Acosta, Sandra

Educational Leader

CCCN

 

HAVE YOUR STUDENTS EVER PLAYED A GUESSING GAME IN THE CLASSROOM?

 

Come to this session in order to share some guessing games that will spice your classes up and promote a relaxing atmosphere in the classroom.

 

SESSION I:  WEDNESDAY  10:00 – 11:10 (201)

 

Acuña, Jonathan

Curriculum Developer

CCCN

 

UNDERSTANDING THE PRAGMATIC NATURE OF FUNCTIONS

 

Although grammar continues being labeled as a sub-skill in some ELT circles, students can be empowered by using it within a functional framework.  Pragmatics, a field in pure linguistics dealing with discourse analysis, can give you a hand in your teaching by understanding the basics behind its rationale.  Why don’t you let me explore this kind of framework to make your activities much more communicative and TBI-oriented?

 

SESSION VI:  THURSDAY 8:00 – 9:10 (201)

 

Alvarado, Karla

Conversation and English Lab Teacher

Saint Joseph School

 

Rivera, Marlen

English Teacher

Saint Joseph School

 

HAND-TO-HAND SPEAKING AND WRITING ACTIVITIES FOR CREATIVE TEACHERS

 

Our teaching practice must be in constant renewal to meet the demanding needs of today’s youth and tomorrow’s leaders.  Teachers must become role models of leadership and provide children with learning activities that develop the skills needed to become positive leaders.  Our students need to be trained on how to present ideas clearly and persuasively through writing and speaking.  This demonstration will help you ingeniously blend passion, vision, and creativity into learning activities to help potential leaders build up the activities to go ahead and beyond all academic and real life tasks.

 

SESSION V:  WEDNESDAY 4:40 – 5:50 (201)

SESSION XIV:  FRIDAY 1:30 – 2:40 (201)

 

Angulo, Bernardo

Software Translator

Fiserv CBS Worldwide

 

 

 

HOT POTATOES:  FREE SOFTWARE FOR YOUR CLASSES

 

EFL software doesn’t have to be expensive to be useful and effective.  In fact, some of the best tools out there are completely free.  Come and discover how you can take advantage of freeware and other inexpensive tools to make your classes meaningful and fun.

 

SESSION V:  WEDNESDAY 4:40 – 5:50 (MULTIMEDIA LAB)

SESSION X:  THURSDAY 4:20 – 5:30 (MULTIMEDIA LAB)

 

 

Arguedas, Vivian

Educational Leader

CCCN

 

Díaz, Ronald

Educational Leader

CCCN

 

 

READ, THINK, TALK!

 

Participants will get involved in a series of activities that promote critical thinking and classroom discussions.

 

SESSION VI:  THURSDAY 8:00 – 9:10 (404)

 

 

Arroyo, Viviana

Educational Leader

CCCN

 

Quesada, Eduardo

Educational Leader

CCCN

 

THE USE OF PLAYS IN A TBI CLASS

 

Have you ever wondered about new ways of including different forms of art in your classes?  Introduce your students to the importance of theater through a Task-Based Instruction class!  Teach them about famous playwrights and well-known plays while they learn new vocabulary and improve their pronunciation and intonation.  Students will learn a lot in a stress-free environment, as they get involved with different characters that will allow them to express new feelings and emotions.

 

SESSION X:  THURSDAY 4:20 – 5:30 (502)

 

Asikin, Asih

Educational Leader

CCCN

 

Garmager, Eli

Educational Leader

CCCN

 

LANGUAGE QUESTS:  USING WEBQUESTS IN THE LANGUAGE CLASSROOM

 

With the increasing presence of technology in schools and institutes, the Internet offers a wealth of resources, particularly for the language teacher.  This workshop aims to inform and encourage educators to incorporate WebQuests in their teaching as a way to interweave the use of the Internet and the opportunity for students to use authentic materials available on-line, in goal-based projects.  WebQuests will not only allow students the opportunity to be more self-directed and independent learners, but also provide them with the tools to better prepare themselves to be future leaders.  The presenters will provide an overview of related research and methodology and provide examples of different WebQuests by demonstrating how to integrate WebQuests into everyday language classroom activities.

