TECH-English: A Workshop on Effective Teaching in English in a Multilingual Classroom NIT Silchar May 2016

TECH-English: A Workshop on Effective Teaching in English in a Multilingual Classroom

 The National Institute of Technology, Silchar

May 19-20, 2016

The Indian education system influenced by its multicultural and postcolonial background always has a demand for English as a medium of teaching. The curriculum at the institutes of national Importance like NIT, Silchar, constantly aims to synchronize with global standards of innovation—an endeavor demanding lectures and exchanges in English with students of diverse ethnic identities. It is not a question of knowing the language, but teaching in English – that is coherent and accessible.

TECH-English aims to address this particular issue lecturers face in a class of a national University. Strands of the scientific discipline are often replete with specialized words, jargons, technical expressions that require a nimble, ingenuous application of English language. The workshop coordinators, eminent scholars in Teacher Training, English Language Training and English Literature, shall guide us in the usage, application and modification of English as a teaching medium, especially in a classroom of Science and Technology. Specifically designed for Professors of NIT, Silchar, this workshop will provide a unique (task-based and learner centered) perspective in teaching/learning in English, refreshing the verbiage and refreshing our teaching skills in general.

Objectives: The workshop will attempt to discuss the latest tools to teach scientific and technological disciplines, as well as social science in English in a multi-ethnic classroom. It will further explore ways of adaptation of the English language to suit multiple contexts in a classroom. The participants will be highlighting effective methodology to align language with the content and its discipline to be taught in class. The resource personnel will also outline ideas and resources for the faculty participants on creative usage of English to train students for international job-markets, where they might utilize their language skills for specific purposes in a diverse demography.

Beneficiaries: This two day workshop attempts to cater to the teaching fraternity of NIT, Silchar, in particular, and faculty members of other academic institutes, in general. The workshop is specifically structured to accommodate various issues arising while teaching cross-disciplinary concerns in English in a multilingual classroom.

Activities: The workshop, amongst other activities, will focus primarily on the following:

·        CPD -Continuing Professional Development

·        English at the Workplace

·        English for Specific Purposes

·        Non-verbal and verbal communication in the classroom

·        Dealing with Diversity in the classroom

·        Technology for the teacher

Resource Persons: Prof. Julu Sen, Head, Dept. of English Language Teaching, The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad; and Dr. Joy Anuradha, Centre for English Language Studies, University of Hyderabad have consented to serve as resource persons for the workshop.

Participation Criteria: In order to take part in the workshop, you need to address the following two questions—in maximum 150 words:

• Why do you want to take part in TECH-English? Justify.
• Narrate any challenge you may face or have faced teaching in English in a multilingual classroom.

Participation will be judged by the merit of the answers. You may send the answers either in the message body or as a separate Word file by midnight, April 25, to techenglish.nits@gmail.com. Confirmation of participation will be intimated within 48 hrs of reception of mail. There is no Registration Fee. Certificates of Participation will be issued to all participants.

How to reach the venue: NITS is located on the Silchar-Hailakandi road in the Cachar district of Assam. Silchar is connected to Kolkata, Guwahati and Imphal through daily flights. There is a rail route connecting Silchar with all the major cities of our country through Guwahati and Lumding.  The city is also well-connected with all major cities in the North-East by road.