Course Category: COP - Arts Based Pedagogy in ELT

Arts-Based Pedagogy in ELT Community of Practice (COP) Symposium


Theme: Using Arts-Based Pedagogy to Improve Student Engagement

Arts-based pedagogy in English language teaching (ELT) incorporates visual and performing arts into the learning process to engage students in a creative and dynamic way. This approach recognizes the power of art to foster critical thinking, cultural awareness, and emotional intelligence. By using art as a tool for language development, students can experience the joy of expression and build a deeper connection to the language. Arts-based pedagogy also encourages collaboration, communication, and the development of intercultural competencies, making it an effective and enriching addition to any ELT curriculum.

This workshop will feature presentations by ELT experts in designing and implementing educational programs that use art as a means to build student engagement and confidence in using English.

Presenters

Dr Patrick Pheasant
CEO, NEAS Australia

Abstract: Drama is a powerful tool that can be used in English language teaching (ELT) to help students develop their language skills and cultural awareness in a fun and engaging way. In this presentation, Dr Patrick Pheasant will share practical ideas on how to incorporate drama into an ELICOS classroom and how drama can create a more dynamic and interactive learning environment while helping students build confidence, creativity, and critical thinking skills. In summary, drama can be an effective and enjoyable addition to an ELT curriculum, offering students a unique and valuable learning experience.

Ms Peetra Lechte NEAS Communications Manager & Quality Assessor

Abstract: The use of drawing and puppetry in English language teaching provides numerous benefits for students. These methods provide visual aids that can help students to better understand and retain language concepts. Drawing and puppetry encourage creativity and critical thinking, promoting a more engaged and motivated learning experience. Both provide opportunities for students to interact with the language and express themselves in new and imaginative ways. Drawing and puppetry can be used to develop a wide range of language skills, including vocabulary, grammar, speaking, listening, and writing. The use of these methods can create a dynamic and enjoyable learning environment that fosters language acquisition and inter-cultural understanding. 

Live Panel

This workshop will feature a live panel discussion including the workshop presenters Dr Patrick Pheasant and Ms Peetra Lechte and the following participants:

Ms Susan Butt- Director of Studies at ILSC Melbourne

Bio: Susan is currently the Director of Studies at ILSC Melbourne. Susan leads a department of over 100 educators, which includes Head Teachers, Coordinators, and Teachers. Her responsibilities include teacher recruitment, fostering a collaborative environment, and mentoring others. Susan encourages her team to develop their skills and explore their career aspirations. She leads with a humanistic approach, which includes being open-minded, embracing creativity, and collaborating to ensure others achieve their goals.

Mr Glenn Johnson-Teacher at the University of Tasmania

Bio: Glenn is currently a teacher on the Language Support and Employability Programmes for international students in the College of Business and Economics (COBE) at the University of Tasmania (UTAS) where he is teaching Drama Workshops. He has been an ESL teacher for twenty-five years, teaching at language centres in Sydney, Brisbane and Hobart, and has always looked for opportunities to incorporate creative-orientated activities into the classroom. Glenn has also been a company actor in a number of theatre companies including Momentum In tandem and OzFrank, plus writer/director for Head North Theatre.

This event is supported by:

Art Based Pedagogy in ELT

This workshop explores two themes: Enhancing students’ English learning experience through music and Using the arts based pedagogy in ELT.

This workshop features two presentation and an interactive Q&A session.

Workshop Presenters and abstracts:

Mr Kit Perry
Principle Executive officer/Academic Director
Townsville College of English

Presentation Topic: Enhancing your students’ English learning experience through music 

Being originally trained as a high school drama and music teacher, Kit found it easy to transition to using music and drama to teach English.

In this workshop, Kit will explore why music is an incredible tool for language learning as well as providing practical tools and tips to start using it in your pedagogy. In his experience, a lack of confidence and guidance in how to incorporate music in the classroom are the main barriers for teachers, but once you overcome these hurdles, you will be amazed with how music can bring your classroom to life. 

Ms Andrea Pugh
Head of Department International
Whites Hill State College

Presentation Topic: What is arts-based Pedagogy and how does it fit in ELT? 

Andrea’s recent step into the world of online teaching and learning has been enjoyable and intense as it stretched her IT skills and created new opportunities for building rapport with students in an online space. She is passionate about ELT and takes pride in seeing her students gain confidence in both their digital and English language skills.

 In her presentation, Andrea will focus on why including the arts is important in any language learning program. She will explore key questions and will identify positive outcomes for an arts-based pedagogy.

Andrea will also explore how arts-based activities can be included in blended spaces that promote an attitude of positivity which caters for all international students – both onshore and offshore.