. Josephine has over two decades experience in graduate and
postgraduate research and education. jbutler1@hct.ac.ae
Dr Patrick Dougherty is the Program Leader for the Higher Colleges of Technologys
Master of Educational Studies program. He is a career educator with twenty-ve years of
experience in education. pdougherty@hct.ac.ae
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Name:
Cameron, Caroline and Stephen Monteith
Title:
Kids Read
Schedule:
Friday, 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM, E204
Abstract:
This talk will explore the various components of the MENA Kids Read primary school
reading initiative. Kids Read has been implemented in government primary schools in 13
MENA countries to encourage reading for pleasure inside and outside the classroom. We
will look at feedback from MoEs, schools, students and parents.
Bios:
Caroline Cameron is the English Projects Manager for British Council Qatar. Caroline
has worked as a teacher, teacher trainer, trainer trainer and a CELTYL extension course
tutor. caroline.cameron@qa.britishcouncil.org
Stephen Monteith is the ELT Projects Manager for Oman and works closely with the
Ministry of Educations International Education Programmes Ofce which is responsible for
teacher training and professional development. stephen.monteith@om.britishcouncil.
org
Name:
Carey, Matthew
Title:
Corpus Linguistics for Improved Vocabulary Assessment
Schedule:
Saturday, 12:30 PM - 1:15 PM, F213
Abstract:
The presenter will demonstrate how corpus linguistics can be utilized in creating
vocabulary assessments that are more reliable and valid. Particularly, the presenter will
focus on the assessment of high-frequency vocabulary and academic vocabulary as well
as vocabulary in context.
Bio:
Matthew Carey holds an MEd in Curriculum and Instruction and an MA in Applied

Linguistics. He has been teaching at Qatar University since 2008. mcarey@qu.edu.qa
Name:
Cheng, Denis
Title:
English Language Prociency Exams: Useful and Valid?
Schedule:
Friday, 4:30 PM - 5:15 PM, F223
Abstract:
Assessing English language prociency has become Big Business. ELPEs are used not
only for academic purposes, but for determining job eligibility, rankings and promotions,
rates of pay, etc. But just how useful and valid are they, which are the best, and could
they even be considered discriminatory and politically incorrect?
Bio:
Denis Cheng has MAs in TESOL and Instructional Technologies, San Francisco State
University. The presenter has instructed and developed curriculum and instructional
and testing materials and conducted teacher training as a Fulbright Scholar and English
Language Fellow. denis.cheng@kustar.ac.ae
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Name:
Collinson, Julian
Title:
Grammar: What Our Students Need to Know
Schedule:
Thursday, 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM, F226
Abstract:
English grammar is full of difculties, but the two biggest hindrances for learners are: rstly,
it is highly asymmetric; secondly, many key forms are badly labeled. This presentation
highlights the nature of these two problems and suggests straightforward solutions to
help teachers and learners alike. Class-ready materials will be demonstrated.
Bio:
Julian came to Dubai Mens College in 1996. He previously taught in Britain, and long
ago in Italy, Baghdad, and Bilbao. His professional interests include keeping intrusive
technologies out of the classroom. jcollinson@hct.ac.ae
Name:
Davidson, Peter
Title:
Reversing Summer Slippage
Schedule:
Thursday, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM, F226
Abstract:
Most students learning English get long summer holidays where they have little or no
contact with English. This can result in summer slippage. This presentation suggests
how summer slippage can be reversed by implementing a range of practical, dynamic,
interesting, and motivating activities that students can carry out independently.
Bio:
Peter Davidson teaches at Zayed University in Dubai. He has previously taught in New
Zealand, Japan, the UK and Turkey. He is interested in vocabulary teaching, language
testing, and faculty evaluation. peter.davidson@zu.ac.ae
Name:
Demirci, Helene
Title:
The Circle of Life Skills
Schedule:
Thursday, 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM, E204
Abstract:
Negative behavior in the classroom is often the result of inadequate life skills. The
presenter will demonstrate that Circle Time has the potential to improve life skills by
describing how to implement it and by explaining how it was used to improve negative
behavior in a YL ESL classroom.
Bio:
Helene Demirci is an English faculty member at Abu Dhabi Mens College. She has taught
English at all levels over the last 17 years. She holds an MA in TEFL. helene.demirci@hct.
ac.ae
Name:
Dessoir, Paul
Title:
Writing Better Items for Quizzes and Tests
Schedule:
Friday, 4:30 PM - 5:15 PM, F227
Abstract:
Creating high quality quizzes and tests is not an easy task. Experience and knowing your
students are important factors but also knowing the basics of item writing is essential.
This presentation will review the basics of various types of questions and provide helpful
hints to write better items.
Bio:
Paul Dessoir has been teaching in Asia and the Gulf for more than 18 years. His research
interests include assessment, CALL, and the cultural dynamics of an EFL class. dessoir@
yahoo.com
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Name:
Dodigovic, Marina
Title:
Computers That Listen: Can They Assess Speech?
Schedule:
Friday, 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM, F223
Abstract:
Automatic speech recognition technology (ASR) in second language assessment

assumes the role of listener and rater. This paper examines the attitudes of test takers
from different social and cultural backgrounds toward this innovation. The participants
will learn about potential advantages and disadvantages of this technology in second
language assessment.
Bio:
Dr Marina Dodigovic is an associate professor at Lebanese American University. She

has taught English and trained ESL teachers in Europe, Australia and the Middle East.
mdodigov@gmail.com
Name:
El Kahla, Mouna
Title:
Students Attitudes Towards Graded Readers at AUD
Schedule:
Thursday, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM, F223
Abstract:
ESL teachers are not always aware of their students attitudes towards graded readers.
The presenter will share the outcomes of a study carried out at the American University
in Dubai in 2011 that surveys students attitudes to improve the implementation of
extensive reading in ESL classrooms.
Bio:
Mouna El Kahla has an MA TESOL (2011) from the American University of Sharjah. She
teaches ESL at the Center for English Prociency (CfEP) at the American University in
Dubai. minamania1@gmail.com
Name:
El Miniawi, Hala
Title:
Remodeling Your Own Learning Environment!
Schedule:
Saturday, 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM, E204
Abstract:
In the new millennium, the power of technology and the Internet will drive an enormous
implementation of e-learning content, infrastructure, and services to the EFL and ESL
classes, the real question is, are you up to the challenge?
Bio:
Hala has been a teacher of English for more than 10 years. She has a BA in English
Literature, Higher Diploma in Teaching & Education and an MA in Language Methodology.
halaelminiawi@hotmail.com
Name:
El Naggar, Oana
Title:
Semantic Mapping Increases College Students Reading Comprehension
Schedule:
Friday, 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM, F226
Abstract:
This presentation shows the signicant boost in L2 students reading comprehension

as a result of applying the appropriate pre-reading technique. The effects of using a
pre-reading semantic mapping technique on Arab intermediate college-level students
reading comprehension at a womens college in Kuwait will be analyzed in detail.
Bio:
Oana El Naggar is English Lecturer at Kuwait University, College for Women. Her
expertise comprises EFL reading, composition and rhetoric, curriculum design, and
higher education accreditation process. oanacfw@yahoo.com
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Name:
El-Zamil, Mohamed Ashraf
Title:
Preparing Students for IELTS Speaking
Schedule:
Friday, 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM, F211
Abstract:
Preparing students for IELTS is a daunting experience. In this presentation, the speaker
will describe how he has created and used a variety of activities and tasks to ensure that
his students are fully equipped to meet the requirements of the IELTS Speaking Test.
Bio:
Mohamed El-Zamil has an MA in TEFL and has been teaching EFL courses for the past
25 years in several countries. Currently, his main focus at AUST is preparing students for
IELTS. zamil@aucegypt.edu
Name:
ElHadad, Ghada
Title:
Getting Quiet Students to Speak
Schedule:
Friday, 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM, F214
Abstract:
One of the problematic issues in teaching is getting quiet students to speak as it is a

crucial element in the whole learning process. The presenter will shed some light on the
causes of the problem and will provide practical tips and tools to deal with it.
Bio:
Ghada ElHadad, started teaching in 2003. She worked for three different schools before
moving to AMIDEAST, Egypt in 2007. Currently, she is a Senior EFL Instructor to adults.
ghada_hadad@hotmail.com
Name:
Eslami, Zohreh
Title:
Assessing Gender-Stereotyped Attitudes among Qatari Students
Schedule:
Saturday, 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM, F213
Abstract:
Sexist language does not only denigrate, but can also lower the dignity of specic
groups of people. In this presentation the results of a research study that tapped into
the gender-stereotyped perceptions of 3400 Qatari students are presented. The study
has implications for textbook writers, policy makers, teachers, and administrators.
Bio:
Zohreh Eslami is Associate Professor of ESL Education at Texas A&M University. She
has extensive research and teaching experience in TESOL teacher education and
sociocultural aspects of ESL Education. zeslami@tamu.edu
Name:
Estaji, Masoomeh and Mohammad Khatib
Title:
Examining Teachers Perceptions of Classroom-based Language Assessment
Schedule:
Friday, 4:30 PM - 5:15 PM, F226
Abstract:
This study aims to investigate teachers perceptions, beliefs, and their practice with
respect to classroom-based English language assessment. The results of the study
revealed that the teachers hold and exercise their own rm beliefs regarding classroombased assessment, and have a good knowledge of assessment or testing principles.
Bios:
Masoomeh Estaji is Assistant Professor of TEFL at Allameh Tabatabai University, Iran. Her
research interests include language testing and assessment, SLA and psycholinguistics.
mestaji74@gmail.com
Mohammad Khatib is Associate Professor of TEFL at Allameh Tabatabai University, Iran.
mkhatib27@yahoo.com
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Name:
Etedali, Mohammad Mehdi
Title:
Teachers Attitudes towards CALL: A GCC-wide Study
Schedule:
Saturday, 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM, F220
Abstract:
This study focuses on English language teachers attitudes towards CALL across the
GCC. The results show that CALL is strongly perceived to positively impact learning by
providing variety and authenticity, thereby creating rich learning experiences. Teachers
also perceived the employers support and the provision of PD programs as concerns.
Bio:
Teaching for over 20 years, Mohammad Etedali is currently working on his PhD dissertation
in Applied Linguistics. He is twice winner of the Distinguished Teaching Award at Kuwait
University. momeeted@jyu.
Name:
Flahive, Edith
Title:
The Eight Stages in Conducting Qualitative Research
Schedule:
Friday, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM, L217
Abstract:
The presenter will examine the principles, positive features, and limitations of quantitative
and qualitative research. Participants will then be guided through an eight stage action
plan for conducting qualitative research. Pertinent literature will be reviewed at each
stage of the plan.
Bio:
Edith Flahive (BEd, RSA DELTA, MA TESOL, MBA) has taught in Ireland, Spain, and the
UAE. She is an English faculty member at Abu Dhabi Mens College. edith.ahive@hct.
ac.ae
Name:
Frank, Natasha Isadora
Title:
Teaching English Through Visual Images and Art
Schedule:
Friday, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM, F224
Abstract:
We live in a world of visual images. Consequently, students need to develop visual literacy
as part of learning essential life skills. During the session, the presenter will discuss a
project known as Picturing America and explain how teachers can combine artwork and
other visual images with English language learning.
Bio:
Natasha teaches English at the Higher Colleges of Technology. Before coming to the
UAE, she was a Senior English Language Fellow in Kazan, Russia, where she conducted
teacher-training seminars. natashaisadora@gmail.com
Name:
Gephart, Dee
Title:
Engaging in a Globalized Society: Creating Initiatives
Schedule:
Saturday, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM, F227
Abstract:
How can teachers and students remain engaged citizens of a globalized society?
This presentation fuses lessons from English classes at Qatar University Foundation
Program where students wrote research papers on nonviolence in the Middle East and
the presenters experiences in post war Kosovo. In groups, participants reect on their
narratives.
Bio:
Dee Gephart teaches English at Qatar University. Previously she taught in the USA,
Kosovo, Turkey, and Macedonia, and did research in the Peace Education doctorate at
University of Cincinnati. gephart@qu.edu.qa
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Name:
Ghazaryan, Armine
Title:
Syntactic Errors in Armenian Learners Spoken Production
Schedule:
Saturday, 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM, F226
Abstract:
The presenter investigates the syntactic errors in the Armenian EFL learners spoken
production. She classies those errors in 11 relevant categories. The speaker presents
the results of statistical analyses revealing the most frequent errors. She proposes the
possible sources of those errors through the means of CA and EA.
Bio:
In 2011, Armine Ghazaryan got her MA degree in TEFL from American University of
Armenia. She also holds an MA degree in Armenian philology from Yerevan State
University. armine.ghazaryan8@gmail.com
Name:
Gitsaki, Christina and Ahmad Bourini
Title:
IELTS Pedagogies: A Teacher Professional Development Program
Schedule:
Thursday, 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM, F223
Abstract:
This presentation will report on a professional development program designed to

help English teachers at high schools prepare their students for IELTS. Classroom
observations, interviews and a questionnaire were used to assess the impact of the
program on teachers classroom practices and their attitudes and beliefs towards the
program.
Bios:
Dr Christina Gitsaki is UNESCO Chair in Applied Research in Education at the Sharjah

