Webinars for Teachers. - Encouraging healthy and strong beliefs about language learning

Chapter 1: Introduction 0:00 Chapter 2: Supportive language learning environment 3:42 Chapter 3: Using language practice and scaffolding 5:09 Chapter 4: Using assessment 12:09 Chapter 5: Using praise effectively 23:32 Chapter 6: Helping students overcome language learning anxiety 31:52 Chapter 7: Talking to students about their learning beliefs 38:49 Chapter 8: Session review 44:53 Chapter 9: Q&A 46:18 Many learners think that being successful language learner is down to natural ability. Such beliefs can have a negative impact on learning outcomes. In this webinar we will talk about how teachers can create an encouraging environment to help learners develop strong and healthy self-beliefs about themselves and English learning. Presenters: Sarah McElwee and Maggie Dunlop Sarah McElwee Sarah’s original research interest was in metacognition – the ability to think about our own thinking – and its impact on learning. She holds a PhD in Cognitive Development from Queen’s University Belfast. Sarah’s research now focuses on the transition from school to university and how we can help universities select students in a fair and transparent way. She is also interested in how younger learners learn in language classrooms, and in the ways in which good assessment design supports learning. Sarah has worked in education for over 15 years as a researcher, consultant, and as a teacher and lecturer for learners right across the age range from early primary school to postgraduate study, as well as in Community Adult Education. Maggie Dunlop Maggie’s research interests are primarily in determining how to get useful information about learners’ language skills, and how to communicate this information so that people actually use it. Her work explores the ways that environmental factors can provide people opportunities to learn, and support people to develop healthy attitudes and approaches to language learning. Maggie holds a PhD in Language and Literacies Education from the University of Toronto, Canada. Maggie has worked on language assessment and learning projects for children, internationally educated professionals, immigrants, university students and indigenous communities, and taught English as a Foreign Language. The link to the handout can be downloaded here: http://assets.cambridgeenglish.org/webinars/learner-characteristics-handout.pdf The link to the slides can be downloaded here: http://assets.cambridgeenglish.org/webinars/may-webinar-learner-characteristics.pdf