EFA London's first conference exploring participatory approaches to ESOL. This day of stimulating workshops will be hosted by English for Action, leading practitioners of participatory ESOL in the UK, and will bring together educators interested in sharing and developing their understanding of this approach.

The day will develop understanding of participatory ESOL through discussion and interactive example. Sessions will explore useful tools and methods for building class community, participatory curriculum planning, using extended discussion in the classroom and taking community action with students. In participatory style, space will be made throughout the day for discussion and exchange of ideas and conference participants will leave with a range of new practical tools and insights that will enrich their teaching and facilitation. The event will be an exciting opportunity to share and develop knowledge and experience of participaotry methods with like minded practitioners.

FAQs

Who is the conference for?

The event is primarily aimed at ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) teachers and lecturers. It will also be relevant for those campaigning with migrants and refugees, and anyone with an interest in participatory pedagogy.

What do you mean by 'participatory ESOL'?

Participatory ESOL is a radical approach to language learning - and a growing movement across the UK. It's inspired by the critical pedagogy of Brazilian Marxist educator, Paulo Freire, who believed that education is never neutral - it either upholds or challenges the status quo. The Participatory approach rejects the idea that students are passive vessels to be filled with the teacher's knowledge. Instead, all participants (including the teacher) are encouraged to engage critically with the learning process. Curriculum is developed through group dialogue, based on participants' pre-existing experiences, knowledge and daily reality. Language learning is driven by meaningful exchanges between participants in the group, rather than the form through which communication can be achieved. By nurturing exploratory, critical dialogue within the classroom, participants become better able to constructively question orthodoxies outside the classroom. For more information have a look at Reflect ESOL's Vision and Values and 'What is Participatory ESOL'?, the first chapter in the British Council's book 'Language issues in migration and integration'.

Is lunch included?

Yes.

What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?

The venue is 5 minutes walk from Bethnal Green tube or Cambridge Heath train station.

Underground: From Bethnal Green tube station (Central line), take the Museum of Childhood exit. Enter the park on your right and walk diagonally through the park to the far exit on Victoria Park Square. Turn left out of the park and then left again onto Old Ford Road. St. Margaret's House is above the Gallery cafe, on the opposite side of the road across the zebra crossing.

Train: From Cambridge Heath station, turn right and walk down Cambridge Heath Road. Just before the Museum of Childhood (on the opposite side of the road) cross the road and turn left down Old Ford Road. St. Margaret's House is just past York Hall, above the Gallery Cafe.

Buses No. 8 - 106 - 254 - 309 - 388 - D3 and D6.

Car: Parking should be available in Victoria Park Square, Approach Road and other surrounding roads.

Where can I contact the organiser with any questions?

Please contact Cait Crosse by email at cait@efalondon.org or by phone on 07969876564.