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Presentation by our English Studies Department at the II International Congress RELEX in Spain
Mr. Michalis Dirchalidis, postgraduate student in the MA in Applied Linguistics with TESOL, and Dr Paschalia Patsala, Head of the English Studies Department, delivered a Presentation on Forensic Linguistics (i.e. the interface between linguistics and law enforcement in an International Conference entitled “Terminology, a necessity in today's society”. The Conference was organised by the University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain (5th-7th October) and brought together professional terminologists, lexicographers, translators, researchers, and software developers. Mr. Dirchalidis and Dr Patsala’s presentation, under the title “Lexical and Grammatical Terms in Legal Texts: Implications Arising from a Corpus-based Study”, was based on an innovative quantitative and qualitative analysis of the meaning conveyed in extensive legal Decisions and Orders retrieved from the International Court of Justice. The originality of their study lies in that findings revealed significant gaps and neglected areas in the treatment of the specialised language employed or implicated in legal cases and proceedings. The linguistic knowledge and techniques applied by the two presenters were strongly welcomed by the audience, and highlighted the critical relationship between Language and Law, as well as the need for closer collaboration between linguists and lawyers within the Justice System. With respect to the outcome of the Conference, findings of research conducted in the English Studies Department were disseminated promoting discussion on issues related to Applied Linguistics between various sub-disciplines (Computational Linguistics, Lexicography, Terminology and Discourse Analysis). Also, possibilities for future joint research in collaboration with researchers from other higher-education institutions were explored, encouraging the integration of the International Faculty ESD students into scientific networks of other Universities and Research Centres in Europe.
14/10/2015
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16/07/2015
Academic Staff from the School of English of the University of Sheffield visit our English Studies Department
The Applied Linguistics Colloquium, organised by the English Studies Department (ESD) of the International Faculty on 12-14 June 2015 in Thessaloniki, hosted Academic Staff from the School of English (SoE) of the University of Sheffield. Our guests (Prof. Susan Fitzmaurice, Prof. Andrew Linn, Dr Gabriel Ozon, Dr Jane Mulderrig and Dr Oksana Afitska) became well acquainted with the ESD structure and programmes, as well as their fellow colleagues in Thessaloniki. During the Colloquium all local and guest participants had the opportunity to exchange practices, opinions and expertise, as well as to explore joint research potentials for developing a closer and more productive collaboration between the two departments. In the context of Teaching, Learning and Assessment, guest academics were introduced to the structure of the BA and MA programmes at ESD and were presented with examples of good practices that have been successfully implemented during the first year of ESD operation. Among various issues, participants have extensively discussed the way the undergraduate programme has operated, the courses offered, the profile of student body, methods of assessment and monitoring of student progress, various good teaching practices and their learning outcomes, etc. In addition, the structure, function and content of the ESD Master’s programme were thoroughly discussed, with insight offered from both sides. On similar grounds, School of English academics shared their experience and know-how from their own programmes regarding course content, allocation of staff resources, time management, handling large numbers of students, etc. Recognizing the MA as the spearhead of any department, both SoE and ESD academics expressed their satisfaction with this exchange of ideas and knowledge. Recognizing Research as one of the cornerstones of the Applied Linguistics Colloquium, a number of key collaboration scenarios addressed. During the visit, Mr. Nikos Zaharis offered a detailed presentation of the South-East European Research Center (SEERC), projects that have been undertaken, sources of funding, and, most importantly, the mode of cooperation that SoE and ESD could design and develop. Moreover, both the SoE guests and the ESD staff presented their personal research interests, targeting common areas for potential collaboration in developing innovative research ideas. Both Departments expressed a strong willingness to explore a number of available avenues that are within the diverse research profiles of their individual members. Overall, the commitment shown from both sides to establishing ongoing research bonds between colleagues in Thessaloniki and Sheffield is expected to strengthen and consolidate cooperation by building several research-related communication bridges in the near future. As a general overview, all participants were greatly satisfied with the marked progress and the outcome of the two-day colloquium, both on a departmental as well on an individual level. The English Studies Department was more than pleased to open its doors to guest academics from the School of English, with the aspiration that the knowledge shared by the two departments has set solid foundations for a regular exchanging of expertise in both teaching and research within the coming years.
