The IELTS team joined 1500 teachers at IATEFL this year. We know how important teachers are for IELTS test takers, so we were delighted to network with and gain insights from so many teachers!
Highlights from the event
Favourite teaching moments
English teachers from all over the world reflected on their favourite teaching moments at this year’s annual IATEFL conference, held in Belfast. Student success stories, returning to face-to-face teaching and creative classroom activities were just some of the moments shared at the IELTS stand.
The IELTS team encouraged teachers to tell their stories at the English language teaching conference which has been running for over 50 years. The prize was awarded to Elona Manders (pictured, second to the left), a teacher from the Netherlands, who reflected on using the Pecha Kucha storytelling format in the classroom to inspire students to get out of their comfort zone and apply technology in their teaching.
You can read all the favourite teaching moments that were submitted online.
Teacher presentations
The IELTS team ran a pop-up session which focused on IELTS teaching tips and resources. Louise Dunne from the British Council gave practical tips for teachers on IELTS Listening, Reading, Academic Writing and Speaking. Teaching tips included how to use time wisely, planning and suggestions for classroom activities.
Louisa Dunne also presented on what support is available to help teachers and test takers to help them work remotely. The session reflected on the challenges of the pandemic and highlighted the remote support for IELTS test takers including webinars and self study packs and how teachers are supported with products such as IELTS Indicator. It also summarised the programme of workshops, webinars and support through online communities available to teachers.
Recognising innovation in teaching
One of the highlights for us at IATEFL every year is awarding the IELTS Morgan Terry Memorial IATEFL Scholarship. The award is given to recognise innovation in teaching and is funded by the IELTS partners, in memory of Morgan Terry, a dear colleague who made significant contributions to the work of IELTS.
This year’s winner was Chi Anestin Lum (pictured) a Cameroonian EFL teacher and teacher trainer for British Council’s English Connects project.
Apply for next year’s IELTS Morgan Terry Memorial IATEFL Scholarship.
Anestin impressed judges with her creative way of helping IELTS candidates prepare for their test and build vocabulary with a ‘vocabulary clock’. Anestin’s students are encouraged to design a cardboard word map in the form of a clock, with different topics included on the clockface. Students can then explore the topics by spinning the clock and revealing further expressions, synonyms and antonyms. Her prize included one year’s IATEFL membership, registration for the TEASIG’s pre-conference event and registration for the IATEFL annual conference including travel and accommodation. Anestin is also the founder of WeKonnekt, an organisation that seeks to bridge educational gaps through the promotion of international exchange partnerships and college admission counselling.
‘It was a fantastic event for IELTS and the whole teaching community,’ commented Anna Minett IELTS Senior Marketing and Stakeholder Relations Manager. ‘We heard some inspiring teacher stories, tips and the latest thinking when it comes to supporting teachers and students remotely. I’d like to extend my congratulations to Chi Anestin Lum who won this year’s IELTS Morgan Terry Memorial IATEFL Scholarship for her creative way of building students’ vocabulary. I was particularly struck by memories shared on our stand by teachers and I think it’s fair to say many new memories have been made by the teaching community who play such an important role in IELTS.’
Read and download our free teaching resources.