US conference

The U.S. Interagency Conference on English Language Programs in Ukraine “English Language Education: a United Approach”

The U.S. Interagency Conference on English Language Programs in Ukraine “English Language Education: a United Approach” was held on October 6-7, 2011 in Kyiv.

The atmosphere of the Conference was very positive. The participants had a chance to meet professionals in the field of English language teaching. Craig Dicker, Program Branch Chief, Office of English language Programs, opened the Conference “English Language Education: A United Approach”.
There were a lot of presentations in five educational areas; online and mobile learning, online teacher training, in-service professional development, ELT materials. During the breaks we discussed the burning issues with Michael Carrier, Director, English Language Development, British Council, Arthur Evans, Assistant Cultural Affairs officer for Education and Exchanges, U.S. Embassy, Kyiv, heads of the different educational publishing companies, and other professionals.
John F. Tefft, U.S. Ambassador, made closing remarks on the first day of the Conference.
During the second day the participants outlined the strengths and resources of each working group, based on the presentations of the first day of the Conference. I participated in the discussions of ELT materials working group. A draft of an action plan that specifies mechanisms by which all members of the working group can systematically communicate about specific English teaching programs, resources, and events they involved with, has been created. It will encourage educators to work together on existing projects to enhance these programs. Learning takes place outside of class, and high-quality, original resources should be available to facilitate this process.
I believe this strategic plan will guide future communication, coordination, cooperation, and collaboration that will allow for increased synergy across the agencies and institutions involved with English teaching and teacher training in Ukraine and globally. It also addresses the goals and mission of every participating institution while capitalizing on their strengths and resources.
Alyona Sukhinina, RELO Assistant, Public Affairs Section, U.S. Embassy, Kyiv, and Oleksandra Iegorova,Cultural Affairs assistant, U.S. Embassy, Kyiv, did their best to make the Conference well-organized.
Nataliya Nayavko,
Teacher and teacher trainer, Novyi Rozdil, Lvivska oblast.