17/06/2015
Our English Studies Department launches ‘ELT Methodology for All’ Open Seminar Series
A new series of seminars organized by our English Studies Department was inaugurated on June 4th with an event on “Social Issues in the ELT Classroom.” The audience composed of both ESD students and staff, but also external guests, as well as online viewers, had the opportunity to listen to two presenters approaching the topic from different angles. Dr Luke Prodromou, our guest speaker, delivered a very interactive and entertaining session entitles “Social and Global Issues and the Language teacher. From Dickens to Debt; The Current Crisis and its Consequences from a Critical Pedagogy Perspective” in which he discussed the negative impact of the debt crisis and the power of the free market on education, child labour, human trafficking and gender equality. Inspired by Charles Dickens, Dr Prodromou talked about the power of education in the fight against inequalities and he called on teachers and educators to take action against social injustice through their teaching. Ms. Margarita Kosior, Lecturer in the English Studies Department, took over with her talk under the title “Teaching for Social Justice: From Social Context to Teaching Content.” In face of serious global issues and social injustice, such as poverty, war, modern-day slavery, and many others, English Language Teaching has acquired a new dimension. Ms. Kosior’s presentation looked into how the new social context can be used in ELT and turned into engaging and thought-provoking teaching content, using materials ranging from reading passages to digital resources, and engaging students in tasks from reflective writing and oral presentations to silent discussion and poster preparation. During their sessions, both presenters suggested some practical ways in which ELT can raise awareness of social issues. With the added responsibility of not merely preparing students for certification exams, but equipping them with tools to become responsible world citizens, teachers are turning into educators with a mission of making the world a better place. Utopian and cliché? Possibly, but definitely a possibility to live into. After this successful beginning, the Methodology for All Seminar Series has concluded for the academic year and will resume in October, 2015. The events are aimed at current and prospective foreign language teachers, postgraduate and undergraduate students, the ELT community in the wider area of Northern Greece, and online viewers able to access the sessions through live streaming or by watching the recording of each seminar. Watch the seminar online:
11/06/2015
ELT Methodology Seminar: 'Social Issues in the ELT Classroom'
4 June 2015 FREE ENTRANCE Seminar Overview (PDF) Online Participation Form Watch the seminar live Information: T: +30 2310 224421 E: mkosior@citycollege.sheffield.eu
26/05/2015
Mr Dikaios and Dr Patsala on National TV Channel of Kosovo
During their visit to Kosovo, Mr. Gregory Dikaios and Dr Paschalia Patsala were invited to give a TV interview to the National Channel RTK3 of Kosovo. Mr. Gregory Dikaios, the Director of Recruitment, had the opportunity to present the International Faculty and the study opportunities it offers to students from the region, including students from Kosovo. Moreover, on the occasion of the Invited Speech she delivered to students and staff at the School of English of the University of Prishtina, Dr Patsala, the Head of the English Studies Department, presented the academic Programmes offered at a Graduate and Postgraduate level by the English Studies Department, their unique characteristics, as well as graduates’ employability opportunities.
11/05/2015
Invited Speech by Dr Patsala at the University of Prishtina
Dr Paschalia Patsala, Head of English Studies Department of the University of Sheffield International Faculty, delivered an Invited Speech to students and Academic Staff at the English Studies Faculty, University of Prishtina. The presentation was entitled "Foreign Language Classroom Dilemmas: Teach(er) or Manage(r)?" and was warmly attended by more than 70 final-year students. During her talk, Dr Patsala shared her experience in relation to daily dilemmas that foreign language teachers meet in their classes of various levels and age groups, and she discussed with participants in an interactive manner how an English language teacher can increase student active engagement and assist learners in improving their academic performance, ensuring them at the same time a constructive and creative learning experience. This Presentation also marks the beginning of the collaboration between the English Studies Department of the University of Sheffield International Faculty, CITY College and the English Studies Department of the University of Prishtina, and opens up opportunities for collaboration between the Academic Staff of the two Faculties in the future.
11/05/2015
Seminar for English Language Teachers by Dr Patsala in Skopje
The University of Sheffield International Faculty, CITY College, in cooperation with the English Teachers Association, ELTAM, delivered an open seminar addressed to foreign language teachers on the topic: “How to Achieve Excellence in the Foreign Language Classroom”. Dr. Paschalia Patsala, Head of the English Language Department for the University of Sheffield International Faculty, CITY College presented a number of techniques and strategies aimed at foreign language teachers from the country. Dr. Patsala discussed various topics that are of great interest to language teachers nowadays, among others: Class Management, Teaching and Learning Methods in relation to Foreign Languages, Improving Learner Autonomy, and Contemporary Technologies in ELT. This open seminar gave the opportunity to Dr Patsala to share her expertise with the foreign language teachers from the country, wishing to contribute to teachers’ effort to increase student active engagement and academic performance. During the seminar, Dr. Patsala discussed the usage of possible classroom scenarios, strategies and initiatives through which foreign language teachers will be able to recognize potential points of concern and lead the way to a more effective learning experience. In addition, all participants were provided with online and printed materials and tools related to practical teaching ideas, and they were awarded Certificates of Attendance. Dr. Paschalia Patsala has approximately 15 years of experience in Higher Education, having taught in Undergraduate and Postgraduate Programmes offered by various European and American Universities (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR; Empire State College - State University of New York, USA; University of Greenwich, UK; University of Wales–Institute Cardiff, UK; Institut Universitaire Kurt Bosch, Switzerland, etc.). This professional seminar marked the beginning of the collaboration between the English Studies Department of the University of Sheffield International Faculty, CITY College and ELTAM, which judging by the immense interest for participation, undoubtedly opens up vast opportunities for professional development in the future.