 

SESSION VI:  THURSDAY 8:00 – 9:10 (MULTIMEDIA LAB)

SESSION VII:  THURSDAY 9:25 – 10:35 (MULTIMEDIA LAB)

 

Biasetti, Roberto

Marketing Director

CCCN

 

Schmack, Karl

Executive Director

CCCN

 

ENGLISH LANGUAGE CERTIFICATION:  CAREER AND JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR TEST TAKERS IN COSTA RICA

 

TOEIC –the Test of English for International Communication- is determined to revolutionize the measure system of the English language in the world. It is already the most reliable, safe, unbiased tool to grow professionally and academically in Asia and Europe, and it is taking over Latin America!  Learn how TOEIC can improve your performance in the educational field, and how this test can make a school, high school and even a university better their students’ opportunities and their own, as it opens many doors to multinational companies, post graduate studies, etc.  Karl Schmack and Roberto Biasetti, directors to CCCN- official representative in Costa Rica- will share experiences on this important tool as well as innovations and opportunities the test will give to those who take it.

 

SESSION VII:  THURSDAY 9:25 – 10:35 (504)

 

Bolaños, Mary Criss

Educational Leader

CCCN

 

READING:  DEVELOPING AN INTEGRATED SKILLS LESSON PLAN

 

Teaching reading and helping students to develop language skills through reading is a challenging task for teachers.  In this workshop, participants will reinforce and put into practice their knowledge of tasks and abilities designed to develop listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills using different kinds of literature in their classes.

 

SESSION I:  WEDNESDAY 10:00 – 11:10 (309)

SESSION VI:  THURSDAY 8:00 – 9:10 (203)

 

Bonilla, Angel

Latin American Academic Consultant

Macmillan

 

READING:  A STUDENT/LEARNER CENTERED FOCUS

 

Are you having difficulties finding topics that trigger students’ interest?  Or is it difficult for you to keep students on task?  Are you promoting a student/learner- centered environment or are you stealing the show?  If you want to learn how to deal with the above stated situations, you definitely need to come to this workshop and experience how you can get the most out of your classes as your students do too.

 

SESSION VI:  THURSDAY 8:00 – 9:10 (503)

SESSION XIV:  FRIDAY 1:30 – 2:40 (203)

 

Bratovich, Harold

Academic Director

International Student

Services Organization

Colombia

 

HOW TO TEACH ENGLISH TO CHILDREN

 

If we want to use the term TEYL – teaching English to young learners, we have to be well informed about the principles and guidelines for teaching young learners.  In this workshop, we are going to see how children learn English, and we will explore some of the teaching methods and strategies used across a range of contexts including our own context in Latin America.  It will be interactive and informative.

 

SESSION I:  WEDNESDAY 10:00 – 11:10 (504)

SESSION XIV:  FRIDAY 1:30 – 2:40 (302)

 

Brautigam, Sheri

English Language Fellow, Mexico

US State Dept.,

English Language Program

 

CRITICAL THINKING WITH THE RIGHT QUESTION PROCESS

 

This workshop explores a dynamic process that helps students take control of their own learning.  Using the “Right Question Process,” students explore their own questions about a theme or topic.  As questions emerge, grammar awareness improves and the process can result in research projects, presentations and other student creative student directed activities.  Your students will develop self-motivation skills and confidence in using English in a productive manner.  We will do this process in the workshop.

 

SESSION VII:  THURSDAY 9:25 – 10:35 (303)

 

Brown, William

Educational Leader

CCCN

 

STORIES IN THE CLASSROOM

 

This is going to be a demonstration on how to teach through stories.  First, a tale will be used to have students produce a story using only verbs in the past tense.  The objective of the second story will be to have students make up a series of connected events using the passive voice.

