National Conference 2008 'Values and Vision' University of Warwick

NATECLA Conference 2008 ‘Values and Vision’ took place on 11 12 13 July 2008 at the University of Warwick. Ron Carter, Professor of Modern English Language, School of English Studies at the University of Nottingham delivered the keynote address. The ‘English’ in ESOL: 'Visions, Values and Varieties' and his presentation is attached here. On Sunday, following the final workshop session the conference John Mackie, Policy adviser in the Skills for Life team in the Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills presented an ESOL upate. To view a summary of the key messages http://www.natecla.org.uk/uploads/documents/doc_2977.doc Over the weekend there was a choice of workshops covering a wide range of practical and theoretical themes for both new and experienced teachers, teacher trainers, researchers and managers. There was a performance of the widely acclaimed ‘Asylum Monologues’ sponsored by Trinity College London. A collaboration between IceandFire theatre and Actors for Human Rights. ‘Asylum Monologues’ are used as an advocacy and awareness-raising tool. http://www.iceandfire.co.uk/ Throughout the weekend delegates contributed to the Voice of the Conference – an innovative approach to identifying our professional values and shaping NATECLA’s vision for the year ahead. Follow the link to the questions and the feedback. http://www.natecla.org.uk/news_details.asp?NewsID=311 A friendly welcoming atmosphere has always been a feature of the NATECLA conference and delegates comments were: 'Thank you for an excellent day at the NATECLA Conference. The workshops we attended were inspirational and have given us loads of ideas for our teaching and professional practice' 'I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the conference at the weekend in Warwick. It was all very well organised and I found all of the workshops I attended very relevant and useful' 'I thoroughly enjoyed attending and presenting at the NATECLA conference, a small but vibrant community that I am proud to be part of'. Sponsors for 2008 Main sponsor: University of Cambridge ESOL examinations Additional sponsors are City & Guilds LLU+ at London South Bank University National Research Development Centre for adult literacy and numeracy (NRDC) Pearson Education Trinity College London English Speaking Board Department for Innovation Universities and Skills (DIUS) NATECLA thanks them all for their support for our conference. Link to Bursary Information and how to apply. http://www.natecla.org.uk/uploads/documents/doc_2942.doc