Ten BYU–Hawaii students presented at the TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) International Convention & English Language Expo, last month in Dallas, Texas. The conference, held March 20-23, is the leading convention of its kind and gives opportunities for students and industry professionals to present their latest teaching tools, software, research, and publication to more than 6,500 attendees.
The students delivered two presentations entitled: “Creating a Harmonious and Dynamic Listening and Speaking Tutor Programs” and “Using Technology to Achieve Excellence in Vocabulary Learning.” In addition to their presentations, they networked with industry leaders and attended classes offered at the convention.
“I think going to the convention changes the students’ perspective, and having the opportunity to present changes it even more,” said Ellen Bunker, Associate Professor and TESOL Department Chair who traveled with students to the Dallas Convention. “It always gives them a new and different level of understanding the profession. Seeing presentations from students and professionals all over the world gives them insight to the diversity within the field.”
The yearly convention hosts thousands of educators at all levels to exchange information and ideas within the professional community. With the multinational environment at BYU–Hawaii, the TESOL program at offers enhanced coursework and training through real international student application. Many BYU–Hawaii TESOL graduates have established their own schools, counseling organizations, and language programs.