English Language Teaching Institute of Symbiosis (ELTIS)&
Symbiosis Institute of Foreign & Indian Languages (SIFIL)
Presents
6th NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ELT February 05 & 06, 2016
One of the qualities of a good communicator is being a patient listener and a person of few but apt words. Today, a strong command of the English language is directly linked to career enhancement and social success. ‘Good English Communication Skills’ has become an indispensable qualification for a job seeker.
Two major skills that would help us groom our students’ communicative abilities are ‘Listening’ and ‘Vocabulary’.
Let us come together to share, discuss and review our experiences about effective ways of teaching these two skills.
The English Language Teaching Institute of Symbiosis (ELTIS) is happy to invite you to participate in its Sixth National Conference. After the first 5 conferences on Language and Culture, Grammar, Reading, Speaking and Writing respectively, ‘Teaching of Listening and Vocabulary’ is the focus this year.
Main Theme:
“Communication Plus: Empowering Language Learners through Effective Listening and Active Vocabulary”.
The conference will comprise:
- A symposium
- Plenary sessions by renowned experts
- Workshops
- A panel discussion
6th National conference on
“Communication Plus: Empowering Language Learners through Effective Listening and Active Vocabulary”.
to be held on Fri. & Sat. February 05 & 06, 2016.
Tracks (Sub-Themes)
- Listen to Learn: Boosting Word Power through Active Listening
- Overcoming Barriers to Listening: Strategies and Solutions
- Vocabulary Development: Activities and Strategies
- Audio-Visual Aids: Building Blocks to a Rich Vocabulary
- Sound of Music: Stimulus to Word Power
- Listening as a Means of Vocabulary Development
- Teaching Listening / Vocabulary: Resources and Materials
- Mother Tongue Influence (MTI) on L2 Listening / Vocabulary Acquisition
Some suggestions on the scope of each track or sub-theme:
1. Listen to Learn: Boosting Word Power through Active Listening
Who speaks, sows; who listens, reaps. – Argentine Proverb
- * Key techniques and advantages of active listening
- * Using authentic listening material to enrich vocabulary
- * Developing conversational skills through active listening
- * Active listening as a medium for effective communication
2. Overcoming Barriers to Listening: Strategies and Solutions
If you think communication is all talking, you haven’t been listening. – Ashleigh Brilliant* Barriers to listening to that affect effective communication
* Solutions to overcome hurdles in listening
* Problems faced by teachers in teaching listening in schools and colleges
* Strategies to nurture listening skills for enhancing interpersonal communication
3. Vocabulary Development—Activities and Strategies
In any subject matter, words are more important than anything else. - Unknown
* Teaching vocabulary - a challenging task?
* Acquiring vocabulary incidentally by engaging students in interesting activities
* Usage of appropriate words to express oneself explicitly
* Effective activities for teaching vocabulary
4. Audio-Visual Aids: Building Blocks to a Rich Vocabulary
The art of conversation lies in Listening- Malcolm Forbes
* Vocabulary as an element that links all the four skills, LSRW, especially listening and speaking
* Stimulating learners and reinforcing learning through audio-visual resources
* Movies – a gateway for vocabulary building
5. Sound of Music: Stimulus to Word PowerMusic expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent. – Victor Hugo* Benefits of music in the process of language learning
* Impact of music on the power of expression
* Creative ways of using songs in the classroom as an educative tool
* Lending melody and pitch to speech through songs
6. Listening as a Means of Vocabulary Development
The art of listening isn’t difficult to master. And when you have, new words and new worlds open up! -Forbes* Listening - fundamental but neglected component in acquiring vocabulary
* Exploring the sub–skills of listening for strong word power
* Developing eloquence and expressiveness through listening
* Innovative methods of exploiting aural skills to gain confidence in communication
7. Teaching Listening / Vocabulary: Resources and Materials
The art of conversation lies in listening. -Malcolm Forbes* Selecting authentic materials for listening / vocabulary and matching them with learning goals
* Making the most of technological developments to create relevant materials for students
* Use of resources for teaching aural skills and vocabulary acquisition
8. Mother Tongue Influence (MTI) on L2 Listening / Vocabulary Acquisition Finally, the very notion of a 'word' is far from constant across languages. –Michael Swan
* The influence of MTI on the ability of students to comprehend L2 listening
* MTI as a barrier in acquiring vocabulary
* Ways of overcoming / reducing the problems of MTI in L2 listening and acquiring vocabulary
* MTI as a hindrance in business communication
These explanations are only illustrative, not exhaustive. Paper presenters are free to explore other relevant areas and questions.
