Sixty-three secondary English teachers and supervisors from 4 different sections in Ixtapaluca participated in a 15-hour 3-day workshop on “Learner-Centered Instruction: Using Authentic Materials, Multiple Intelligences and Tiered Projects for Mixed-Ability Classes” from May 30th- June 1st, 2007.
The workshop, organized by local English teacher Paula Valdez and the SEP of the State of Mexico, Ixtapaluca, which aimed to improve English teaching techniques and motivation in the region,
included some memorable moments when teachers performed their jazz chants and teacher Ruben sang and played “Stand By Me” on the guitar while other teachers filled in a cloze listening exercise.
In addition to facilitating the workshop for the teachers, the Senior English Language Fellow Brigitte Miller had the opportunity to visit seven secondary school classes where she spoke with the students about their reasons for studying English and ways they can practice outside of class.
The students were enthusiastic, asking all sorts of questions such as; “What would you do if you were president of Mexico?”, “What do you hate?”and What’s your favorite food? (chocolate, of course).
One highlight of the trip was seeing teacher Gabriel Garcia’s students perform “Summer Loving” from the musical “Grease”.
Watch out John Travolta!The Fellow was also interviewed in English by the local TV channel about the purpose of her visit to Ixtapaluca.
The teachers’ feedback on the workshop evaluation indicates that their favorite part was the Multiple Intelligence activities, that their least favorite part was the sound [not loud enough] and that in the future they’d like to learn more about Multiple Intelligences and Bloom’s Taxonomy.
They suggested that future workshops include more activities and materials that can be directly applied in the class room with the students. 
Teachers, thanks for all your suggestions – I look forward to implementing them when I see you next year!
Thanks to all the supervisors, directors, teachers and students who gave me such a warm welcome in Ixtapaluca.