 

SESSION X:  THURSDAY 4:20 –  5:30 (305)

 

Brubaker, Cate

International Education Programs Specialist

VIF Program

 

MAKE YOUR CLASS A BRIDGE TO THE WORLD! START AN INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIP WITH A U.S. SCHOOL

 

Open doors to learning about and with students in another country by establishing a partnership with a sister-class in the USA!  First, this interactive session will cover the basics of international sister-class partnerships.  Then, cultural awareness activities that support meaningful cultural exchange will be demonstrated.  Finally, tips, activity ideas and helpful hints from current international teachers in the USA will be offered.  Session participants will have the opportunity to receive an information and activity guide and connect with an international teacher in the USA who would like to start a partnership program.

 

SESSION XI:  FRIDAY 8:00 – 9:10 (402)

SESSION XIV:  FRIDAY 1:30 – 2:40 (303)

 

Bustamante, Antonio R.

Educational Leader

CCCN

 

THE SIX DESTRUCTIVE GAMES OF THE “VOICE”

 

Negative and destructive thoughts are part of everyone; sometimes it is a constant inner dialog which can become a burden.  This internal VOICE can affect perceptions and class rendering negatively.  Is there anything we can do?  A way to fight these negative messages and feelings?  This lecture is part of an ongoing research project aimed at enhancing facilitators’, teachers’, counselors’, etc. proactive attitude and personal growth.  It is designed as an introductory awareness activity which might lead some people into further research on this experimental field of teaching.

 

SESSION VII:  THURSDAY 9:25 – 10:35 (305)

SESSION XI:  FRIDAY 8:00 – 9:10 (404)

 

Calvo, Marcela

Primary School Teacher

 

MOTIVATING YOUR STUDENTS WITH CREATIVE ACTIVITIES

 

Motivation is the key to all learning, and the lack of it is perhaps the biggest barrier faced by teachers.  Teachers have to capture the learners’ attention and curiosity because this will be useful in the learning process.  One of the best ways to keep students’ interest is through games.  While playing games, students have fun and learn at the same time.  Come to this workshop and take creative activities that will motivate your students to your English classroom.

 

SESSION VI:  THURSDAY 8:00 – 9:10 (309)

SESSION XIV:  FRIDAY 1:30 – 2:40 (403)

 

Calvo, Paulina

Educational Leader

CCCN

 

TEACHING ENGLISH PRONUNCIATION THROUGH GAMES

 

Pronunciation is often taught through the teacher providing a model for learners to listen to and repeat.  This is a valuable way of teaching pronunciation, but it neglects a need many learners feel to understand what they are doing.  The pronunciation games are intended to lead learners towards insights that will help them in their future learning career and reduce their dependence on the teacher as a model.

 

SESSION XIII:  FRIDAY 11:00 – 12:10 (305)

 

Campos, Steven

Educational Leader

CCCN

 

YOUR ENERGY IN CLASS

 

This lecture will provide you with the specific tools to develop techniques inside your classroom, so that you will keep your energy and your students’ intact throughout the whole learning process, avoiding feelings such as frustration, stress, tiredness, among many others.

 

SESSION X:  THURSDAY 4:20 – 5:30 (203)

 

Candamo, Sandra

Asesora de Mercadeo

CCCN

 

Guevara, Flory

Human Resources Assistant

CCCN

 

RECRUITMENT PROCESS/TOOLS FOR ENGLISH TEACHING AND LEARNING

 

Se presentará información de los servicios que se ofrecen en la Unidad de Servicios Estudiantiles del CCCN, como son la Biblioteca Mark Twain, Laboratorio Multimedia, Centro de Asesoría Educacional, Traveling and Learning.  Servicios que serán de mucha utilidad para fortalecer la enseñanza del idioma inglés a sus diferentes instituciones.

Recruitment Process

Se informará sobre el proceso de reclutamiento de profesores que desean ser parte del CCCN, una pequeña explicación y beneficios de laborar para el Centro Cultural Costarricense-Norteamericano.