Higher Colleges of Technology. She has extensive teaching experience in the areas of
ESL/EFL and CALL. christina.gitsaki@hct.ac.ae
Ahmad Bourini is a doctoral candidate at the British University in Dubai and an
Educational Supervisor at the Ministry of Education. He has experience in TEFL in schools
and universities. ahmad.bourini@sez.gov.ae
Name:
Gobert, Melanie
Title:
Creating a Reading Culture in the Classroom
Schedule:
Thursday, 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM, F224
Abstract:
This presentation will discuss the challenges faced by our students in reading. It will
show teachers how graded readers can be used in the classroom with technology to
motivate students to read and give them the gift of lifelong learning. It will also show
that reading improves all language skills.
Bio:
Dr Melanie Gobert is on the faculty of the Higher Colleges of Technology. She has
presented and published extensively in the region on reading, vocabulary learning, and
online learning. melanie.gobert@hct.ac.ae
100
Name:
Gobert, Melanie and Mashael Al-Hamly
Title:
TESOL Arabia Publications
Schedule:
Thursday, 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM, L115
Abstract:
Writing articles for publication is a great way for teachers and educational leaders
to develop professionally and achieve excellence through life skills education. This
presentation is about how you can take your rst steps towards getting your submissions
published in TESOL Arabias peer reviewed journal, Perspectives, and TESOL Arabia book
publications.
Bios:
This session will be presented by Melanie Gobert, Tandy Bailey, Peter Davidson, Christine
Coombe, Neil McBeath, and Paul Dessoir, all part of the TESOL Arabia publications team.
melanie_gobert@hotmail.com
Mashael Al-Hamly is Chair of the Department of English Language and Literature at
Kuwait University. She is particularly interested in computer-assisted language learning,
English language testing, and translation studies. mashael2@hotmail.com
Name:
Gondree, Eric
Title:
Keyboarding as a Barrier to English
Schedule:
Saturday, March 10, 9:30 AM-10:15 AM, L113 (IT Village)
Abstract:
Keyboarding is a benecial skill for English language learners but can be a source of
frustration. This presentation will introduce suggestions which address the development
of keyboarding skills in language classes. Participants will learn methods and tools for
including keyboarding in classes in ways that complement the learning of English. Level
of Experience Required: Beginner
Bio:
Eric Gondree has been an ESL instructor at Konan University in Kobe, Japan for three
years. He has an MBA and a masters in Education from SUNY Buffalo. egondree@center.
konan-u.ac.jp
Name:
Gray, Wesley
Title:
Developing Critical Thinking Skills Through Mindfulness
Schedule:
Thursday, 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM, F223
Abstract:
Langers construct of mindfulness offers a fresh perspective on teaching critical thinking.

This presentation unpacks the construct, and provides core practices for promoting a
mindful learning environment, in order to highlight its value for teaching critical thinking.
Illustrative examples are drawn upon from a graduate level business English course.
Bio:
Wesley Gray, PhD, is a faculty member at Saudi Interlink Language Center, Al Yamamah
University. He teaches the Business English for Executives program, a foundational
course of the MBA. gray_wesley@hotmail.com
101
Name:
Gregersen, Tammy
Title:
Language Strategies and Life Skills: Mirrored Goals
Schedule:
Saturday, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM, F226
Abstract:
Goals for achieving excellence through life skills education mirror the strategies
for reaching communicative competence through strategic language learning:
communication and interpersonal skills, decision-making and critical thinking skills,
and coping and self-management skills. This presentation examines how life skills and
language can be seamlessly taught and provides practical teaching ideas.
Bio:
Tammy Gregersen, PhD in Linguistics, Universidad de Valparaiso, Chile, is a TESOL

professor at the University of Northern Iowa specializing in second language acquisition
methodology, individual differences and nonverbal communication. tammy.gregersen@
uni.edu
Name:
Guefrachi, Hedi
Title:
Is Student Evaluation of Teachers Worth It?
Schedule:
Thursday, 4:30 PM - 5:15 PM, F214
Abstract:
The presentation discusses two views of the value of student evaluation of teacher
performance. Some teachers believe it is a valuable tool that enhances professional
development. Others think their students do not have the expertise for this exercise.
After a brief presentation, the oor will be opened for discussion.
Bio:
Hedi Guefrachi is a lecturer at the Petroleum Institute in Abu Dhabi. He has many years
teaching and training experience in the UAE. hguefrachi@pi.ac.ae
Name:
Hafez, Ola
Title:
Developing Students Critical Thinking Through Reading Stories
Schedule:
Saturday, 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM, F214
Abstract:
This demonstration shows how teachers can use stories to develop their students
critical thinking skills through activities including synthesizing, evaluating, transforming,
comparing and contrasting, and re-writing. Participants will discuss how to locate
appropriate stories, how to develop critical thinking activities, and how to design
reective practice for improvement.
Bio:
Assistant Director for Curriculum and Teacher Training, Ola Hafez is a professor at Cairo
University and has presented at various international conferences. Her Interest areas
include teaching reading and writing, discourse analysis and linguistics. ohafez@
aucegypt.edu
Name:
Haghnazari, Sima
Title:
Individual Differences in the Acquisition of Literacy
Schedule:
Abstract:
A framework for conceptualizing the development of individual differences in reading

ability is presented that synthesizes a great deal of the research literature. The framework
places special emphasis on the effects of reading on cognitive development and on
bootstrapping relationships involving reading.
Bio:
Sima Haghnazari is Professor of English at the Girls Professional Technical College

Branch in Urmia, Iran. She holds a PhD in Linguistics and has published several articles.
simahaghnazari@yahoo.com
102
Name:
Hassan, Mai Magdy Abdel-Hakeem Mohammed
Title:
Questioning: A Tool for Encouraging Critical Thinking
Schedule:
Friday, 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM, F219
Abstract:
Developing critical thinking skills has become crucial for our students in order for
them to be able to cope with 21st Century demands academically and professionally.
The presenter will show how to incorporate critical thinking into English language
lessons through the use of universal intellectual standards and Socratic questioning
techniques.
Bio:
Mai Magdy is an EFL instructor at Cairo University, AMIDEAST, and Knowledge Valley
International School. She is a member of the Board of Directors of NileTESOL. She has
taught different age levels. yoy_eimo37@yahoo.com
Name:
Hatherley-Greene, Peter
Title:
Cultural Border Crossings An Update
Schedule:
Thursday, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM, E204
Abstract:
This presentation updates my doctoral research in relation to the problem of assisting

young male Emiratis to make smoother and more frequent cultural border crossings
from high school to higher education and remain there.
Bio:
Peter has worked in the UAE since 1995 mainly in higher education. This year, he is
completing his PhD in full-time study while lecturing part-time at Emirates Academy.
phgdxb@gmail.com
Name:
Herdon, Tim
Title:
Setting Up an Effective Extensive Reading Programme
Schedule:
Saturday, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM, E204
Abstract:
How can we motivate our students in ways that go beyond following the coursebook?
By tapping into their love of stories. This interactive session will show how working with
graded readers satises the demands of our students imaginations as well as offering
signicant language learning benets.
Bio:
Tim Herdon is a senior teacher trainer at Oxford University Press in Oxford and has nearly
thirty years of experience in teaching, training, school management and materials
writing. tim.herdon@oup.com
Name:
Hernandez, Teresa
Title:
Decolonizing Graded Readers for Elementary School Students
Schedule:
Thursday, 12:30 PM - 1:15 PM, F223
Abstract:
Graded readers for elementary school students are often simplied versions of Western
fairytale or legend. The presenter will make the case for the necessity of a constructed
narrative that is informed by the culture in which it is being used.
Bio:
Teresa Hernandez is an English Instructor at the Saudi Interlink Language Center at Al

Yamamah University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. She has also taught in Erbil,Iraq and South Korea.
ms.teresahernandez@gmail.com
103
Name:
Hiasat, Lana
Title:
Kaizen Muse Inspired Life Changes
Schedule:
Saturday, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM, F220
Abstract:
Small steps that result in constant improvements are the basis of the Japanese philosophy
called the Kaizen. When applied in education, there are ten tools that help individuals
embark upon their unique creative process. The Kaizen Muse process cultivates intuition,
imagination and the inner wisdom needed to live a fullling life.
Bio:
Lana Hiasat is an English faculty at Dubai Mens College. She is a CMALT, Kaizen Muse
coach and is currently teaching the teacher certication PCTHE with Finland.
lana.hiasat@hct.ac.ae
Name:
Hill, Catherine
Title:
From Reading to PowerPoint and Beyond!
Schedule:
Saturday, 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM, F223
Abstract:
Encouraging our students to read and discovering how much they have understood
is sometimes difcult. The presenter will show different ways of allowing students to
read and present the information in various formats. Participants will see how these
strategies work using examples from local students work.
Bio:
I have taught English from the start of secondary school up to degree level. During my
career I have worked in Ireland, Germany, Hong Kong, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the
UAE. catherine.hill@rkmc.hct.ac.ae
Name:
Hill, Robert
Title:
What Comes Next? After-reading Activities
Schedule:
Friday, 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM, F208
Abstract:
What can we do when our students have nished reading a story? This session will give
you a collection of after-reading activities, with the emphasis on readers reactions to a
story rather than comprehension questions. The activities include both speaking and
writing skills, and are usable at all levels except beginner.
Bio:
A writer and a specialist in reading skills, Robert Hill gives talks and teacher-training
seminars in many parts the world. He is the series editor of Black Cat graded
readers. robhill@tin.it
Name:
Hilton, Ileana
Title:
A Model Bi-literate Classroom for Young Learners
Schedule:
Friday, 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM, L217
Abstract:
Creating bi-literate children is a goal for many school programs worldwide. How this
can be delivered in a developmentally and culturally appropriate manner may seem
overwhelming to many EFL and L1 language teachers alike. This presentation will
demonstrate a working model of a bi-literate classroom that utilizes co-teaching.
Bio:
Ileana Hilton holds an MEd in Education from Harvard University and a BS in Elementary
Education and Art from University of Massachusetts. She has over 18 years experience
in education. illy721@hotmail.com
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Name:
Hodgson, Kevin
Title:
Mismatch: Globalization & the Native Speaker Complex
Schedule:
Saturday, 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM, F227
Abstract:
By sharing the results of a mixed method study on 83 Japanese employees of an international

corporation, the presenter will show that a belief in native-speakerism can have a negative
effect on linguistic performance and self-condence. Suggestions for encouraging attitudinal
changes towards the Native Speaker Fallacy will also be discussed.
Bio:
The presenter has an MA in Applied Linguistics, teaching experience at secondary

and post-secondary institutions in Canada and Japan, and is currently working for an
international corporation in Japan. Kevin.Hodgson@zx.MitsubishiElectric.co.jp
Name:
Hoelker, Jane
Title:
What Are the Seven Powers of Questions?
Schedule:
Friday, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM, F211
Abstract:
Asking quality questions is a life skill and empowers professionals to nd a solution

in the unexpected or discover their potential in their personal and professional lives.
The seven powers of questions will be discussed and explored through activities that
develop this skill and apply it to the educational setting.
Bio:
Jane Hoelker served on the TESOL International Association Board of Directors and
is a Past President of TESOL Arabia. She is an Associate Credentialed Coach with the
International Coach Federation. jhoelker@gmail.com
Name:
Hrynczak, Sarah and Elaine Al Quraan
Title:
Differentiation in CLIL: Cooperative Learning in Action
Schedule:
Saturday, 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM, F220
Abstract:
Differentiating tasks in Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) is a valuable

way of addressing needs of learners in both content and language. This presentation
will demonstrate how using differentiation as a tool for team-building and collaboration
can develop multiple skills thus preparing students for life beyond the classroom.
Bios:
Sarah has experience in several countries and has been teaching in the UAE for more
than 4 years. She is currently an English Language Learning Advisor in Abu Dhabi. sarah.
hrynczak@gmail.com
Elaine has been teaching English in the UAE for over 10 years, and is currently pursuing
her MEd. Her interests are in CLIL and English/Arabic integration in mainstream UAE
education. elainmad@yahoo.com
Name:
Imrie, Andrew
Title:
Extensive Reading: Does it Work?
Schedule:
Thursday, 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM, F219
Abstract:
Many teachers encourage students to read extensively with graded readers, but does it
work? This presentation will report on research at a university in Japan that examined
the effects of extensive reading on reading speed and general English prociency. The
approach and results will be discussed in the presentation.
Bio:
Andrew Imrie is a lecturer in English at Rikkyo University in Japan. andrewci@hotmail.