Tracks for Workshops
- Developing Vocabulary: Use of Prose Texts - Fiction, Non-fiction and Drama
What is drama but life with the dull bits cut out? – Alfred Hitchcock
• Use of fiction and non-fiction to foster the acquisition of vocabulary
• Exploring drama as a means of building vocabulary in an ESL / EFL classroom
• Activities and methods of boosting students’ vocabulary
- Developing Vocabulary for Specific Purposes The difference between the right word and the almost-right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug. –Mark Twain• Developing vocabulary for specific communities: academic, occupational or specialised
• Activities for teaching and learning of vocabulary for ESP
• Training / Retraining teachers of ESP
- Designing Materials and Activities to Teach Words in Context and Co-text We are at a critical point where rapid change is forcing us to look not just to new ways of solving problems but to new problems to solve. -Tim Brown
• Activities to help enrich vocabulary incidentally
• Material generation and activities for developing incidental vocabulary through listening
• Readily available textbooks or tailor-made materials for teaching vocabulary?
• Student-generated materials: an instrument in collaborative learning
- Teaching Word-formation ProcessesIf you can dream it up, you can team it up. ― Richie Norton
• Helping students understand word formation
- • Activities for teaching lexical phrases and appropriate expressions
- • Enabling students to use words appropriately for effective interaction
• Bridging the gap between language learning and communicating through listening
You may conduct a Workshop on or related to the above-stated tracks.
For Whom?
This conference is meant for –
- Teachers of English/Business Communication at
- Senior Colleges
- Junior Colleges
- Business Management Institutes
- Engineering Colleges
- Mass Media & Journalism Colleges
- University Departments of English
- Secondary Schools
- Post-Graduate students of English / Linguistics / ELT / Journalism.
A participant may present a paper or conduct a workshop or attend the conference as a member of the audience.
Paper Presentation
Papers can be presented on topics that can come under any of the tracks (sub-themes). The papers must be original and based on your own ideas, practical experience and /or research.
Each presenter must personally present his/her paper on the day of the event.
Time allotted:
- 15 minutes for presentation
- 05 minutes for Q & A
Important Dates
- For Abstracts: Abstracts not exceeding 400 words should reach us latest by Monday, November 30, 2015. A decision on the acceptance of the abstracts will be conveyed to the authors by Thursday, December 17, 2015.
- Final Papers: Complete final papers (soft copy) not exceeding 3000 words should reach us by Monday, January 11, 2016.
- Last date of registration for participation only: Monday, January 19, 2016.
Prescribed Formats All abstracts and final papers must keep to the following prescribed format:
Registration Fees:
- For Indian participants: Rs.1600/- per participant (up to December 30, 2015). Registration fee after Wednesday, December 30, 2015: Rs.1800/- per participant.
- For Foreign Nationals: US$50/- per participant (up to December 30, 2015) Registration fee after Wednesday, December 30, 2015: US$60/- per participant.
The registration fee covers conference materials, three meals and light refreshments / tea / coffee during breaks between sessions.
Mode of payment: By Demand Draft or Swift Code, or online.
- DD in favour of ‘ELTIS, Symbiosis’.
Swift Code details:
- Receiving Bank: Axis Bank Ltd.
- Bank Swift Code: AXISINBB037
- Institute’s Bank A/c No: 315010100023339
RTGS / NEFT details :
- Bank details: as above
- IFS Code : UTIB0000315
Please e-mail us the payment details on the very same day you make the payment.
Accommodation
- Decent accommodation is available (optional) at the cost of Rs. 800/- per person per night on twin sharing basis.
- For booking accommodation, please email to info@eltis-symbiosis.org
- The mode of payment will be the same as above.
- Accommodation will be confirmed only after we receive full payment by DD / swift / online.
- We can arrange a two or three-star hotel accommodation if a participant specifically mentions so. The cost (payable by the participant) depends upon the market rate and your preference/choice.
In case you need any help with hotel accommodation, please feel free to contact Ms. Madhura Thakur, Assistant-Co-ordinator, for getting suitable accommodation. Email:
madhura.t@eltis-symbiosis.org
Travelling to Pune
By Air: Pune airport is located at Lohegaon, about 12 km from the heart of the city. Prepaid taxi and auto-rickshaws operate to and from the airport. Coaches and private cars can also be hired. Regular direct flights are available to Pune from many cities in India like Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Nagpur and Indore.
By Rail: Pune is an important railway junction in the Indian railway network. Several trains connect Pune with most other major rail junctions in India.
By Road: Pune is well connected with many major Indian cities by state-owned bus services. Private luxury buses also operate from Pune to many cities in India including Mumbai, Goa, Bengaluru, Indore, Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Hyderabad. Frequent bus services connect Pune with Mumbai, a distance of about 150 km, as do shared taxis.
About the 5th ELTIS Conference (2015)
" Nurturing Writing in the Classroom"
The English Language Teaching Institute of Symbiosis (ELTIS) held its fifth National Conference on January 30 & 31, 2015.
