TESOL 2020 Exhibitor Program
We work together with professionals around the world to understand how to help learners of all ages reach their goals, investigate tough challenges, and explore exciting solutions.
Wednesday, April 1
Putting English to Work: StartUp
Presenter: Dr. Ken Beatty, Anaheim University
Theme: Employability skills
When & Where: 1:00 PM, Room 705
Adults learn English for many reasons, most importantly to improve employability. Challenges in teaching employability include addressing job skills from many disciplines, while recognizing that students progress through various jobs over time. A solution is to focus on soft skills that combine communication, critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity.
From Stress to Success: Supporting Rigor in the Transitions Classroom
Presenter: Lia Conklin, Hamline University
Theme: Adult Education
When & Where: 2:00 p.m., Room 705
If ever there were a place for rigor, it is the transitions classroom, the last station along the track to college and career. How do we provide the rigor and support students need for the journey? Explore transitions-level methods and materials that move rigor from a source of stress to success.
Thursday, April 2
Building 21st Century Academic Skills with University Success
Presenter: Christina Cavage
Theme: English for Academic Purposes
When & Where: 2:00 PM, Room 705
Mastering academic English is a determinant of university success. How do we build language skills while building academic skills as well? Participants see how rigorous scaffolded academic language with systematic skill development closes this gap. Participants explore how several effective practices, to leverage course content and prepare students for success.
Next Generation Language Assessment – Integrated Skills and Artificial Intelligence
Presenter: David Booth, Pearson
Theme: English Assessment
When & Where: 3:00 p.m., Room 705
Innovative test design has, to a large extent, stalled, with test publishers unable or unwilling to develop and deploy state of the art technology in high stakes assessment. This presentation examines a test of English proficiency which endeavors to meet the challenges inherent in developing new assessment and scoring methods.
Friday, April 3
Digitalized Assessment in the Classroom: Formative & Interim Assessment Practices
Presenter: Bill Bonk, Pearson
Theme: English Assessment
When & Where: 7:00 AM, Room 703
A good combination of formative and interim assessment practices is a winning formula for making sure your students are getting the most out of class time. This presentation explores how they work together to provide optimal learning opportunities, positive washback, and see how greater focus leads to higher proficiency.
Brain-Based Research: Practical Tips for Language Teachers
Presenter: Stacy Hagen, Azar Associate
Theme: Research-informed grammar teaching
When & Where: 10:30 a.m., Room 703
Advances in brain research are shedding new light on ways to practice language more effectively. Of particular interest to teachers are findings in the following areas: repetition, cognitive load, exercises, low-stakes testing, and stress. Included in this presentation are suggestions for a variety of exercise types.
Academic Sessions
Our authors, consultants, and experts are also presenting academic sessions during the 2020 TESOL Convention.
Building Reading Skills Across Levels: Text Structure and Citation Strategies
Presented by Ronna Magy and Lisa Gonzalves
April 1, 2020 | 11:30 a.m. | Room 503
Research indicates that applying strong academic reading skills can lead to adult ELL student success in college and career transitions. In this workshop, participants explore explicit strategies to teach analysis of text structure and citation of evidence with ESL Literacy through Advanced level students.
Increasing Rigor for Academic and Workplace Success
Presented by Ronna Magy
April 1, 2020 | 3:00 p.m. | Room 503
How can adult ESL teachers increase instructional rigor to prepare ELLs for the demands of college and careers? In this presentation, participants engage in rigorous tasks which lead students to acquire some of the academic language, strategies, and critical thinking skills necessary for success.
Adapting Textbooks – Customizing Content to Target Learner Goals
Presented by Sara Davila
April 2, 2020 | 7:00 a.m. | Room 401
Student Mental Health: Teachers as First Responders
Presented by Stacy Hagen
April 2, 2020 | 4:00 p.m. | Room 608
As student mental health is receiving more attention, teachers are often the first contact. Their response is critical, and the ability to validate is key. An emotional connection with just one adult can positively affect learning and behavior. Specific validation techniques that better quip teachers to respond are offered.