com
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Name:
Ismail, Hala
Title:
Developing Empathy Through Literature in ESL Classrooms
Schedule:
Saturday, 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM, F219
Abstract:
This presentation will address empathy, the ability to care about others, as a skill that
can be developed in the ESL classroom. The presentation will also focus on the various
methods available for improving empathy through literature in the ESL classroom.
Bio:
Dr Hala Ismail is an assistant professor in the English Department at Prince Sultan

University, with the responsibility of teaching variety of undergraduate courses in the
applied linguistics program. hismaeal@pscw.psu.edu.sa
Name:
Ismail, Sadiq
Title:
Microteaching Experience in an English Education Program
Schedule:
Thursday, 12:30 PM - 1:15 PM, F226
Abstract:
The endorsement of microteaching as a tool for learning the art of teaching has attracted
a number of educators and researchers to investigate its impact on prospective teachers
teaching experiences and attitudes. It is believed that microteaching offers valuable
opportunities for prospective teachers to develop effective learning and teaching
strategies.
Bio:
Sadiq is currently Assistant Professor of English Education in the Faculty of Education at

UAE University. Previously, he taught ESP courses there for nine years before taking that
post. iyad333@hotmail.com
Name:
Jamshidnejad, Alireza
Title:
New Ideas for Achieving Excellence in Speaking
Schedule:
Friday, 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM, F227
Abstract:
Achieving excellence in speaking lessons is a major challenge to effective foreign

language learning and communication. This paper reviews the inuence of learners
self and others on their oral communication, and provides a research oriented
pattern for adopting a friendly and supportive classroom environment to go beyond the
boundaries.
Bio:
Alireza Jamshidnejad, holding a PhD in Applied Linguistics from the University of Kent,
currently is Assistant Professor in the Department of English Language and Literature at
Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz. jamshidnejad@yahoo.com
Name:
Kabesh, Manal
Title:
Storytelling: Motivating Students and Building Rapport
Schedule:
Saturday, 12:30 PM - 1:15 PM, F224
Abstract:
Children love stories. Apart from being every young childs bedtime friend, stories can
become every young learners school time treasure. Storytelling can become a powerful
tool in teachers hands. As young learners tend to have short attention spans and a lot
of energy, Total Physical Response storytelling is highly recommended.
Bio:
Manal Kabesh, a PhD holder in TEFL and Curriculum Development is a researcher,

educational consultant at the USAID, and an adjunct instructor at the AUC. She worked
as an ELT consultant and a teacher trainer. manal_kabesh@hotmail.com
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Name:
Karagianakis, Peter
Title:
A Critical Thinking Framework: 10 Red Flags
Schedule:
Friday, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM, F227
Abstract:
This presentation uses the 10 Red Flags framework (Karagianakis, 2010) as cues or
generic forms of cognitive codes of understanding to develop critical thinking skills.
This approach is applied to conventional reading texts and websites as a way to actively
engage the learner in higher order thinking skills.
Bio:
Peter Karagianakis has been an English language teacher for nearly 20 years, working in
the US, Greece, and the UAE. He is an advocate of the school of life. pkaragianakis@
sharjah.ac.ae
Name:
Kershaw, Geraldine
Title:
Promoting Students Self-assessment Skills for Effective Learning
Schedule:
Friday, 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM, F220
Abstract:
Some students fail to achieve because they cannot accurately assess their skills,
understanding and knowledge. Yet self-assessment is a key skill for success in education
and at work. This session will discuss theory related to student self-assessment and
describe practical techniques for promoting self-assessment skills in university students.
Bio:
Geraldine Kershaw has considerable EFL experience gained in Europe, Asia, Oceania and
the Middle East. Her research interests are academic writing skills, academic integrity,
medical education, and generic skills development. Geraldine.Kershaw@uaeu.ac.ae
Name:
Khafagi, Noha
Title:
Avoiding Classroom Distraction Ensures Improved Students Skills
Schedule:
Thursday, 12:30 PM - 1:15 PM, F227
Abstract:
Certain classroom distractions can have a signicant effect on the quality of education.
The presenter will discuss the results of a study she conducted on factors that detract
students from learning. Questionnaires devised, implications, preventative strategies
and practical solutions will be shared.
Bio:
Noha Khafagi is a senior instructor at the American University in Cairo (AUC). Shes
currently teaching English to Freshman. She has extensive experience in teacher training
and educational management. nohakhaf@aucegypt.edu
Name:
King, Mick
Title:
Help! My English Teacher is an Alien!
Schedule:
Friday, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM, F227
Abstract:
The presenter highlights Gulf-based research into effective Indian tertiary education
TESOL teachers. Findings send a message of hope to Indian teachers by proposing a
rethinking of both the native speaker preference and the perception of Indian teachers
suitability to teach TESOL in tertiary education settings in the Gulf.
Bio:
Mick King has worked in TESOL for 20+ years as teacher, lecturer and manager in Europe and
the Gulf, and in recent years has presented and published in the eld. micjak66@gmail.com
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Name:
Kinuthia, Heather and Deidre Murphy
Title:
Falling Behind: Sharing a Reading Intervention Programme
Schedule:
Thursday, 12:30 PM - 1:15 PM, F211
Abstract:
A language-experience approach to teaching reading that puts meaning in the middle

of the reading experience. The approach aims to support false beginners who have fallen
signicantly behind in their reading, compromising their ability to access the curriculum.
A space to share and develop thoughts with practical resources and ideas.
Bios:
Heather Kinuthia has worked in the UK as a consultant for educational inclusion and
now works for Nord Anglia Education in government schools as Advanced Subject
Teaching Advisor for English. heather.kinuthia@nordanglia.com
Deidre Murphy has worked in second language education and teacher training in a
variety of contexts and countries. She is currently Advanced Subject Teaching Advisor,
ESOL, for Nord Anglia Education. deidre.murphy@nordanglia.com
Name:
Klassen, Garnet
Title:
Interactive Writing Activities for Fun and Learning
Schedule:
Thursday, 12:30 PM - 1:15 PM, E204
Abstract:
Get your students active in your writing classes. Come and see some tested interactive
classroom techniques in which students are guided to correctly use parts of speech in
different sentence patterns. Learn how to use cue cards and ipchart paper for games
that promote fun with developing writing skills.
Bio:
Garnet has worked in language and sports instruction for over 15 years. He currently
works in Al Ain in vocational education which is his focus for his doctoral studies.
garnetklassen@gmail.com
Name:
Kocatepe, Mehtap
Title:
Examining Out-of-Class Learner Autonomy and Motivation
Schedule:
Thursday, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM, F220
Abstract:
The presenter discusses research that investigated the out-of-class learning activities of
a group of tertiary level EFL learners in the UAE and their perceptions of the impact such
study has on language development. The complex role that autonomy and motivation
play in self-directed study will also be analysed.
Bio:
The presenter works at Zayed University. Her research interests include motivation and
learner autonomy, qualitative research and discourse analysis. mehtap.kocatepe@zu.ac.ae
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Name:
Kripps, Anthony
Title:
Teacher, Speak More Slowly
Schedule:
Thursday, 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM, F213
Abstract:
Some native and non-native teachers articially distort their speech to comply with
pleas to speak more slowly. Arabic L1 learners listening comprehension scores on TOEIC,
TOEFL and IELTS indicate that speaking slowly is counterproductive. Instead, more
bottom-up skill and training in natural, connected speech are needed.
Bio:
Anthony Kripps is an applied linguist, though trained in general linguistics. He speaks

French, Greek, Russian, and Thai. His research interests include e-learning, out-of-class
language learning, and auditory phonetics. polyglot12@yahoo.com
Name:
Kulakova, Lyudmyla and Nataliia Reutska
Title:
Making the Best of Testing Cornerstones
Schedule:
Saturday, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM, F219
Abstract:
Are you engaged in preparing students for high-stakes tests? How can we raise teacher
and student awareness about multiple choice questions (MCQ) in assessing reading?
The presenters will show how test preparation strategies and test designing techniques
work in Ukraine. Participants will share ideas of what an effective MCQ is.
Bios:
Lyudmyla received her MA from Ilya Mechnikov Odesa State University. Being a city
methodologist and a test writer she trains teachers, develops tests and delivers
seminars on testing and assessment. kulakoval@ukr.net
Nataliia has taught English for elementary to high school students. She has presented
at two international and four national TESOL conferences on the issues related to
assessment and cultural awareness. reutskand@ukr.net
Name:
Lababidi, Rola
Title:
Foreign Language Anxiety Among Emirati Students
Schedule:
Friday, 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM, E204
Abstract:
This small-scale exploratory study explores how learner beliefs about themselves
learning English is related to foreign language anxiety. The signicance of this study
emerges from the fact that foreign language anxiety has a profound impact on student
success in learning a second language.
Bio:
Rola Lababidi holds a Bachelors degree in Sociology/ Psychology, a Post Bachelors

degree in Special Education and a masters degree in Educational Studies. rola.lababidi@
yahoo.com
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Name:
Langcay, Edward and Nahid Qadri
Title:
CAP: An Educational Path to Life Skills
Schedule:
Thursday, 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM, F211
Abstract:
This workshop concentrates on the application of CAP (Cognitive, Affective and

Psychomotor) domains in the teaching - learning process of the productive skills:
speaking and writing. The participants will be involved in CAP oriented activities leading
to designing and analyzing the criteria of these skills.
Bios:
Edward Batulan Langcay is currently working as an English language lecturer at Shinas

College of Technology, Oman. He is advocating ESL student-based learning instruction
and activities and educational research. amed21_ebl@yahoo.com.ph
Nahid Qadri, an ESL/EFL teacher and a student counselor for 21 years, is presently
employed at Shinas College of Technology, Oman. Her elds of interest are creative
writing and public speaking. nuhood10@gmail.com
Name:
Lanteigne, Betty
Title:
A Technological Twist on Plagiarism
Schedule:
Saturday, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM, F224
Abstract:
This presentation discusses a case study involving use of digital translation in which a
student copied a text in Arabic, ran it through the translation software, and obtained
a newly developed text in English which would not be detected by plagiarism checkers
such as Turn It In or Safe Assign.
Bio:
Betty Lanteigne, a professor at American University of Sharjah, specializes in language

assessment/sociolinguistics/cross-cultural communication, and is interested in culturally
appropriate assessment/instructional materials. She teaches undergraduate linguistics
courses and language assessment in the MA TESOL program. blanteigne@aus.edu
Name:
Le Seelleur, Tom
Title:
The Power of One
Schedule:
Saturday, 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM, F214
Abstract:
How can you encourage a whole country to read? This is the challenge being taken up
by a team of teachers to turn a newly-literate population into one that reads as a habit.
Participants will learn strategies and initiatives to promote reading and will participate
by sharing experiences and ideas.
Bio:
Tom teaches English at Khalifa University in Sharjah on the preparatory program, is Coeditor of READ magazine and is trying to promote reading throughout the UAE. thomas.
patrick@kustar.ac.ae
110
Name:
Lefort, Jodi
Title:
How to Start a Writing Center
Schedule:
Thursday, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM, F213
Abstract:
A Writing Center is fairly inexpensive to establish and operate, yet yields profound results
in improving students writing. This workshop guides participants through the process of
establishing a Writing Center, from proposal to commencement of services. Participants
will leave with a sample proposal, promotional materials, and tutor training resources.
Bio:
Jodi is currently the Learning Center Student Services Unit Head and has started three
writing centers in the region. She was inaugural President of the MENA Writing Centers
Alliance. jodi.lefort@yahoo.com
Name:
Lieb, Maggie
Title:
Fostering Cultural Fluency for a Globalized World
Schedule:
Friday, 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM, F224
Abstract:
Globalization has led to unprecedented opportunities for cross-cultural communication.

For English language learners this requires cultural uency as well as linguistic uency.
This presentation will describe a course designed by the presenter, which aims to foster
cultural uency. Suggestions on topic selection, pedagogy, and assessment techniques
will be offered.
Bio:
Maggie Lieb received her BEd from National University of Ireland, and her MA from
California State University. She has taught in Ireland, the US, and Japan. She currently
researches intercultural communication. maggielieb@gmail.com
Name:
Litz, David and Allison Smith
Title:
UAE Teachers Attitudes to Communicative Language Teaching
Schedule:
Thursday, 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM, F220
Abstract:
This presentation will examine cross-cultural perceptions of the communicative approach

to the teaching of English as a foreign language and explore how this approach is being
understood and implemented by EFL secondary school teachers in the context of the
UAE.
Bios:
David Litz has completed a BA, BEd, and an MA in TESL/TEFL and he is presently working
towards a doctorate in Educational Administration. He is currently lecturing at UAE
University. david.litz@gmail.com
Allison Smith has completed a BA, BEd, and an MA in TESL/TEFL. She has taught in
South Korea, Canada, and the UAE. She is currently an ESP Lecturer at UAE University.
allielitz@yahoo.com
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Name:
Mabloul, Hassan
Title:
Mentees Perceptions of Their Mentors Roles
Schedule:
Thursday, 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM, F213
Abstract:
Mentoring is seen as a teaching/learning context for both: mentors and mentees. The
presenter will highlight mentees perceptions of a good mentoring as found out in his study.
Educators will be enticed by the ndings to look critically at the taken-for-granted
mentoring relationships.
Bio:
Hassan Mabloul has worked in the UAE for 23 years. Hassans work involves teaching,
mentoring and supervising teachers. He is a candidate doctoral student at University of
Exeter (UK). hassanalzubair@yahoo.com
Name:
Mallek Bahloul, Raja and Olivia L. Riordan
Title:
Engaging Students Through Content-based Oral Presentations
Schedule:
Thursday, 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM, F224
Abstract:
Teacher-centered classes can be boring. Having students present course content is a

motivating integrated skills activity. The presenters will share their experiences with this
method and the results of their student survey. Participants will learn how to make use
of this strategy in their classrooms and avoid potential pitfalls.
Bios:
Raja Mallek Bahloul is a senior language instructor at the American University of Sharjah.
She earned her MA from Cornell University in 1994. She has been teaching English since
then. rmallek@aus.edu
Olivia L. Riordan, a senior instructor at the American University of Sharjah and former
editor of Perspectives, has presented in Jordan, Thailand, Qatar, the UK, the US, and the
UAE. oriordan@aus.edu
Name:
Mann, Steve
Title:
The Coursebook and Beyond
Schedule:
Friday, 4:30 PM - 5:15 PM, F224
Abstract:
This presentation considers a range of ways in which teachers can adapt and supplement
coursebooks. It also highlights resources available from the internet that can revitalise
and personalise the coursebook.
Bio:
Dr Steve Mann is Associate Professor for ELT and Applied Linguistics at the University
of Warwick. He has worked for 20 years with teachers on materials development and
action research. steve.mann@warwick.ac.uk
112
Name:
McBeath, Neil
Title:
English for Occupational Purposes: Skills for Life
Schedule:
Friday, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM, F223
Abstract:
This paper examines the development of EOP, and pays particular attention to the
instrumentalist use of English within the Arab Gulf. It will examine materials currently
in use, suggest areas of future development, and outline the need for teacher-training
that is sympathetic to the specialist requirements of EOP learners.
Bio:
Neil McBeath served in the Royal Air Force of Oman from 1981 to 2011. Refusing to
renew contract, he moved rst to KSA before returning to Oman and Sultan Qaboos
University. neilmcbeath@yahoo.com
Name:
McClane, Richard and Tahani Qadry
Title:
Savvy Classroom Management Techniques
Schedule:
Thursday, 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM, F226
Abstract:
Even nice teachers must bring order and respect into the classroom. The presenters
will demonstrate classroom management techniques and counseling strategies which
can be mastered by anyone. These techniques will be described in a concrete, actionable
way that will allow teachers to apply the techniques immediately.
Bios:
Richard McClane is currently teaching at American University of Sharjah. mcclane@aus.

edu
Tahani Qadry currently teaches at American University of Sharjah and is Student
Counselor for the AUS Bridge Program. tqadri@aus.edu
Name:
McGee, Iain
Title:
Semantic Prosody Awareness: A Neglected Classroom Phenomenon
Schedule:
Thursday, 4:30 PM - 5:15 PM, E204
Abstract:
Semantic prosody is a relatively new area of study in applied linguistics, rarely discussed
outside corpus linguistics journals. In this presentation the concept is discussed and
data from two experiments reported. It is argued that the data suggest that teachers
begin to highlight awareness of the concept with their students.
Bio:
Iain is Associate Professor at Nizwa University, Oman. A regular TACON presenter, he has
published in Applied Linguistics, Corpus Linguistics and Linguistic Theory, ELTJ, and The
Teacher Trainer Journal. iainmcgee1@gmail.com
113
Name:
McHarg, Molly
Title:
Developing a Peer Consultant Program in Qatar
Schedule:
Abstract:
Peer tutoring has been a practical, useful model of instruction for writing centers around
the world. Nonetheless, the development of peer educator programs in the Gulf region
is a relatively new phenomenon. This poster will present the development of a peer
consultant program at Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar.
Bio:
Molly McHarg has worked in writing centers in Qatar since 2005. Molly is now Executive
Secretary on the Qatar TESOL Board. She is also pursuing her PhD. mpmcharg@qatar.vcu.edu
Name:
McLaren, Peter and Lawrence Burke
Title:
Leave It to Spell-Check
Schedule:
Thursday, 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM, F219
Abstract:
This paper hypothesizes and seeks to empirically verify via an experimental case study
that despite the popularity of web-based and other technological teaching and learning
aids, such technologies can, in fact, be counter-productive when it comes to the uptake
and retention of spelling, especially in a foreign language.
Bios:
Peter McLaren is pursuing doctoral studies and has interests in critical issues, extensive
reading, motivation and independent learning. He has both presented papers and
published in these areas. pmclaren@hct.ac.ae
Lawrence Burkes interests are critical literacy, and technology use in teaching & learning.
He has published in several journals including HCT Publications, The International
Schools Journal, and the Australian Curriculum Review. lburke@hct.ac.ae
Name:
McLarty, Robert
Title:
ESP or EAP for Business Related Courses?
Schedule:
Thursday, 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM, F208
Abstract:
Teachers often have to move from ESP (English for Specic Purposes) where the majority
of the students are already using English in their job, to EAP (English for Academic
Purposes) where students have not started working yet. The presenter will compare the
two and suggest appropriate and useful activities.
Bio:
Robert McLarty is Publishing Manager for ESP and EAP at OUP. He is a regular visitor
to the region where he works closely with institutions running EAP and ESP courses.
robert.mclarty@oup.com
114
Name:
McRae, Shawn
Title:
Motivating Masses: Student-Generated Materials in Classes
Schedule:
Saturday, 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM, F223
Abstract:
How can teachers encourage student participation and generate interest? Let students
write about and discuss the one thing they know best - themselves!!! Integrating
student-generated materials into curriculum development is an invaluable tool as it
fosters learner independence and encourages teaching to the whole person.
Bio:
Shawn McRae is an English instructor at Al Yamamah University in Riyadh, Saudi

Arabia. She is earning her MA in TESOL through the School for International Studies in
Brattleboro, Vermont. smcrae77@yahoo.com
Name:
Mezghani, Wafa
Title:
Learning Through Filmmaking: A Constructivist Approach
Schedule:
Friday, 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM, F227
Abstract:
This presentation describes a lm-making project in which a group of French high school
students joined a lmmaking intensive summer session in English. The presenter argues
that the activity supports a constructivist perspective on education, and offers new ways
of enhancing the pedagogical effectiveness of language teaching.
Bio:
Wafa Thabet Mezghani is Senior Instructor of English at the Higher Institute of

Technological Studies of Sfax, Tunisia. She is also a PhD student and Academic
Coordinator of Maher Language Institute. wafa_mezghani@hotmail.com
Name:
Miled, Neila and Adel Jendli
Title:
Intercultural Literacy in EFL Teachers Professional Development
Schedule:
Friday, 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM, F227
Abstract:
This presentation will problematize the issue of intercultural literacy in teachers

professional development and will critically examine issues related to EFL teachers
preparedness for a student population from a different cultural and linguistic background
than theirs. Presenters will critique existing models and examine successful strategies
for developing teachers intercultural competence.
Bios:
Neila is an ESL instructor at Zayed University. Her research interests are teachers
professional development, globalization and education policy, and multicultural
education. neila.miled@zu.ac.ae
Adel is Associate Professor in Communication. His research interests are intercultural
communication, communication and evaluative anxiety, bilingualism and dual language
education. adel.jendli@zu.ac.ae
115
Name:
Mohamed, Rak and Othman Al Semari
Title:
Reading Speed and Comprehension Through Reading Software
Schedule:
Friday, 4:30 PM - 5:15 PM, L217
Abstract:
Efcient reading helps learners read faster by ltering out unnecessary material
and extracting key points from the text. The presenters will describe how they used
RocketReader to help students increase speed reading and achieve a deeper level of
comprehension of the texts that were read.
Bios:
Dr Rak Mohamed is Assistant Professor of Applied Linguistics. His research interests

focus on recent approaches and methods of language teaching besides designing and
monitoring teacher training programs. rakahm@gmail.com
Dr Othman Al Semari is Associate Professor of Applied Linguistics. His current research
is primarily centered on content-based instruction, CALL, and best teaching practices.
oalsemari@gmail.com
Name:
Moos, Jonah
Title:
Assessing Language Prociency: Investigating University Admission Practices
Schedule:
Friday, 4:30 PM - 5:15 PM, F220
Abstract:
This study investigates language prociency test use by English-medium universities

(EMUs) in Arabic-speaking countries to make decisions about the admission and
placement of students in English language support programs. The study found great
variation in practices and requirements among EMUs. Implications for universities and
students will be discussed.
Bio:
Jonah Moos is an Instructor and Study Skills Coordinator in the English Language
Institute at the American University in Cairo. He is outgoing conference chair of
NileTESOL. jmoos@aucegypt.edu
Name:
Morrow, Christopher
Title:
Balancing Your Course with Nations Four Strands
Schedule:
Thursday, 12:30 PM - 1:15 PM, F214
Abstract:
Nations Four Strands describe essential learning processes that help teachers balance
instructional time between more explicit and implicit forms of learning and practice.
This presentation will include an explanation of the strands and their relation to popular
techniques. A rubric for analyzing class time and activities will be applied.
Bio:
Christopher Morrow has been Assistant Professor of English Language Education at UAE
University since 2008. Prior to that, he taught English in the Foundations program for
nine years. gomorrow@gmail.com
116
Name:
Mosher, Melissa
Title:
The Act of Balancing an Effective Class
Schedule:
Friday, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM, F223
Abstract:
The social structure of a classroom sets the tone for an efcient and productive learning
environment. The presenter will break down the necessary tools for instructors to
assess and conduct according to the context. The presenter will share her beliefs and
the balancing of theories and conclusions based on reection.
Bio:
Melissa Mosher is an instructor at the University of Hail in Saudi Arabia. She has
experience teaching in Japan, Morocco and the United States. melissa.mosher@gmail.
com
Name:
Moussaoui, Samira and Zahia Mebarki
Title:
Promoting Learners Positive Affect Through Peer Evaluation
Schedule:
Friday, 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM, F213
Abstract:
The author attempted to investigate the effect of using peer evaluation in promoting
Algerian students positive affect in an EFL writing class. The participants of this study
were second-year English students at Setif University. The data were collected from preand post-training surveys, writing tasks, and peer evaluation rubrics.
Bios:
Samira Moussaoui is an assistant lecturer at Setif University. She is conducting a

doctoral research on EFL writing and affect. She completed one year of professional
development at Boston University. summer_fellow@yahoo.fr
Dr Zahia Mebarki is an assistant professor in English, University of Setif, Algeria with a
PhD in Applied Linguistics. Research interests include English for Specic Purposes and
learning and teaching reading and writing. mebarki2003@yahoo.co.uk
Name:
Moustafa, Ahmed
Title:
Teacher ePortfolios: A Vehicle for Reection
Schedule:
Saturday, 1:00 PM - 2:15 PM, L113 (IT Village)
Abstract:
The presenter explores the concept of ePortfolios, highlights strategies to integrate

ePortfolios in EFL classrooms, and shows examples of teacher and student
ePortfolios. He will explore ways to add audio/video artifacts to ePortfolios. Step-bystep assistance for attendees to create their Teacher ePortfolios will also be provided.
Level of Experience Required: Intermediate
Bio:
Ahmed Moustafa works at ATHS Al Ain. He has an MA in TESOL from the American
University of Sharjah. Earlier, he was an exchange teacher at St. Johns University in the
USA. iat.teacher@gmail.com
117
Name:
Murdoch, George
Title:
Students Views on Working in Small Groups
Schedule:
Friday, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM, E204
Abstract:
This presentation concerns an action research project conducted at UAE University.

Literature and theories related to small group teaching are reviewed. Activity types suitable
for group work are described. A questionnaire used for conducting structured interviews
with students is presented. The results reveal student views about group work.
Bio:
George Murdoch is an EFL lecturer at UAE University. He has presented at numerous

TESOL Arabia and other conferences. George has also written and reviewed articles for
leading journals. gmurdoch@uaeu.ac.ae
Name:
Mustafa, Ghassoub
Title:
Effective Psychology: Win Learners Hearts and Minds
Schedule:
Thursday, 4:30 PM - 5:15 PM, F223
Abstract:
Do you want to know how to win Arab language learners hearts and minds? Do you want to
know how to motivate the most resistant students? Do you want to avoid ascos? Do you
want to make your language lesson enjoyable? The presenter will reveal some secrets!
Bio:
Dr Ghassoub Mustafa teaches English, ESP, History, and International studies at Dubai
Womens College and has been the head of the Research Committee at that college.
ghassoub.mustafa@hct.ac.ae
Name:
Nasrollahi Shahri, Mohammad Naseh
Title:
Individual Differences in Private Speech
Schedule:
Thursday, 12:30 PM - 1:15 PM, F208
Abstract:
Private speech is an effective way of practicing a second language autonomously. The

presenter will describe distinct individual styles in private speech. The presentation is of
interest to researchers interested in sociocultural theory and learner independence as
well as ESL teachers.
Bio:
Naseh is a PhD student in TEFL/Applied Linguistics at Shahid Beheshti University, Iran.

His research interests include sociocultural theory and identity in applied linguistics.
Naseh2box@yahoo.com
Name:
Noel, Elizabeth
Title:
Bringing Extensive Reading into the Classroom
Schedule:
Friday, 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM, L217
Abstract:
Extensive Reading is accepted and empirically supported as beneting language learners

cognitively and affectively. However, this life skill remains largely as an adjunct activity. The
presenter will briey review extensive reading in TESOL, and then demonstrate ways of
using extensive reading that should be reusable in attendees classrooms and curricula.
Bio:
Elizabeth has taught in the UAE for ve years. She is an English lecturer at the
Canadian University of Dubai. She recently gained an MEd TESOL from Exeter University.
lizzybee68@hotmail.co.uk
118
Name:
Northover, Richard
Title:
Why Did OBE Fail in South Africa?
Schedule:
Saturday, 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM, F227
Abstract:
Halfway through 2010, it was announced that Outcomes-Based Education (OBE) had
failed in South Africa after being introduced in the mid-1990s. This paper will explore
possible reasons for the apparent failure of OBE, and consider what lessons educators
in the Gulf area can learn from the South African experience.
Bio:
Dr Richard Northover is currently working at the American University in the Emirates.

He taught English for sixteen years in South Africa and for three in the United Arab
Emirates. richard.northover@aue.ae
Name:
Nostas, Alissa and Meghan Pearson
Title:
Developing Students Skills Through Interactive Online Programs
Schedule:
Abstract:
Interactive online programs integrate language learning with critical thinking and technology
skills. Through GoAnimate, an online program, students create short animation lms. The
presenters will teach participants how to use it and offer suggestions for its use in the language
classroom Participants should have basic web-browsing and word-processing capabilities.
Level of Experience Required: Beginner
Bios:
Alissa Nostas is an instructor at the American University in Cairo. She has also taught
in the United States, Ecuador, and Kuwait. Her interests include technology, vocabulary
acquisition and grammar. anostas@aucegypt.edu
Meghan Pearson is an instructor at Box Hill College, Kuwait. Her interests include multimedia
use in the classroom and developing reading skills. m.pearson@bhck.edu.kw
Name:
Nowlan, Andrew
Title:
Speaking Enhancers for Teachers and Students
Schedule:
Friday, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM, F214
Abstract:
Comfort with public speaking is critical for successful delivery of language curriculum.
During this session, the presenter will introduce the six most common problems for
speakers and suggest fun in-class activities that can be practiced by teachers and
students to rectify the errors.
Bio:
Andrew Nowlan is a language instructor at Kwansei Gakuin University in Japan. With

experience teaching English throughout East Asia, Andrew is interested in developing
intercultural competence in the classroom. nowlan1979@yahoo.com
119
Name:
Nureldeen, Waleed
Title:
Speech Acts: Intercultural Pragmatic Fluency Achieved
Schedule:
Saturday, 12:30 PM - 1:15 PM, F220
Abstract:
The nature of English as the lingua franca of our age makes it increasingly challenging
for ESL/EFL learners to use speech acts successfully during intercultural interaction.
The presenter will provide some handy tips for teaching speech acts to help Arab EFL
learners become pragmatically uent during intercultural communication in English.
Bio:
Waleed Nureldeen is a TA at Menouya University, Egypt. He has an MA degree in

Linguistics. He has delivered many presentations in NileTESOL and TESOL Sudan
conferences. waleed.a.nureldeen@hotmail.co.uk
Name:
ONeill, Jim
Title:
Meeting Learner Needs on Short Courses
Schedule:
Saturday, 12:30 PM - 1:15 PM, F227
Abstract:
British Council teachers across the Middle East/North Africa have looked into how to
resolve the conundrum of meeting learner needs on rather short courses (30-50 hours).
Their classroom practice leads to practical tips that we share. Squeezing in that extra
course content enables us to enhance learner motivation and satisfaction.
Bio:
Jim ONeill was born in London and has worked in EFL/ESOL contexts in Saudi Arabia,
Ecuador, Sri Lanka, and Spain and the UK. He is currently the Regional Quality in the
Classroom Manager for the British Council. oneilljim@hotmail.com
Name:
Obee, Bob
Title:
Taming the IELTS Beast
Schedule:
Saturday, 12:30 PM - 1:15 PM, F226
Abstract:
The presentation will focus on dimensions of the IELTS exam preparation teachers
task: integrating meaningful exam practice with language learning, raising exam task
awareness and exam training. We will also consider issues in structuring courses and
approaches to language input focuses given the multi-layered nature of the beast.
Bio:
Bob Obee has written numerous ELT titles with Express Publishing and CUP most
recently Mission IELTS. He is the Professional Support Leader for Cambridge ESOL in
south-eastern Europe. b.obee@usa.net
Name:
Oddy, Sandra
Title:
Activities for Better Pronunciation
Schedule:
Friday, 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM, F214
Abstract:
This interactive workshop showcases a variety of tried and tested pronunciation activities
that teachers can use no matter what the rst language of the learners. Activities will
include both receptive and productive skills, dealing with the raising of phonemic
awareness as well as the production of particular phonemes.
Bio:
Sandra Oddy, PGCE TESOL, MA App. Ling., has worked in the region for 27 years and
is currently an HCT faculty member on the Bachelor of Education Programme at Al Ain
Womens College. sandraoddy@gmail.com
120
Name:
Onat, Hilal
Title:
Route to ELT Leadership: Student, Teacher, Leader
Schedule:
Friday, 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM, F223
Abstract:
Throughout educational history, we see that teachers have had different hats to wear,
experienced different periods with different roles as a student, teacher and a teacher
as school leader. Is it possible to determine good leaders from good teachers? Are they
born or made?
Bio:
Hilal Onat holds a CEELT Certicate and RSA DOTE Diploma and MA in ELT. She has
been working at Hacettepe University SFL, Ankara, Turkey. She is the secretary of TESOL
Arabia LM SIG. onathilal@yahoo.com
Name:
Ozdeniz, Denise and John Landers
Title:
Life Skills for the Classroom and Work
Schedule:
Friday, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM, F226
Abstract:
Understanding how core life skills add value to academic and lifelong learning can be
exploited in the classroom to motivate students from the early stages of language
learning. A case study of a professional communication skills university course will be
used to exemplify how this may be done.
Bios:
Denise Ozdeniz has been a teacher and teacher trainer for more than 25 years working
in a variety of educational contexts. She values empowerment and life-long learning.
dozdeniz@hct.ac.ae
John Landers has taught on both vocational business and language courses at tertiary
institutions for 24 years, working in a variety of cultural contexts. John.Landers@zu.ac.ae
Name:
Palmer, Karen
Title:
Implementing Differentiated Instruction in Language Learning Classrooms
Schedule:
Thursday, 4:30 PM - 5:15 PM, F224
Abstract:
Language learners are diverse learners. Therefore, language instruction should be

varied for these students. One way to vary language instruction is through differentiated
instruction, an educational approach that adjusts instruction to t students needs.
Presenters will discuss differentiated instruction strategies used in learning language
classrooms.
Bios:
Karen Palmer is an ESL lecturer at Dar Al-Hekma College in Saudi Arabia. She has worked
with ESL students for 20 years. Her research specialty is differentiated instruction.
karennwaisir@hotmail.com
121
Name:
Parker, Peter
Title:
Addressing English Pronunciation Difculties Among Emirati Undergraduates
Schedule:
Friday, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM, F214
Abstract:
This paper investigates the English pronunciation difculties of Emirati students enrolled
in an undergraduate program in the UAE. After assessing areas of difculty, students
received 10-weeks of phonemic awareness instruction. Findings are discussed. Several
types of sound discrimination exercises are offered to assist ESL teachers in addressing
pronunciation problems.
Bio:
Peter holds a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Illinois at
Urbana-Champaign. He is currently Assistant Professor in the College of Education at
Zayed University. peter.parker@zu.ac.ae
Name:
Parsaiyan, Fahimeh and Fatemeh Nami
Title:
A Workshop on Avatars
Schedule:
Friday, 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM, L113 (IT Village)
Abstract:
Avatars are talking characters (virtual bodies or graphical icons) which enable
users to convert written texts to speech voices or express themselves in
their own recorded voice. This workshop aims at introducing some avatar
making tools including ReadTheWords, Voki, Zimmertwins and Xtranormal.
Bios:
Fahimeh Parsaiyan is a PhD candidate of TEFL, Al-zahra University, Tehran,

Iran. fahimehparsa@yahoo.com
Fatemeh Nami is a PhD candidate of TEFL, Al-Zahra University , Tehran, Iran. fana22irana@
yahoo.com
Name:
Patent, David
Title:
Teaching English with Serious Online Games
Schedule:
Abstract:
The use of digital games in educational settings can be highly effective

The presenter will discuss his experience using serious online games
to develop English language skills. He will guide participants on a
tour of serious online games that they can use in their own teaching.
Bio:
David Patent currently teaches at Ras Al Khaimah Mens College. He has also taught
English at high schools in Hungary and Intensive English Programs in the United States.
patenthu@yahoo.com
122
Name:
Pathare, Gary
Title:
Ol! Transferring Life-Skills to the ELT Classroom
Schedule:
Thursday, 12:30 PM - 1:15 PM, L115
Abstract:
This presentation demonstrates how we can transfer life-skills, experiences and passions
into new teaching approaches. From learning to play amenco guitar and cook Spanish
tapas, the presenter has gained valuable practical insights into the teaching/learning
process. Like Spanish tapas themselves, the lessons learned are innovative, varied,
tasty, and easily digestible.
Bio:
Gary, MEd TESOL, DMC faculty (10 years), OUP author (Headway), and UAE IT Challenge
winner, enjoys sharing innovations, materials and ideas, and regularly presents and
publishes both regionally and internationally. gary.pathare@hct.ac.ae
Name:
Patil-Gaikwad, Anjali
Title:
Vocabulary Enrichment: From Latent to Active
Schedule:
Thursday, 12:30 PM - 1:15 PM, F219
Abstract:
Learners of ESL are often unaware that they possess a latent vocabulary that is much
larger than their active vocabulary. The presenter will discuss a technique employed to
draw out this latent corpus of words in Indian undergraduate students of Commerce.
Bio:
Anjali Patil-Gaikwad is Assistant Professor of English at C.P. & Berar College, RTM Nagpur
University, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India. anjalipatilgaikwad@gmail.com
Name:
Patil, Jagdish
Title:
Laxmans Cartoons and Grammar Teaching
Schedule:
Friday, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM, F220
Abstract:
The presenter will describe how he has developed teaching materials based upon R.
K. Laxmans Cartoons to teach English grammar effectively by actually involving the
learners in the teaching learning process.
Bio:
Dr Jagdish Patil is Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of English at Dhanaji
Nana Mahavidyalaya, India. He has a BA, MA, M Phil, and PhD in English. jagdishpatil21@
gmail.com
123
Name:
Payne, Catherine, Aysha Awad Al Nuaimi, Maryam Hilal Al Damarki and Petra Prinsloo
Title:
Super Strategies for Cross-Curricular Challenges
Schedule:
Saturday, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM, F219
Abstract:
Implementing a new curriculum to second-language learners presents pedagogy

challenges. The presenters will review a case study of English/Science cross-curricular
work in an Abu Dhabi 6-9 girls school, providing strategies and techniques to support
teaching and learning through improved pedagogy.
Bios:
Catherine Payne is an ESL teacher from the UK, and is currently working as an English
advisory teacher for Nord Anglia Education in Abu Dhabi. catherine.payne@nordanglia.com
Aysha Awad Al Nuaimi is from the UAE. After studying English Literature at UAE University,
she has taught for 5 years in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. awash83@hotmail.com
Maryam Hilal Al Darmaki is a UAE National, holds a BSc degree from UAE University and
has been a G6-9 science teacher for 15 years. petra.prinsloo@nordanglia.com
Petra (Bonnie) Prinsloo is from South Africa, holds a BSc Degree and a PGCSE, was
a teacher for 25 years and has been a Science Adviser for 3 years. petra.prinsloo@
nordanglia.com
Name:
Philips, Rajan
Title:
Fostering a Positive Attitude to Learning
Schedule:
Thursday, 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM, F227
Abstract:
Which is more crucial aptitude or attitude? While both do matter, the right attitude
to learning often spells the real difference between success and failure. The teacher
becomes a role model and adopts strategies that foster positive attitudes in the
learners. This transforms learning into a joyful experience.
Bio:
Dr Rajan Philips , an experienced ELT professional (including 15 years with Arab learners
of ESL/ESL) , is a regular presenter at ELT conferences and a freelance columnist.
rajanph@gmail.com
Name:
Poghosyan, Serine
Title:
Content Validity of Armenias High-stakes English Test
Schedule:
Friday, 4:30 PM - 5:15 PM, F219
Abstract:
Content validity evidence is vital in any testing situation in high-stakes testing, and for
entrance exams in particular. The presenter reviews the results of the research carried
out on the determination of the content validity of an Entrance English Examination test
in Armenia and presents the signicance of the study.
Bio:
Serine Poghosyan holds an MA in TEFL from the American University of Armenia. She
has been teaching English as a foreign language at the undergraduate level in Armenia.
serpogh@yahoo.com
124
Name:
Ptak, Agnieszka and Khalid Al Kaabi
Title:
Reective Portfolios in Omani Foundation Programmes
Schedule:
Friday, 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM, F223
Abstract:
The presenters will explore the role of reective portfolios in promoting learner autonomy
among Omani foundation programme students. An investigation of students beliefs
about reective portfolios and independent learning can aid in planning more effective
strategies in the process of incorporating learner autonomy in a foundation programme
curriculum.
Bios:
Agnieszka Ptak is a teacher and the Head of the Curriculum Unit at the Language Centre
of Sultan Qaboos University. Learner autonomy and curriculum development are her
main areas of interest. aga@squ.edu.om
Khalid Al Kaabi is a teacher at Sultan Qaboos University. He has an MA in Applied
Linguistics from the University of Queensland. He has presented various papers and
workshops in international ELT conferences. kaabim@squ.edu.om
Name:
Pulpea, Andreea
Title:
Reective Reading: A Survival Guide
Schedule:
Saturday, 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM, F226
Abstract:
In a world of texts decoding meaning successfully is an essential life skill. This

presentation will discuss reading patterns in the daily lives of Middle Eastern students,
explore cultural models that may inuence success and suggest ways in which we can
help our students move from reactive to reective reading.
Bio:
Andreea Pulpea left project management to return to a lifetime interest in learning. She
has worked in Romania, Portugal, Syria and Jordan and presented on skills development
and course planning. andreea.pulpea@britishcouncil.org.jo
Name:
Qayyum, Rabail
Title:
Increasing Undergraduate Students Understanding of Plagiarism
Schedule:
Saturday, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM, F227
Abstract:
This presentation describes a teachers way of discouraging her students from

plagiarizing. The speaker teaches academic writing to BBA freshmen in a private
university in Karachi and shares her classroom experience of developing awareness of
plagiarism. The presentation reports on the activities, the teachers observations and
students feedback.
Bio:
Rabail Qayyum is a Lecturer in the Department of Social Sciences at the Institute of

Business Administration, Karachi. She completed her MA in English Linguistics in 2007
at the University of Karachi. rabail.q@gmail.com
125
Name:
Rabb Khan, Mohammad Shamsur and Ali Mohammad Al-Asmari
Title:
Using Technology in ESP Classes: A Case Study
Schedule:
Thursday, 4:30 PM - 5:15 PM, F213
Abstract:
This paper investigates learners achievements, attitudes and responses to the use of
technology in ESP classes. Based on a comparative study as well as literature on ESP,
the paper shows the successful use of technology in teaching business communication
that helps motivate students to become self-paced learners.
Bios:
Mohammad is Assistant Professor in the Department of English, College of Science and

Arts, Moyahle, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia. samsur.khan@gmail.com
Ali is Assistant Professor of TESOL and Vice Dean, College of Science and Arts, Mohayle,
King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia. aasmari@gmail.com
Name:
Raddawi, Rana and Salah Troudi
Title:
Critical Pedagogy in the Arab World
Schedule:
Saturday, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM, F223
Abstract:
This paper aims to propose the introduction of Critical Pedagogy into the EFL teacher
education in the UAE. The presenters will involve the audience in a discussion of the
feasibility, potential and obstacles to the adoption of a critical approach to English
language education in the Arab world.
Bios:
Rana Raddawi is Associate Professor at the American University of Sharjah/Department

of English. She teaches EAP and ESP, curriculum development and related critical
issues, emotional intelligence and intercultural communication. She has mastered ve
languages. rraddawi@aus.edu
Salah Troudi is the Director of the doctorate of Education in TESOL at the University
of Exeter. He lectures in research methodology, curriculum issues and critical applied
linguistics and supervises doctoral students. S.Troudi@exeter.ac.uk
Name:
Rauf, Sadaf
Title:
Classroom Interactions: Struggles in Multiethnic Settings
Schedule:
Saturday, 12:30 PM - 1:15 PM, F219
Abstract:
Using an interactional sociolinguistics framework and conversational analysis, this

paper examines moments of academic and ethnic identity tensions during classroom
interactions. The paper aims to highlight the role of teachers and schools in these
moments. Data for this ethnographic study comes from audio-recorded interviews,
classroom observations, and ethnographic eld-notes.
Bio:
Sadaf Rauf is from Pakistan and is currently a graduate student at the University of
Minnesota. Her research area is language policy, academic identity and immigrants/
refugees with interrupted schooling. raufx004@umn.edu
126
Name:
Rentz, Mark
Title:
Establishing Reading Theaters in Iraq National Plan
Schedule:
Friday, 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM, L217
Abstract:
One long term goal of the 2011 Iraq national ESL Training the Trainers plan was to develop
engaging, educational, and entertaining Reading Theaters to enhance language skills
in teachers and students. The presenter gives three examples of Reading Theaters, 10
ways they build reading skills, and 15 instructional methods.
Bio:
Mark Rentz directs the Arizona State University intensive ESL program with over 1200
students. He developed a national ESL training the trainers program for Iraq with the US
State Department. Mark.Rentz@asu.edu
Name:
Rezaei, Bita
Title:
How to Promote Teachers Psychosocial Competence
Schedule:
Saturday, 12:30 PM - 1:15 PM, F223
Abstract:
Numerous challenges inside and outside classrooms affect the quality of teachers
performance and they mostly lack the skills to deal with them. The presenter will share
her ndings regarding the skills needed to deal with these challenges and discuss tips
to promote teachers psychosocial competence.
Bio:
Bita Rezaei is currently the Director of Studies at Hermes Institute, Teheran, Iran. She
holds the Cambridge CELTA, YL Ext. and Delta and has been teaching and training for
more than a decade. bi_rezaei@yahoo.com
Name:
Rizk, Laila
Title:
Developing Life Skills through Project Work
Schedule:
Thursday, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM, F227
Abstract:
Project work which provides students with contact with real world subject matter, is
an important tool for developing life skills. The presenter will describe two projects in
which university-level students investigate relevant global problems. Issues of project
implementation, teachers and students roles, and challenges of project work will be
addressed.
Bio:
Laila Rizk is Professor of English language and literature, and Chair of the Department
of English at the Faculty of Al Alsun (Languages), Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
lailagalalrizk@gmail.com
127
Name:
Roche, Thomas and Michael Harrington
Title:
Vocabulary Recognition Tests as a Placement Tool
Schedule:
Thursday, 4:30 PM - 5:15 PM, F219
Abstract:
Universities throughout Arabia spend a substantial amount of resources administering

prociency tests to assess whether prospective students have sufcient language skills
to undertake higher education in English medium classrooms. This paper presents
ndings of an investigation of recognition vocabulary knowledge as an indicator of
English Prociency and Academic Achievement.
Bios:
Thomas Roche is Associate Professor of Applied Linguistics whose research areas

include language testing and individual difference in language learning. thomas@
soharuni.edu.om
Michael Harrington is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Queensland, Australia. His
research interests include second language acquisition, applied linguistics, and cognitive
models of second language learning. thomas@soharuni.edu.om
Name:
Rutherford, Lisa
Title:
Creating Class Websites in the EFL Classroom
Schedule:
Thursday, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM, F211
Abstract:
Creating a classroom website can facilitate English communication skills through

sound, graphics, language transfer, an exchange of ideas, and online interaction. This
presentation will illustrate basic techniques for creating a classroom website including:
web hosting, graphics, content, and maintaining a classroom website. Examples of two
class websites will be presented.
Bio:
Lisa has an MEd in Curriculum and Instruction ESOL, a BA in English and a J.D. in Law.
She teaches at UAE University in Al Ain, UAE. english_educator_us@yahoo.com
Name:
Ryan, Deirdre
Title:
How to Create a Culture of Blended Learning in Your School
Schedule:
Saturday, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM, F214
Abstract:
The presenter explains strategies for developing and sustaining a culture of blended
learning in a language school. She also discusses the multiple uses of some technology
tools and how they can be effectively used to enhance the learning experience.
Bio:
Deirdre Ryan is Director of Studies for Monash University English Language Centre. She
has an Honours Masters (ELT) from the University of Limerick. Her research interests
include e-learning and corpus linguistics. deirdre.ryan@muelc.edu.au
Name:
Safar, Alireza
Title:
Consciousness Raising in Suprasegmental Features on Learners Listening
Schedule:
Thursday, 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM, F211
Abstract:
This study was to investigate the effects of consciousness raising in prosodic features
on ESL intermediate learners listening achievement. It was statistically indicated that
there was a signicant difference between groups. It was concluded that the use of C-R
activities could be an efcient technique in improving the students learning skills.
Bio:
Alireza Safar is the Head of the Research and Development Department at Hermes
Institute, Tehran, Iran. He is currently doing his MA in TEFL. His research area is TEFL
including Material Development. Alireza.safar@hotmail.com
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Name:
Sajedi, Roghayeh
Title:
Fostering Language Learning Through Critical Thinking Activities
Schedule:
Abstract:
In this paper it was argued that it is reasonable to incorporate critical thinking activities
in the ESP course. In critical thinking activities language is kept whole and students
are engaged in all the skills simultaneously. They foster language learning, because
engaging in problem solving activities promotes the experience with language.
Bio:
Roghayeh Sajedi holds an MA in TEFL. She is currently teaching at Semnan University

