Our English Studies Department in the 22nd TESOL Macedonia-Thrace Annual International Convention

The English Studies Department of The University of Sheffield International Faculty, CITY College participated with two presentations in the 22nd TESOL Macedonia-Thrace Annual International Convention that took place in Thessaloniki on Saturday and Sunday, 28-29 March, at ACT.

During the first presentation entitled “Re-negotiating the Basics: Learner Autonomy,” Ms. Kosior and Mr. Mantzaris traced the transition from teacher-centered to student-centered approaches and methodologies, and examined their implications in language learning and teaching. In this direction, they addressed a range of practical suggestions on how to construct and develop learner autonomy in EFL environments, through the use of self-reflective processes (such as reflective reports and self-assessment portfolios), as well as technological tools (for example, TED talks and the TED-Ed platform, Clickers, and Youtube). Moreover, the two speakers highlighted the centrality and significance of the role(s) of the teacher in creating space for "magic moments" which foreground student motivation, creative engagement, and meaningful interaction. Special thanks are also due to Dr Tatsioka for her contribution during the preparation of this presentation.

Photo Credit: @DimitrisTzouris

In the second presentation delivered under the title “Paving the Way to Employability: A Student Trip of Achievements from Homework to Actual Work,” Dr George Dimitriadis explained how the International Faculty academic staff equip their undergraduate and postgraduate students with the necessary academic skills that will not only help them excel in their studies, but will also enable them to retain and employ these skills for their future careers as professionals. Dr Dimitriadis emphasized on the multifaceted mechanism that the International Faculty has developed in order to assist students in building their employability profile (for example, via tutorials, academic and transferrable skills Courses, workshops for UG and PGT students, the Sheffield Graduate Attributes, demo job interviews and CV developing seminars, and many more). The speaker described how students at CITY College gain control over their own learning and preserve it as part of their professional image in their current or future work environments.

Both presentations were very well-received by the international audience and valuable feedback was provided by the attendees to the speakers.