Παρουσίαση/Προβολή

(ENG106) -  Ευφροσύνη Φράγκου, Ζωή Αντωνοπούλου

Περιγραφή Μαθήματος

The e-workshop focuses on adult education in the English language in Greece, within the context of today's digital, globalized and fast-paced reality. In a world of shifting and overlapping identities, knowledge of English is perceived as key to intercultural communication and to online resources, creating, in turn, a new set of inequalities for those not familiar with the lingua franca. Adult education is a relatively new field, which takes note of and utilizes the adult learner's pre-existing stances, learning patterns and life experiences, as well as internalized conceptions of self. Teaching adult learners involves a whole new paradigm of skills on the part of the educator. In Greece, English is taught to adults both at formal and at non-formal education, in various ways and to various aims. English for Academic Purposes (EAP) is critical in understanding and producing discourse at higher education level, with specific register and its own set of rules. Yet, it is not only the lexical structures that are important, but also the content of the texts that are used, which may provide opportunities to promote concepts such as youth empowerment, sustainable development, human rights and global citizenship. English for Specific Purposes (ESP) is content-related to each discipline, focusing on the vocabulary and skills pertaining to it, but also 'borrowing' its methodology, thus creating many challenges in terms of choosing appropriate material to design the course. After presenting the main principles of adult education and how they apply to English in particular, the e-worksop will use practical examples and problem-based learning to discuss ESP and EAP material and methodology within the framework of globalization.

 

WEEK 1

ADULT EDUCATION: EMBRACING LIFE EXPERIENCES AND PRE-EXISTING LEARNING PATTERNS

The first week introduces students to the concept of Adult Education and raises their awareness of its differences to traditional education. A newly-emerged subject, particularly in Greece, Adult Education focuses on the student as an autonomous and self-directed agent, and tries to optimally utilize his / her skillset and life experience. Students also get an overview of how English is taught at various formal and non-formal adult education contexts in Greece.

 

Material: 

• Documents
• Glossary

 

WEEK 2

THE ADULT ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNER: NEEDS, CHALLENGES AND INHIBITIONS

The number of adults of all ages wishing to learn English is constantly increasing. Yet, this return to the classroom evokes a number of sensations related to previous -possibly unsuccessful- encounters with the language and the educational process in general. No matter how much time has elapsed, old attitudes and pre-existing traumatic experiences often continue to surface, leading to challenging situations in the 'here and now' of the learning experience. This week focuses on the ways in which psychological trauma, often decades old, makes its way to the present context, and on the educator's response, which is very much related to his / her own personality and triggers. 

Material:

• Documents

 

END OF THE FIRST PART OF THE WORKSHOP: ASSESSMENT PART 1 (DUE 8/11/24) (TO BE FOUND IN EXERCISES)

 

WEEK 3

THE USE OF AUTHENTIC INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS TEXTS IN TEACHING ACADEMIC ENGLISH

The third week focuses on English for Academic Purposes, a prerequisite for successful performance in the English speaking higher education, and on the importance of using meaningful texts as sources for practice in it. More specifically, authentic content, generated by organizations of international standing, such as the United Nations, UNESCO and UNICEF, can be used as a springboard for discussion and promotion of ideas including diversity, freedom of expression and intercultural communication, whilst enhancing the students' linguistic competence.  

Material:

• Documents
• Glossary

 

WEEK 4

ENGLISH FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES: DIFFERENT PROFESSIONS, DIFFERENT PROSPECTS

The final week discusses English for Specific Purposes and its purpose-driven, content-related methodology, as well as the direct and indirect ways in which it interacts with the various disciplines it serves. Special reference will be made to Tourism, the 'heavy industry' of the country, and how it took an unexpected turn during the pandemic, when all travel was indefinitely suspended, showing beyond all doubt that teaching is directly mediated by the socio-cultural context.

Material:

• Documents
• Glossary

 

END OF THE WORKSHOP: ASSESSMENT PART 2 A & B (DUE 22/11/24) (TO BE FOUND IN EXERCISES)

 

About the course instructor

 

Dr Zoi Antonopoulou graduated from the English Department of the University of Athens and went on to complete an MA in English Studies at Queen Mary, University of London. She then studied Social Anthropology at Panteio University and gained a PhD in Psychology from the same University. She holds the certification of Trainers for Adults of non-formal education from the National Organization for the Certification of Qualifications and Vocational guidance (EOPPEP). She teaches General English at the Foreign Language Centre of the University of Athens, Police and legal terminology at the Police Academy and Business and Tourism terminology at the University of Piraeus. She also works at Metropolitan College, where she teaches Business English, English for Tourism and Hospitality, Academic English and General English. Her academic interests focus on English for Academic Purposes, English for Specific Purposes, adult education and intercultural education. She regularly participates in conferences and contributes to academic journals.

Ημερομηνία δημιουργίας

Τετάρτη 7 Οκτωβρίου 2020