 

SESSION VII:  THURSDAY 9:25 – 10:35 (403)

 

 

 

 

 

Cano, Olda

Professor

Universidad Autónoma de Chiriquí

Panama

 

WHAT’S ON THE MENU?  WELL-SEASONED ACTIVITIES FOR LANGUAGE LEARNING

 

Just as a cook does more than following a recipe, so does a good teacher adding his or her special flavor to any activity.  For this reason, the tasks planned for students should be appetizing activities.  To accomplish intrinsic motivation from the students, the job of the teachers, like the one of the chefs, is to add a secret special flavoring in all classroom activities.  These include condensing or expanding, adjusting the language up or down, changing from pair activity to group activity, making strategies work for the students, and taking into account students’ styles of learning.  Specials on the menu for all the participants in this workshop include group dynamics, personality analyses, graphic experiences, creative crossword creations, riddle scrambles, and competitive games.

 

SESSION X:  THURSDAY 4:20 – 5:30 (403)

SESSION XIV:  FRIDAY 1:30 – 2:40 (305)

 

Carazo, María

Manager

VIF Program

 

BECOME AN INTERNATIONAL TEACHER WITH THE VIF PROGRAM

 

The VIF Program offers international educators a great opportunity to live and teach for up to 3 years while sharing your culture with students and communities in the U.S.  As teachers, you will learn about the U.S. educational system.  As a cultural ambassador, you will share unique aspects of your culture with students, teachers, and the community.  VIF offers you health insurance, opportunities to obtain a master’s degree, 24-hour support, and the cultural experience that will change your life!

 

SESSION XI:  FRIDAY 8:00 – 9:10 (201)

 

Cascante, Mariam Eugenia

Educational Leader

CCCN

 

HOW TO CHECK WRITING

 

When correcting writing tasks, the teacher needs to think about the overall target area of the exercise.  By choosing the correct means of correction, the teacher can encourage rather than discourage students.

 

SESSION I:  WEDNESDAY 10:00 – 11:10 (503)

SESSION VII:  THURSDAY 9:25 – 10:35 (309)

 

Cedeño, Carlos

Educational Leader

CCCN

 

COOPERATIVE LEARNING:  PROMOTING STUDENTS’ ACTIVE INTERACTION

 

Do you still have teacher-centered classes?  What about student-centered classes?  Ever wondered about peer and active interaction in the classroom?  Come to this workshop and learn how to promote cooperative learning through group work activities.  Learn how to assign roles in teams taking into account your students’ level of English.  Get some handouts with different learning and enjoyable activities for you to use in a regular English class that will definitely improve your students’ understanding of the subject they are studying.

 

SESSION III:  WEDNESDAY  1:50 – 3:00 (309)

 

Chaves, Celia M.

Education USA Advisor

CCCN

 

EDUCATION USA:  A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES

 

Learn about the admission procedures to US institutions of higher education.

 

SESSION XIII:  FRIDAY 11:00 – 12:10 ( 201)

 

Chaves, Mauricio

Advisor

 

 

COMPETENCES FOR THE LANGUAGE TEACHER TODAY

 

Participants will discuss a number of competences proposed in terms of language teachers as professionals in the context of Costa Rica’s social, economic and cultural reality.

 

SESSION XI:  FRIDAY 8:00 – 9:10 (203)

 

Chaves, Olga

Professor

ULACIT/UNA

 

Gutiérrez, Nidya Priscilla

English Teacher

ULACIT

 

TEACHERS:  AGENTS OF CHANGE

 

In the new educational paradigm, the teacher’s role includes several activities beyond the mere transmission of knowledge.  Mainly, the role as advisor and mediator is of great importance in the learning process.  These leadership roles require innovative attitudes, qualities, and activities in the teachers that promote creativity and love for permanent learning.  Challenging times demand dynamic leadership.  Teachers are required to be prepared to take advantage of such opportunities.