The theme of the conference was “Nurturing Writing in the Classroom”. ELTIS has been holding conferences on developing language skills for the last four years consecutively. The conference this year was based on the challenges involved in the teaching of writing and its possible solutions. The presence of creative writers and experts of English language enlightened the audience.
On the first day, the Chief Guest of the inaugural function, H.E. Mr. Amaku V. Ndubuisi, High Commissioner of Nigeria stated the importance of simplicity in written English. He mentioned that clear and simple writing is an art which many aspire and few acquire. Dr. A. V. Sangamnerkar, Vice President, Symbiosis Society also highlighted the importance of writing skills and appreciated ELTIS for conducting such conferences.
There were 119 participants from all over India and a presenter as well from Iran. Teachers from 10 states and 37 cities shared their ideas and fostered their teaching skills.
The Symposium on “Creative Writing in its 21st Century Avatar” highlighted that creativity brings freshness and insight to writing, whatever the purpose or genre be. The speakers emphasised how the modern age facebook, twitter and micro poetry can be channelised in a constructive manner to build writing skills.
There were 43 paper presentations based on seven themes. Writing is a daunting task for students and teaching writing is a challenge for teachers. Teachers got different ideas to implement in their writing classes to bring back the lustre in their writing classes.
The workshop presenters shared ways of using stories, anecdotes and examples to make the piece of writing an interesting one. Workshops were a mixed bag of Haiku, micro poetry, films, novels, business writing etc.
On the second day, the panel discussion struck the chord of how all language skills help enhance writing skills.
The conference concluded with the valedictory address by the Guest of Honour H.E. Ms. Saroja Sirisena, Consul General of Sri Lanka on “Importance of Writing Skill in International Diplomacy”. She shared real life anecdotes on the importance of writing skills that captured everyone’s heart. The prizes were awarded by the Guest of Honour in the presence of Prof. Dr. Rajani Gupte, Vice Chancellor, Symbiosis International University.
About ELTIS: The English Language Teaching Institute of Symbiosis (ELTIS) was established in 1972 by Dr. S. B. Mujumdar. ELTIS has been teaching English for 43 years to International Students from more than 50 countries. In 1980, ELTIS also started catering to the needs of Indian students through its Speak fast brand. To add to its vital list of activities, we have a one-year university programme which aims to train Indian students in practical English and life skills. ELTIS is also an authorised Training and Examination Centre for Cambridge English Language Assessment, part of the University of Cambridge, U.K. Over the years, ELTIS has grown into a globally recognised institution of high repute.
Best Paper Award
A panel of experts will identify the best three papers presented at the Conference. Their decision will be final and binding. Awards will be announced on the last day of the Conference. The awards will be cash amounts of Rs.1500/- Rs.1200/- & Rs. 1000/- for the 1st, 2nd & 3rd positions respectively along with a merit certificate.
Special award for students: This year we will have one best paper award of Rs. 1000/- cash for students.
ELTIS Team
* Please note: Phone calls only during office hours (10.00 am to 06.00 pm)
Members of the Advisory Committee:
| Dr. Z. N. Patil | Dr. Shridhar Gokhale |
| Dr. Ramesh Dhongde | Dr. Dharmendra Sheth |
| Dr. Shirish Chindhade | Dr. Madhuri Gokhale |
About Pune City:
With a name that descends from the Sanskrit word ‘Punya’, meaning “pious deeds”, Pune represents the heartland of Maharashtra. Much can be said about the majestic history of this place, the leading citizens of which included iconic figures such as ShivajiMaharaj and LokmanyaTilak.
Pune’s large student population has made it a ‘happening place’ in the true sense of the term. It is popularly known as the Oxford of the East and contends for the title ‘the cultural capital of Maharashtra’.
The outstanding aspect of this city is the sound balance between modernity and age-old culture and tradition. This makes for interesting sightseeing within the city. You should put at the top of your sight-seeing list places like Shaniwar Wada, Aga Khan Palace and the Parvati Hill Temple. Stunning gardens like OshoTeerth, P. L. Deshpande Okayama Park add to the greenery of the city.
The attractions of the city and its surroundings are its forts, lakes, parks, myriad eating places and shopping. In the city centre, old architecture is interspersed with modern buildings.
What was once considered a pensioners’ paradise is now home to leading industries and software and IT companies like Wipro, Infosys, Persistent, TCS, Cognizant, Tech-Mahindra and many others and their new-generation employees.
Climate
The city’s geographically important location has blessed it with a pleasant climate throughout the year. In the month of January, the temperature ranges between 15 degrees Celsius (nights) and 28 degrees Celsius (days).
For further queries, please contact the following persons:
3. Queries regarding Payment of Fees: Mr. Avdhoot Joshi, Asstt. Accountant on Tel. 91-20-25677431/2.
