Alicja Gałązka is a Professor at the University of Silesia, renowned for her expertise as a psychotherapist, psychologist, linguist, licensed coach, teacher trainer and international master trainer. She leads the International Coaching Institute (ICI) in Poland and heads the Language Centre FUTURE. With over 300 articles published in Polish and English, Gałązka is recognized for her pioneering method, the Future Learning System, blending cognitive and positive psychology with process drama for language acquisition. Co-author of "Process Drama for Second Language Teaching and Learning - a toolkit for developing language and life skills", she actively contributes to professional associations like IDEA, the National Drama Association, and IATEFL. Gałązka coordinates two SIGs—Psychology in ELT and Drama in ELT—for IATEFL Poland and serves as a regional adviser for Trinity College London. Alicja actively engages in numerous international projects and grants, collaborating with organizations such as Oxford University Press, Pilgrims, Macmillan Education, and The Learning Teachers' Network. She works closely with educators to champion mental health and well-being initiatives for teachers and students internationally. 


Varinder Unlu

Varinder Unlu has worked in ELT for 32 years in all contexts from private language schools to FE and HE, teaching students of all ages.  She has been a DOS/Academic Manager/Principal since 2002.  Her current role is Teacher Training and Development Manager. She is also a teacher trainer for both Cambridge CELTA and Trinity TESOL, a materials writer and a conference speaker and the co-founder and first coordinator of IATEFL's Inclusive Practices and SENs  SIG.  She is now a committee member of Global Issues SIG.

Plenary Talks

Friday 15 November 2024, 17:30

Alicja Gałazka
Empowering Minds: Integrating Positive Education and Mental Health Literacy into Language Teaching

The mental health crisis facing students today calls for a critical reassessment of educational practices. Teachers play a vital role in the mental health of their students, and while they face numerous challenges. This talk examines how educators can shift their roles from traditional instructors to proactive advocates for student well-being  applying principles and strategies from positive psychology. By fostering resilience, building strong relationships,  creating a supportive environment and  through the development of empathy-driven communication strategies and the promotion of mental health literacy, teachers can empower students to articulate their experiences, enhance their resilience, and cultivate supportive peer networks Ultimately, this presentation aims to inspire educators to embrace a more nuanced understanding of education as a vital tool for promoting mental well-being and equipping students with the skills they need to navigate an increasingly complex world.
 

Saturday 16 November 2024, 11:35

Terry Small

Engaging the Brain - Using Brain Science to Improve Learning

Have you ever taught something only to discover that it just did not "stick" in the minds of your students?

Research has a great deal to say about the brain and learning! It is possible to easily help students learn faster and remember more... and have more fun.

How would you like to extend your skills, knowledge, and experience so that your students can build confidence, language achievement, and self-esteem? And how would you like new tools and ideas to make your work more fun and reach more students? You will learn many practical tips and strategies that you can use immediately in your coaching sessions and your life.

You will learn and discover:
- how the brain processes information
- why brain state and strategy are just as important as content.
- the top 3 Brain-Learning Principles.
- what students report is the #1 Study Technique.
- how music affects learning.
- how to boost attention.
- how to increase the capacity of one's memory
- and much, much more!

This session is lively, humorous, and interactive. You will leave with new knowledge and many eye-opening ideas that will make this year different for you and your students.

Varinder Unlu

Title: Navigating the Evolution: Embracing Change in Teacher Identity

The landscape of education is rapidly evolving, driven by societal shifts, technological advancements, and the increasing diversity of student needs. In this dynamic environment, teacher identity—shaped by personal values, professional practices, and evolving pedagogical roles—must also adapt.

We will look factors that influence teacher identity, including cultural and community expectations, policy shifts, and the integration of new teaching methodologies. We will discuss common challenges in reconciling personal beliefs with institutional demands and consider frameworks for reflective practice. Understanding the transformative potential of continuous learning, educators can better support their students, their colleagues, and themselves.

This talk aims to empower educators to view change not as a threat to their identity but as an opportunity for reinvention. Through practical strategies, teachers can develop a resilient professional identity that aligns with their core values while adapting to meet the needs of a changing educational landscape. 
 

Travel  and Transport information

• Download access to venue doc here. 

• Download where to stay doc here.
• Download a list of restaurants in the area. 

43rd Annual International TESOL France Colloquium
Schedule and Program (with talk descriptions)