 

SESSION I:  WEDNESDAY  10:00 – 11:10 (203)

SESSION VI:  THURSDAY 8:00 – 9:10 (502)

 

Chaves, Yamileth

English Advisor

Ministry of Education

 

Alfaro, Ovidio

English Advisor

Ministry of Education

 

OUR TEACHING IS SHAPED BY OUR OWN THOUGHTS

 

The aim of this workshop is to invite the audience to reflect upon how our thoughts influence and transform our responses to our surroundings.  As a consequence, if English teachers experiment inner joy, this joy will be manifested in their teaching and permeate the moral development of the students, nurturing their life experience.

 

SESSION I:  WEDNESDAY 10:00 – 11:10 (502)

SESSION XI: FRIDAY 8:00 – 9:10 (502)

 

Chávez, Flora

Educational Leader

CCCN

 

DIFFERENT WAYS OF TEACHING MEANINGFUL VOCABULARY TO PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

 

Are you tired of teaching meaningless vocabulary to children?  Based on the fact that most of the children are very hyperactive, we as teachers have to motivate them by providing a lot of meaningful activities to teach them vocabulary.  This workshop is designed to help teachers improve their lesson plans by giving them extra ideas to incorporate in their lesson plan.

 

SESSION V:  WEDNESDAY 4:40 – 5:50 (309)

SESSION VII:  THURSDAY  9:25 – 10:35 (203)

 

Citon, Nadia

Mentor Teacher

CCCN

 

TO GRAMMAR OR NOT TO GRAMMAR?

 

Learners have to pass through a series of stages – noticing, structuring, elaborating, and restructuring – before a language becomes part of their implicit knowledge.  Current theories of SLA claim that noticing is essential to internalize a language.  This requires learners to become active thinkers in order to discover for themselves how grammar works.  Grammar-discovery techniques help to develop the analytical skills learners need to work on language independently, which is one of the features of a successful language learner.

 

SESSION XIII:  11:00 – 12:10 (403)

 

Córdoba, Carolina

Mentor Teacher

CCCN

THE ART OF TEACHING READING

 

Teaching students how to read in a foreign language can be a truly rewarding experience, but it is also a real challenge.  However, when teachers plan good pre, while, and post reading exercises, they give learners the right tools for them to become effective readers.  In this workshop, participants will engage in activities that will help them understand the reading process, learn how to integrate reading with other skills, and evaluate their own teaching.

 

SESSION XI:  FRIDAY 8:00 – 9:10 (310)

Coto, Laura

Educational Leader

CCCN

 

WARM UP ACTIVITIES, ICE BREAKERS, AND GROUPING STRATEGIES TO LIGHTEN UP YOUR CLASSES!

 

Getting our students prepared for the class is one of the most important steps in our teaching practices, and it assures a smooth flow of our class.  It is equally essential to break the ice the first day of class when students and/or the teacher don’t know each other.  Moreover, grouping our students in an effective, interesting, funny and/or innovative way is a key element to make our classes more appealing and varied for students.  If you are interested in getting some nice, useful, and practical ideas, come to our workshop and enjoy!  We will be more than glad to share them with you!

 

SESSION X:  THURSDAY 4:20 – 5:30 (402)

 

Cruz, Chris

Educational Leader

CCCN

 

Ugalde, Sylvia

Educational Leader

CCCN

SPICE UP ACTIVITIES FOR ANY TIME

 

Have you ever felt lack of enthusiasm or participation in your class?  Are you tired of seeing long faces among your students?  If so, join us in our workshop, and you will find great and simple speaking ideas adaptable to any level, age, or grouping setting.  Remember the speaking skill represents one of the biggest interests among students and a huge challenge to teachers, so don’t miss the opportunity to acquire innovative material for having a dynamic class.

 

SESSION X:  THURSDAY 4:20 – 5:30 (309)

De Dier, Augusto

ELT Manager, Richmond Publishing,

Venezuela

 

“911…? I Have an Emergency!”

 

“I can understand you if you speak slowly, but I cannot respond in English.” (This is the typical “protective” response from a student – even after years of study.) But…why does this happen? How do we take our students from bein