of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran. She has also presented several articles at regional,
national and international conferences. sajedi4249@yahoo.com
Name:
Sallay, David
Title:
Using Scaffolding to Improve Critical Thinking Skills
Schedule:
Saturday, 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM, F224
Abstract:
Writing programs often assess critical thinking; however, students rarely receive training
on how to develop these skills. Attendees will learn how to write prompts that encourage
higher-order thinking by means of scaffolding, as demonstrated by this action researchbased presentation.
Bio:
David Sallay is a lecturer of writing at Qatar Universitys Post-Foundation program. dsallay@

qu.edu.qa
Name:
Sancheti, Pooja
Title:
Aiming at Proactively Effective Life Skills Education
Schedule:
Thursday, 12:30 PM - 1:15 PM, L217
Abstract:
Teachers and students have different perspectives about which life skills are important
for academics and what techniques of addressing life skills are effective in EFL/ESL
classrooms. Based on the ndings of two surveys, the presenter will review similarities
and differences between teachers and students preferred techniques and suggest
common grounds.
Bio:
Pooja Sancheti is the Head of Quality Assurance Ofce at the Language Centre at
Sultan Qaboos University, Oman. She has an MA in English and is pursuing her MPhil.
kittu1978@yahoo.com
Name:
Sargl AydoIgan, Hatice
Title:
Yes Everyone Can Glog :-)
Schedule:
Abstract:
Glogs provide a great opportunity to make lessons more appealing, interactive

and engaging. Participants will get their hands on this online tool which can be
used by themselves and/or their students for a variety of purposes, and discuss
possible classroom applications ranging from primary schools to universities.
Bio:
Hatice Sargl Aydogan completed her BA and MA degrees in TEFL at Bosphorus

University. She has been teaching since 1997, and she has been training teachers for six
years. hsarigul@sabanciuniv.edu
129
Name:
Sayadi, Boutheina and Houda Bouslema
Title:
Using Textbooks in a Blended Learning Environment
Schedule:
Friday, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM, F224
Abstract:
In a blended learning environment, language learners and tutors face challenges

interpreted by the character of the subject matter which is language. The interaction
between learners and their tutors is reduced in the context of the Virtual University of
Tunis. Pedagogical techniques are implemented to overcome these challenges.
Bios:
Boutheina Sayadi has been an Assistant Professor of Linguistics at the faculty of

Humanities and Social Sciences in Tunis since 2004 and earned a PhD in Linguistics
from the University of Ottawa, Canada in 2004. b.lassadi@topnet.tn
Houda Bouslema is the ELT Coordinator at Virtual University of Tunis. dhaouihouda@
gmail.com
Name:
Sewell, H. Douglas
Title:
Self Regulated Language Learning and Learning Outcomes
Schedule:
Saturday, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM, F224
Abstract:
This presentation will rst outline a Self Regulated Language Learning framework and
then present results from an extensive study in South Korea correlating usage of SRLL
processes with L2 learning success. This presentation will close with SRLL implications
and suggestions for teachers across a wide range of language teaching contexts.
Bio:
Douglas Sewell has been a language teacher and teacher trainer in South Korea for 15
years. His research focusses on learner autonomy and self-directed language learning.
DouglasSewell@gmail.com
Name:
Shalabi Abdeldaim, Muhammad Mustafa
Title:
TOEFL iBT Independent Writing Problems and Solutions
Schedule:
Friday, 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM, F220
Abstract:
Attendees of this workshop will be acquainted with some of the TOEFL iBT independent
writing problems most Saudi students experience. Teacher intervention will also be
discussed. The audience will be encouraged to think critically about that intervention
and how they can adapt it to tackle problems their own students have.
Bio:
Muhammad has taught English in Egypt, Saudi, and the UK. He holds a BA in
English and a CELTA. He is currently doing his masters at University of Leicester, UK.
MuhammadRedwan@gmail.com
130
Name:
Shammas, Nicole, Patrick Devitt and Candy McLeod
Title:
How Intercultural Intelligence Makes Better Educators
Schedule:
Thursday, 12:30 PM - 1:15 PM, F220
Abstract:
The aim of this presentation is to introduce participants to key principles of Intercultural

Intelligence; to demonstrate how an understanding of Intercultural Intelligence can
signicantly enhance the teaching and learning environment; and to discuss feedback
garnered from Intercultural Intelligence classes taught at Dubai Womens College.
Bios:
Nicole Shammas has taught in the Dominican Republic, New Zealand and South Korea.
She currently teaches English in the Business Department at Dubai Womens College.
nicole.shammas@hct.ac.ae
Patrick Devitt has taught in Europe and the Gulf. He currently teaches English at Dubai
Womens College. He is studying for his doctorate with Exeter University. patrick.devitt@
hct.ac.ae
Candy McLeod has taught in Australia, Ukraine and Thailand. She currently teaches
Arab History, Intercultural Intelligence and English at Dubai Womens College. candy.
mcleod@hct.ac.ae
Name:
Shamsutdinova, Nellie
Title:
MOODLE Course for Masters of Physics
Schedule:
Thursday, 4:30 PM - 5:15 PM, F227
Abstract:
Grammar for Masters of Physics is a MOODLE course for bachelor and post-graduate
students who study physics as a core subject. The course implies interactive distant
communication between students and teachers and contains different tests and
exercises aimed at the development of the main language skills of the learners.
Bio:
Nellie Shamsutdinova has degrees in Radiophysics, and English and German, and
a PhD in Foreign Literature. She is Associate Professor in the English Department
of the Linguistics Institute of Kazan Federal University, Russia, Tatarstan. nellie.
shamsutdinova@ksu.ru
Name:
Sheetz, Dean and Andrew Alkire
Title:
Toastmasters Speaking Techniques as Fun Classroom Activities
Schedule:
Thursday, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM, F214
Abstract:
At Dubai Mens College, we have been experimenting with several Toastmaster techniques
in the classroom which give structure and variety to speaking practice. These techniques
support the general goals of speaking skill improvement and condence building,
while giving practice in the specic skills of extemporaneous speaking, presenting,
introductions, and meeting management.
Bios:
Dean Sheetz has a PhD in Organization and Management, an MA in English (TESL) and a
BS in Mathematics. He is currently serving as President of DMC Toastmasters. dsheetz@
hct.ac.ae
Andrew Alkire has taught ESL/EFL for the past 16 years in countries such as Indonesia,
Saudi Arabia, Japan, South Korea, and the United States. aalkire@hct.ac.ae
131
Name:
Shehadeh, Ali
Title:
Task-Based Language Assessment: Components, Development, Implementation
Schedule:
Thursday, 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM, F220
Abstract:
The presenter will illustrate the basic components, development, and implementation of
task-based language assessment (TBLA). He will address basic questions about TBLA,
including how learners are tested in a TBLA context. How do we assess learning in a
TBLA framework? And what are the main components of TBLA?
Bio:
Ali Shehadeh is Associate Professor in the Department of Linguistics, UAE University. He

is the co-editor of TESOL Quarterlys Brief Reports and Summaries and Asian Journal of
English Language Teaching. Ali.Shehadeh@uaeu.ac.ae
Name:
Shewell, Justin and Konrad Cedro
Title:
Tips for Writing Successful Proposals
Schedule:
Saturday, March 10, 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM, L217
Abstract:
This session will give tips on how to frame your proposal and express your ideas in
relation to conference proposal guidelines. If you have never submitted a proposal to
TESOL Arabia, or if your proposal was not accepted, attend this session to learn how
proposals are rated and what the Proposals Committee looks for in an acceptable
proposal.
Bio:
Justin Shewell and Konrad Cedro are the Proposal Co-Chairs for TESOL Arabia 2012, and
have been on the Proposals Committee for several years. justin@tesolarabia.org
Title:
Extroversion/Introversion Tendencies and EFL Speaking Skills
Schedule:
Abstract:
This study aims at exploring the relationship between introversion/extroversion

tendencies of Iranian BA students of English and their prociency in English speaking,
using Eysenck Personality Inventory. Based on the results, introversion or extroversion
tendencies do not have a signicant role in the students English oral reproduction.
Pedagogical implications are provided.
Bio:
Nasrin Shokrpour has a PhD in Applied Linguistics from Sydney University. He is a

professor in Applied Linguistics, lecturing in the English department of Shiraz University
of Medical Sciences, Iran. shokrpourn@gmail.com
Name:
Simpson, Adam J.
Title:
Why Dont Your Group Activities Work Well?
Schedule:
Friday, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM, F213
Abstract:
When we do group work in class, it isnt always successful. Is this due to the task, the
students, or is it perhaps connected to ineffective group formation? This presentation
will examine the literature behind group formation and group tasks and compare this
with the ndings of classroom-based action research.
Bio:
Adam J. Simpson has been living and teaching in Istanbul, Turkey for ten years. His
interests include corpus linguistics and the development of exibility in lesson planning.
adams@sabanciuniv.edu
132
Name:
Stevens, Vance
Title:
Learning2Gether Through Wiki-based Worldwide Teacher Professional Development
Schedule:
Friday, 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM, F224
Abstract:
Learning2Gether is a wiki where teachers organize free weekly online professional

development seminars. Participation is worldwide, but sessions are coordinated with
TA EDTECH SIG, recorded, and podcast. This talk explains how Learning2Gether came
about, and how it draws on and expands its participants personal learning networks to
model peer-to-peer informal lifelong learning.
Bio:
Vance Stevens brings decades of experience in ESOL, CALL, social media in educational
technology, and formation of communities of practice online to his work as teacher
coordinator, HCT/CERT Naval College. vancestev@gmail.com
Name:
Stieglitz, Guy
Title:
Screencasting to Support Reading Instruction
Schedule:
Thursday, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM, F224
Abstract:
Are you an elementary teacher interested in developing your own reading materials
quickly and simply? Are you a college teacher interested in assessing your students
reading abilities in a different way? This presenter will show how screencasting can help
teachers improve their reading program and engage their readers.
Bio:
Guy Stieglitz teaches at Fujairah Womens College, Teacher Education Division, holding
an MA in TESOL and a BA in English Education. His research interests include reading,
writing and educational technology. gstieglitz@hct.ac.ae
Name:
Sugiyama, Yuko and Tamatha Roman
Title:
Using Email and Summary Tasks in Prociency
Schedule:
Saturday, 12:30 PM - 1:15 PM, F214
Abstract:
This presentation investigates the recent additions of two writing tasks in an in-house
test: an email and a summary based on authentic reading texts. The presenters will
provide an overview of these tasks, including why they were selected, the matter in
which they are administered and how they are rated.
Bios:
Yuko Sugiyama is a lecturer at Kanda University of International Studies. She graduated

from Monterey Institute of International Studies with an MA TESOL. Her research
interests include assessment and bilingualism. sugiyama-y@kanda.kuis.ac.jp
Tamatha Roman is a lecturer at Kanda University of International Studies. She graduated
from Monterey Institute of International Studies with an MA TESOL. Her research interests
include assessment and music. tamatha-r@kanda.kuis.ac.jp
133
Name:
Taylore-Knowles, Steve
Title:
How To Teach Life Skills
Schedule:
Friday, 4:30 PM - 5:15 PM, E204
Abstract:
Critical thinking skills. Research skills. Collaboration skills. Learning skills. These are
just some of the life skills our students need for their future personal, professional
and academic success. How are you going to develop those skills in your classroom?
Together, well consider practical solutions.
Bio:
Steve has been an author, teacher and trainer for over 17 years and has written a
number of internationally-successful courses, including openMind (Macmillan, 2010)
and masterMind (Macmillan, 2011). stevetk01@gmail.com
Name:
Titcomb, Jonathan
Title:
Excellent Vocabulary Word Lists
Schedule:
Abstract:
Given thousands of vocabulary words for students to learn, how can

teachers pick out which ones to teach? The presenter will demonstrate
how to use Microsoft Excel to pick out subsets from large lists of words
based on similarities such as spelling, size, part of speech, or domain.
Bio:
Jonathan Titcomb is an instructor with ELSSalalah. He also helps manage the computer
lab there. Hes always looking for ways to use computers and help other teachers use
them too. joaozinho@gmx.com
Name:
Toth, Barbara, Asma Abu-Malik and Jane Boatner
Title:
Study Abroad: Life Transformations Through Language
Schedule:
Friday, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM, F220
Abstract:
Study abroad is often cited as the best way to improve language skills. Presenters will
share ndings of a case study about the transforming effects of a study abroad program
for six female Saudi university students on their language and life skills. A discussion
revisiting why study abroad matters will follow.
Bios:
Dr Barbara Toth is Associate Professor in the College of Languages and Translation at

Princess Noura bint Abdulrahman University where she teaches writing and stylistics
and directs the Writing Studio. barb@barbtoth.com
Dr Asma Abu Malik is Dean of the College of Languages and Translation at Princess
Noura bint Abdulrahman University where she supervises the Arabic, French, English,
and Japanese Departments. asma_abu_malik@hotmail.com
Ms Jane Boatner, MAT, TESOL, is a lecturer at the Center for American English
Language and Culture, University of Virginia where she teaches argument writing, oral
communication and teaching skills. jeb2cd@eservices.virginia.edu
134
Name:
Traylor-Adkins, Melody
Title:
CLIL for English Language Instructors
Schedule:
Thursday, 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM, F227
Abstract:
Teaching non-English language courses to English language learners is a challenging

task. The presenter will describe how she has used Content and Language Integrated
Learning (CLIL) in lesson planning to support the efforts of teachers then lead a discussion
group to suggest strategies for addressing the challenges that are discussed.
Bio:
Melody has worked in various institutions as a General Education Department Manager,

Emiratisation Coordinator; and now an English Language Instructor at the Higher
Colleges of Technology. Melody.Traylor@hct.ac.ae
Name:
Velica, Carmen
Title:
Exam Anxiety: A Students Perspective
Schedule:
Saturday, 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM, F224
Abstract:
How do our students handle exam anxiety? How do they understand stress management?
How can educators cure fear of tests? The presenter will discuss the results of a survey
done among low-intermediate learners who come from non-assertive cultures and have
to cope with passing tests in an exam-driven education system.
Bio:
Holding a PhD in English, Carmen works as a Team Leader and English Instructor at
the American University in Dubai. Her main professional interests include teaching
vocabulary and stylistic studies. cvelica@aud.edu
Name:
Vestri, Elena and Jeffrey Knowling
Title:
Breaking the Monotony for Students and Teachers
Schedule:
Friday, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM, F208
Abstract:
Taking a day or (in this case) a week off from a prescribed syllabus doesnt have to mean
time away from learning. This session will describe the reasons behind a non-traditional
teaching week, the activities used, and students reactions. The audience will receive
handouts and be encouraged to share their ideas.
Bios:
Elena Vestri teaches English at Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi. Her professional interests
include materials development with a focus on academic writing, student success, and
vocabulary development. elena.vestri@kustar.ac.ae
Jeff Knowling is a senior lecturer at Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi. His interests are
increasing student autonomy in instruction and helping students become self-directed
learners. jeffrey.knowling@kustar.ac.ae
135
Name:
Waller, Tara
Title:
EFL Professionals Perceptions on Research and Leadership
Schedule:
Thursday, 12:30 PM - 1:15 PM, F224
Abstract:
Knowing EFL professionals experiences and perceptions of research and leadership

offers insight on best practices for leadership development. While jobs continue to
offer us opportunities around the world, there is a need to re-envision how to sustain
effective English language learning. Well-developed leadership and research is needed
to maintain competitiveness.
Bio:
Tara Waller has been working in the eld since 1998 teaching in Japan prior to arriving at
Zayed University in 2009. Her interests include leadership and professional development.
ms.tara.waller@gmail.com
Name:
Walsh, Ursula
Title:
Changing Roles in EAP Writing
Schedule:
Saturday, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM, F220
Abstract:
SLA research into learners written English emphasis focuses on the role of attention,
awareness and noticing. However, little time is spent enabling students to
understand why, or how to use their own voices. This is the key to enabling successful
academic writing by ESL students.
Bio:
Ursula Walsh is currently teaching at Zayed University. Her main interest is EAP and
particularly, writing. Enabling students to write successfully and giving them a voice
goes hand in hand. ursula.walsh@zu.ac.ae
Name:
Woodfall, Paul
Title:
Syllabus Design, Appropriate Texts and Materials Development
Schedule:
Saturday, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM, F226
Abstract:
One of the greatest opportunities for creative work in EFL is using authentic texts. This
session explores the relationship between the principles of syllabus design and materials
development. The presenter will give a practical, interactive session on applying these
principles to a curriculum unit in an imaginative way.
Bio:
Paul Woodfall is OUPs teacher trainer for the Gulf Region. He has worked at school and
university level in Spain, UAE, KSA, Iran, Turkey, Kuwait, and Oman. paul.woodfall@oup.com
Name:
Zare-ee, Abbas
Title:
The Signicance of English Learners Socioeconomic Heterogeneity
Schedule:
Friday, 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM, F213
Abstract:
Socioeconomic heterogeneity among learners of English as a foreign language is an

undeniable reality of English language classes even at the undergraduate level. This
has been almost totally ignored so far. This paper explains why it should be the focus of
research and presents some empirical ndings on socioeconomic heterogeneity.
Bio:
Dr Abbas Zare-ee is a full-time assistant professor of TEFL at the University of Kashan,

Central Iran. His areas of interest include TEFL, L2 Writing, and teaching English language
skills. zare-ee72@kashanu.ac.ir
136
137
W
Uo
S
LT
IE
PARKING
B250
B121
Recruiters
Lounge
Job Seekers
Lounge
R
AI
BF
JO
BUSINESS / IT
BLOCK
PARKING
Ground
Floor
L115
Exhibitors
Lounge
Exhibition
FO
FOOTBALL COURT
& TRACK
o2
2
ABC
Imaging
Executive
Office
Student and
Academic
Services
UN
F 2 (Ups DAT
08 tai ION
t rs S
AUDITORIUM
STAGE
LEARNING CENTRE
(L 113 - IT Village)
L217 - Upstairs
R109 & R111
Exhibition
FOOD COURT
S
Snack
Voucher Redeem
ICT
Applied
Media
MAIN
ENTRANCE
04
E2
FAD
CoEE
G
ENGINEERIN
E 102 - E 103
SWIMMING POOL
AREA
BUSINESS
B104
DUBAI MENS COLLEGE - FLOOR MAP
05
-2
)
irs
ta
ps
(u
ENGINEERING
BLOCK
PARKING
AVIATION
HANGER
Entrance
Prayer Rooms
Bathrooms
First Aid - B142
Smoking Areas
Food Court
Car Parking
138
Plan
Floor
C
ER
T
Exhibition
Hall
139
Tesol Arabia on
Facebook!
One of the main missions of TESOL Arabia Organization is to provide the teaching community with a forum
for discussion and support. Over the past 17 years, TESOL Arabia managed to honor this goal through
professional development workshops as well as the annual international conference. This year, the
organization decided to adapt new platforms to communicate with educators who are interested in the
organizations activities.
TESOL Arabia Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/tesolarabia was launched in October 2011. You
can join it by clicking on the like button next to the page name. Both members and non-members of the
organization can join and contribute to discussions, post comments or ask questions.
So far 236 educators from 19 countries, 22 cities, have joined the page to get updates on TESOL Arabia
events, calls for papers, news and photos from chapter and SIG workshops.
During the TESOL Arabia International Conference 2012, the page will host discussions on topics that will
be discussed at the debates and the forums. Conference delegates will be able to upload photos taken
during the three-day-event onto the wall. Moreover, members of the page are encouraged to post their
reviews of events that they attend at local events.
on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/tesolarabia
140
Conference
Feedback Form
18th Annual TESOL Arabia Conference , March
8-10, 2012, Dubai Mens College
OVERALL ACADEMIC PROGRAM
1
Quality of plenary sessions
Quality of featured sessions
Quality of SIG sessions
Quality of pre-conference development course:

Teaching and Learning Through the Arts

Personalized Professional Development

Teaching and Learning Online in TESOL
Quality of in-conference certicate course: Achieving

Excellence Through Life Skills Education
Quality of in-conference development course:

Young Learners
Scheduling of presentations
10
Relevance of the program to me
11
Presentation Rooms
12
Organization and content of the conference book
13
Value of Conference 2012 to me as a professional
N/A
Conference Services and Events

14
Publicity
15
Pre-registration
16
On-site registration (if not pre-registered)
17
Annual General Meeting
18
Exhibitors
19
IT Village
20
Job Fair
21
Overall organization of the conference

Conference Location and Facilities
22
Dubai Mens College as a conference venue
23
Dubai as a location for the conference
141
Conference
Feedback Form
Presentations Attended (Give Presenter/Title of
Presentation)
N/A
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Please share which aspect of the conference you liked the most.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Please tell us about which aspect of the conference you liked the least.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Please give any other constructive comments that can help us with next years conference.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
This evaluation form will be online for one month after the 2012 conference. Please complete it to help us plan
for 2012. You may drop the form at the TESOL Arabia Information Stand in the Exhibition Hall, the Registration
Desk, or return it to Beth Wiens at Zayed University, Dubai, or Christine Coombe at Dubai Mens College. If you
are interested in helping organize Conference 2013, please contact Beth Wiens: beth.wiens@zu.ac.ae or Christine
Coombe: ccoombe@hct.ac.ae
142
143
New
Q iTools and IELTs practice for 2012
Think
critically.
Succeed
academically.
New
levels
144
Visit the OUP stand for your complimentary copy.
www.oup.com/elt Tel: +971 4 3644695 Email: julie.till@oup.com

Achieving Excellence through Life Skills Education Conference

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Achieving Excellence through

Life Skills Education

March 8-10, 2012

Creating a network of educators and teaching professionals

Promoting and developing excellence in teaching, research, and administration

Providing high-quality professional development opportunities, publications, events and services

investment in education is an investment in the countrys future, development and

The TESOL Arabia Executive Council

Letter from the

Letter from the Conference

Dear TESOL Arabia members and conference delegates,

Education for productive minds

a Lecture and seminar strand specically focused

a Flexible structure allows teachers to focus on

HCT is also known for hosting international education

Learn more at http://recruit.hct.ac.ae

Christine Coombe, Dubai Mens College

Beth Wiens, Zayed University

Konrad Cedro, Dubai Mens College

Les Kirkham, TESOL Arabia

Development Courses Chair

Maria Brown, Dubai Mens College

Les Kirkham, TESOL Arabia

Job Fair Co-chairs

Trace Manuel, Higher Colleges of Technology-CERT Military

Dubai Discussions and Forums

Mick King, University of Exeter

Innovative Materials Showcase

Mashael Al-Hamly, Kuwait University

Bruce McCoy, Zayed University

Rehab Ragab, Institute of Applied Technology

Social Events Coordinator

Suan Abu-Rmaileh, United Arab Emirates University

James McDonald, Zayed University

Conference Book Editors

Melanie Gobert, Abu Dhabi Mens College

Making the Most of

Food, Drink, and Transport

Food and Drink

Al Farooj - Grilled and fried chicken

Fresh 4U - Lebanese bakery plus live pasta station

Fruitshop on Greams Road - Fresh fruit juices and salads

Royal Kebab - Indian and Chinese cuisine

Al Shindagha Public Kitchen - Local Emirati cuisine

Subway - Subs and salads

Tea Stall - Tea and snacks

Departure from Al Bustan Rotana to Dubai Mens College

A Call: For Activist Interventionist Teaching

Achieving Excellence Through Intercultural Awareness

Were All in this Together Arent We?

Teacher Effectiveness in ELT: Empirical and

Taking TEA into the 21st Century

The Fifth Skill

Classroom Talk and the Development of Thinking

The Meaning of Retirement in the TESOL World

Teaching Vocabulary: Research Findings and Practical

From Rags to Riches: A Story of Abu Dhabi

Dynamic Idiolect: Moving Beyond a Stereoscopic

Prosody: Making Sense of the Word and the World

Teaching Writing in EFL Contexts

ESL Theater - Theory and Effective Practice

Pedagogical Leadership for Life Skills in ESOL

At the same time he is General Director of the Ihsan Dogramac