Flexible Lesson Strategies for ESOL Teachers to Unlock Deeper Learning 

Friday, October 18
1:00 PM-3:00 PM (In Person Only)
at First Literacy
160 Boylston Street, 2nd Floor
Boston, MA 02116 (across from the Boston Common)


Friday, October 25
1:00 PM -2:00 PM (via Zoom only)
(Please note: This is a two-part workshop. By registering you are committing to both sessions.)

Workshop Description:
In the language classroom, some of the most impactful moments arise spontaneously from authentic exchanges. Yet, for newer teachers, veering off the lesson plan to embrace these opportunities can feel daunting. This workshop is designed to equip new teachers with practical strategies and adaptable activity templates. These tools empower educators to navigate away from textbook constraints while maintaining educational objectives. 

Participants will explore how to integrate these strategies into their teaching repertoire effectively. Bring examples of your current curriculum or textbook to facilitate discussions and tailor the strategies to your specific context. Grounded in second language acquisition research, this workshop draws inspiration from Dogme ELT and task-based language teaching principles. However, no prior familiarity with these concepts is necessary—this workshop is entirely focused on enhancing classroom practice. 

Workshop Learning Objectives - Participants will:

  • Come away with flexible lesson and activity templates that allow for departure from the textbook.
  • Learn the benefits and also limitations of “backward” lesson planning and its alternatives.
  • Collaborate in real time to plan activities that they can use in class in their teaching context.
  • Learn about the theoretical and empirical rationale for the recommended activity templates.

 

Presenter:
Rob Sheppard has been teaching English for around 18 years, working as a teacher and administrator in Taipei, Seoul, Boston, and his current home, Philadelphia, where he serves as academic director of a university-intensive English language program. He holds an MA TESOL from The New School and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in applied linguistics from Temple University. He regularly writes and presents about language teaching. He is a member of the board at Penn TESOL East and the Literacy Council of Norristown and a former member of the community advisory council at First Literacy. 

This workshop is free to staff of all Massachusetts non-profit ABE and ESOL Programs.

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