Strategies for Working in Diverse Social and Cultural Classrooms

Thursday 22 October 2009 8.30am–4pm

Many schools have a mixed population from diverse backgrounds. While some students come from homes with fluency in English, others do not. Some of the more recent arrivals are refugees from war-torn countries and non-English speaking backgrounds. In most instances, these children are on average one year older than their peers. Having had disruptive or even no schooling, they lack English language fluency and sound literacy levels in their own language. Many of these students are frustrated and disengaged, and experience emotional and behavioural difficulties.

As teachers in this changing landscape we need to be equipped with tools that could help us to alter the dynamics of this challenging learning situation. This workshop will take you on a journey of what is involved when reading in a language that is not our L1 (first language) and assist you with developing strategies to support active learning and engagement in diverse classrooms.

Presenter
Dora Lafkas is a lecturer and Coordinator of TESOL Curriculum in the Faculty of Education and Social Work. She has been teaching and lecturing in the field of TESOL for over 20 years, including 11 years as a secondary school ESL teacher. During this time she participated in DSP projects such as "Write it right", as team member, team leader, school project consultant and resources developer. In these roles she offered advice and curriculum support re matters of language and literacy across the curriculum, particularly when related to the socio-linguistic backgrounds of the students. Dora has also taught in Intensive English Centres (IEC).

Fees & Registration (GST inclusive)
Individuals $200 | Groups $185 per person (2 or more registrations from the same school)
Download a registration form (PDF)


Venue
Education Building (A35), Manning Rd, The University of Sydney, Camperdown
View an online map (Map Ref 13G) | Download a map of the University of Sydney (PDF)


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