PCI 7  Techniques for Teaching Content Through English

Target Audience: Teachers of content through English and the use of English as Medium of Instruction
Skill Level: All levels of expertise

Teaching content through English (e.g., English as medium of instruction, CBI) in higher education offers opportunities, but risks abound. Participants learn ways to maximize benefits by designing “high structure” courses that maintain rigor while making effective use of class discussion and peer interaction to support language and content learning.

Presenters: Christopher Stillwell, Saddleback College/University of California, Irvine, California, USA

PCI 8  Enhancing group discussion skills through Tabletop Role-playing Games (TTRPGs)

Target Audience: Instructors at any level who would like to learn more about how to incorporate tabletop roleplaying into their language courses.
Skill Level: All levels of expertise

Tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) are effective tools for students who want to develop group discussion skills. In this session, the presenter will explain the basics of TTRPG play in the language classroom. Participants will develop characters, engage in group scenarios, and reflect on TTRPG applications for listening and speaking practice.

Presenters: Robb McCollum, Southern Utah University, Cedar City, Utah, USA

PCI 9 Inclusive ELT: Embracing Adaptive Learning, Digital Citizenship, and Intercultural Competence

Target Audience: ESOL educators, language teachers, curriculum developers, teacher educators
Skill Level: All levels of expertise. Participants should have:

• Basic understanding of English Language Teaching (ELT) principles.
• Experience in using digital tools in education.
• Familiarity with digital literacy concepts.

This workshop equips secondary educators with strategies to integrate digital citizenship and intercultural competence into ELT using adaptive learning technologies and inclusive practices. Participants will engage in digital storytelling, cultural exchange reflections, and interactive classroom games to foster plurilingualism and global citizenship, effectively preparing students for an interconnected world.

Device Requirements:

Participants need to bring their own device, preferably a laptop. Tablets and smartphones may be used for some activities but laptops are recommended for a more seamless experience.

Presenters: Sonia Rocca, Lycée Français de New York, New York, New York, USA

PCI 11 Creating a Successful Program to Address Newcomer and SIFE Learners

Target Audience: K-12 ESL teachers, mainstream elementary and secondary content teachers, supervisors, program directors, and administrators.
Skill Level: All levels of expertise

Newcomer programs are specially designed programs for new arrivals with little or no English, and, often, interrupted home language education. The participants learn how to implement five best practices for supporting new arrivals from program design to content development, building literacy, numeracy, and collaboratively building learner resilience, especially after trauma.

Presenters: Judith B. O’Loughlin,  Language Matters Education Consultants, Portland, Oregon, USA; Brenda Custodio,  Newcomer and ELLServices, Columbus, Ohio, USA

PCI 13 Curriculum Development for ESL/EFL Professionals’ Designing to Meet Student Needs

Target Audience: ESOL Educators, Curriculum coordinators, Language program administrators from IEP, College/University, and Adult Education contexts
Skill Level: All levels of expertise

The present workshop provides a comprehensive organizational approach for novice and experienced curriculum designers to visualize all aspects of their curriculum so they can confidently take action on curricular weak spots. The presenters will use practical activities and provide individualized coaching on curricular issues attendees bring from their own programs.

Presenters: Grant Eckstein, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA; Kate Matthews, Curriculum Coaches, Provo, Utah, USA; Sydney Pedersen, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA