“Maximize the use of English and learner interaction by creating a need and a purpose for communication in English.”
This was the statement of Prof. Alan Mackenzie, the Regional Project Training Manager of British Council East Asia in his plenary speech during the PALT Mid-year Seminar-Workshop entitled, “Festival of Language Teaching Strategies” held at Sampaguita Resort Gardens, New Washington, Kalibo, Aklan on May 7-8, 2009.
Professor Mackenzie in his speech, “Learning Strategies and Tasks for Teachers” discussed that teacher talk can provide rich exposure to English in class through introducing and practicing language for carrying out regular classroom management procedures, regular use of English to communicate with learners, and providing meaningful contexts of use.
Professor Mackenzie added that the British Council can help teachers through its Teacher Training Courses by equipping teachers with strategies to use English in the classroom, focusing on teacher experiences and build strategies on them, and developing teacher confidence in English and new teaching methods to help learners learn.
Other sessions and demonstrations included: Strategy Use: Stages of Development and Strategies of Teaching Vocabulary (English and Filipino) by Dr. Rosario I. Alonzo, Listening and Speaking Teaching Strategies and Reading and Writing Teaching Strategies by Dr. Ma. Lourdes G. Tayao, Teaching Grammar and Reading Using Multimedia Software by Prof. Aurelio P. Vilbar, Strategies of Teaching Literature by Dr. Ma. Milagros C. Laurel.
Attended by more than 100 participants, the mid-year event was also a showcase of talents and entertainment. The Cultural Night had regional presentations, search for Miss and Mr. PALT, and karaoke presentations. It was hosted by Prof. Marco Saez, PALT’s Business Manager.