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HOME
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The English Kingdom: 
Awakening our English Spirits
 
Stephanie Downey
Chang-shin College
Abstract
Bio
Materials
VIDEO
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ABSTRACT
Learning a foreign language is more than just learning how to communicate verbally. With every new language we learn, we learn a new way of expressing ourselves and, thereby, set free a spirit hitherto unbound within us. Yet, oftentimes language learning is approached like mathematics, where one set of symbols is replaced by another.  Excessive emphasis is placed on memorization, translation, and grammar.  These approaches can actually hinder communication and deaden many learners’ “spirit of language”.  Attempts to give life to foreign language study through games and songs frequently sacrifice effectiveness and a genuine sense of purpose. This presentation aims to find a balance between these two extremes, enlivening English without compromising learning.  Drawing on her experience with Waldorf education, the presenter offers ideas for awakening the English spirit in students.  Student-centered, non-competitive activities are demonstrated that are sure to give rise to a sense of discovery and warm students’ enthusiasm for English.  The activities and methods presented in this workshop are effective for students of all ages, but are particularly suitable to young learners.  Participants will receive a handout with useful classroom activities and supplementary materials will also be available by request.

PRESENTER BIOGRAPHY
Stephanie Downey has been teaching in the English Department at Chang-Shin College in Masan since 1997.  While in Korea, she has also worked intensively with elementary students at a private language institute and taught at both Chang-Shin Middle School and High School.  Prior to coming to Korea, she was an elementary school teacher in the U.S. and taught ESL for a year in Slovakia.  She has a B.A. in Russian Language and Literature from McGill University, Montreal and RSA CELTA.  She is currently working on a graduate degree in TESL and a certificate in Waldorf Education.  Since July 1998 she has been the layout editor for The English Connection.

MATERIALS