MEXTESOL 2007 in Boca del Rio

For those of you who didn't attend MEXTESOL 2007 in Boca del Rio, Veracruz from Nov. 8-11th, it was a blast! With characteristic festivities and informative presentations, this national conference of Mexican English teachers was a wonderful opportunity to learn new ideas and meet up with colleagues from all over Mexico. It also gave me a chance to catch up with people who work nearby like the TOEFL team from IIE, James and Jesus (pictured above in the exhibitor's hall). Click here to view Neil Anderson's plenary presentation "From Egg Crate to Omelet" or Click here to see Humberto Roman's blog (MEXTESOL Aguascalientes) on TOEFL tips (which I found very useful). I was especially amazed to see the Durango contingent led by Guille Gonzalez who travelled by bus to attend. That's dedication! For me, it was great to see all of you once again.

Teachers and Coordinators at Relaciones Culturales in Monterrey Get Motivated

Ten teacher coordinators and trainers at Relaciones Culturales in Monterrey worked together with the Fellow from Monday to Friday Oct. 22-26th, 2007 in a workshop entitled "Developing Oral Proficiency in the Communicative Classroom". They reviewed new techniques for developing oral fluency, accuracy and assessment in addition trying out some strategies for effectively using authentic film in the classroom. Results from the workshop evaluation indicate that they preferred the Collaborative Routines and Lesson Planning sessions and that they would like to learn more about Collaborative Learning and Rubrics. Please let me know if the workshop was useful to you by filling out my Workshop Follow-Up Survey here.

On Friday afternoon 73 of Relaciones Culturales' teachers attended the Fellow's presentation "Taking Over the Reins: Motivating Teachers and Learners" and participated heartily with their thought-provoking questions.

The Fellow's visit ended in a conga line around the school at the "Jurassic Party" with the quick-witted, fun loving staff of Relaciones Culturales.

Thanks to all of you for your hospitality and enthusiasm but especially to Tere who put it all together! See you soon!

Guanajuato 'Asesores' and Secondary English Teachers Get Learner-Centered

In the middle of October 2007, 63 primary level English 'asesores'(advisor-trainers)and secondary English teachers from the state of Guanajuato gathered together for a workshop on techniques in learner-centered instruction. Organized by Guanajauto SEG coordinator Mario Montero, the first group met for 18 hours from Oct. 15-17th at the Centro de Capacitacion (CENCAP) in Acambaro, Guanajuato.

The second group met from Oct. 18-19th for 8 hours in Leon.

In addition to learning how to structure cooperative classroom routines and apply multiple intelligence theory to class room activities, participants showed great warmth and community spirit by participating in bonfire sing-alongs and endlessly telling jokes. Ever creative and enthusiastic, the group made wonderful group chants and stories.

Results from the original workshop evaluation indicate that they preferred learning new activities that can be applied directly to the classroom. They said they will apply Multiple Intelligences and Cooperative Learning in their own classes and they'd like to learn more about Bloom's Taxonomy and Multiple Intelligences.

Many of the asesores said they would replicate some of the ideas from the workshop in their own training sessions. (Please let me know if you have! Click here to fill out the workshop follow-up survey. This information will guide me in creating more useful workshops.)

I will always remember the great time I had with you in Acambaro. Teachers like you are the reason I love teaching! Thanks to all of you and to Mario, a really motivating coordinator!