IMPROVING TEACHING BY EXPERIENCE

 

Carlos Alberto Aldana

Publicado en Capital Letter No. 4

Noviembre de 2003

38th Asocopi National Conference

English Language Teaching: Creating Identities 

   Based on the fact that the field of teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language involves many different aspects –communicative, academic, sociocultural, etc- last 10-11-12 October 2003, the Asociación Colombiana de Profesores de Inglés (Asocopi) carried out the 38th Asocopi National Conference in Pereira (coffee region), at the UTP (Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira). The Organizing Committee decided to focus this year’s Conference around the topic: “Constructing an identity in Colombian language teaching”, with the purpose – in words of Ricardo Romero Medina, President of Asocopi- of sharing teaching and research experiences that may enrich English language programs, materials, and teacher education in

Colombia1 .

   As English language instruction is increasing, the knowledge on applied linguistics, second language acquisition and effective teaching approaches and methods is becoming essential. Therefore, it is necessary that teachers and researchers in the field share their knowledge, experiences, projects and techniques for improving the teaching activity in Colombia. It is also necessary to develop and identify some pathways for teachers and students to follow in order to gain new ideas and insights into the field of English as a Second/Foreign Language.

   This was the goal of the 38th Asocopi National Conference: to take advantage of the common experience of more than 500 teachers from all over Colombia and integrate their knowledge to promote reflective inquiry and provide teachers and students with necessary tools for ongoing professional growth. Another aim was to present pedagogical models by introducing students and teachers to various ways in which instruction can be enhanced. The successful outcome of the conference not only allowed the integration of pedagogy, practice, and classroom teaching but the chance of being in contact with practical and critical experiences in the area of English teaching in various and diverse social and academic settings.

   At last, the field of ESL/EFL is taking advantage from the experience, knowledge and practice of teaching; this helps in turn to the development of a critical awareness of the processes of teaching and learning in our country.

1 ASOCOPI Newsletter, August 2003.