06/05/2015
Our English Studies Department in the 22nd TESOL Macedonia-Thrace Annual International Convention
The English Studies Department of The University of Sheffield International Faculty, CITY College participated with two presentations in the 22nd TESOL Macedonia-Thrace Annual International Convention that took place in Thessaloniki on Saturday and Sunday, 28-29 March, at ACT. During the first presentation entitled “Re-negotiating the Basics: Learner Autonomy,” Ms. Kosior and Mr. Mantzaris traced the transition from teacher-centered to student-centered approaches and methodologies, and examined their implications in language learning and teaching. In this direction, they addressed a range of practical suggestions on how to construct and develop learner autonomy in EFL environments, through the use of self-reflective processes (such as reflective reports and self-assessment portfolios), as well as technological tools (for example, TED talks and the TED-Ed platform, Clickers, and Youtube). Moreover, the two speakers highlighted the centrality and significance of the role(s) of the teacher in creating space for "magic moments" which foreground student motivation, creative engagement, and meaningful interaction. Special thanks are also due to Dr Tatsioka for her contribution during the preparation of this presentation. Photo Credit: @DimitrisTzouris In the second presentation delivered under the title “Paving the Way to Employability: A Student Trip of Achievements from Homework to Actual Work,” Dr George Dimitriadis explained how the International Faculty academic staff equip their undergraduate and postgraduate students with the necessary academic skills that will not only help them excel in their studies, but will also enable them to retain and employ these skills for their future careers as professionals. Dr Dimitriadis emphasized on the multifaceted mechanism that the International Faculty has developed in order to assist students in building their employability profile (for example, via tutorials, academic and transferrable skills Courses, workshops for UG and PGT students, the Sheffield Graduate Attributes, demo job interviews and CV developing seminars, and many more). The speaker described how students at CITY College gain control over their own learning and preserve it as part of their professional image in their current or future work environments. Both presentations were very well-received by the international audience and valuable feedback was provided by the attendees to the speakers.
02/04/2015
Our English Studies Department participates in the 22nd TESOL Macedonia Thrace Northern Greece Annual International Convention
The English Studies Department of the International Faculty, CITY College is going to participate in the 22nd TESOL Macedonia Thrace Northern Greece Annual International Convention, on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th of March at the American College of Thessaloniki. In the frame of the event Dr George Dimitriadis and Dr Parschalia Patsala will hold a presentation entitled: "Paving the way to employability: A student trip of achievements from homework to actual work" which will take place on Sunday 29th of March at 16:00. The presentation is an opportunity to provide an insight into the University of Sheffield, International Faculty English Studies curricula and how students are prepared for a successful and exciting career as University of Sheffield graduates. Furthermore, a number of plenary speakers specialising in ELT training namely Marjorie Rosenberg, Andrew Wright, Alec Williams and Ken Wilson will present topics related to the subject of the convention which is "Back to Basics" and basically will introduce "old-fashioned" values, techniques, methods in ELT and their use in line with the new technologies. View the programme You may join the facebook page to read more about the speakers, topics and other useful information
24/03/2015
Lecturer from our English Studies Department participates in International Conference
Margarita Kosior, Lecturer of our English Studies Department, participated in the 22nd International IATEFL Slovenia Conference with a presentation entitled “Adopt, Adapt, Improve”. The conference took place on 5-8 March in Terme Topolšica, Slovenia, and Ms. Kosior co-presented a workshop “When ELT met TED”. In the first part of the session, Dimitris Tzouris, Social Media Officer at TEDxThessaloniki, introduced the audience to TED, a platform for sharing ideas, and TEDEd, an educational platform that allows anyone to create an online lesson based on a YouTube video. During the second part, Ms. Kosior explained how she has revolutionised her way of teaching by discarding traditional handouts and turning to online assignments built around TED talks of her choice. This innovative method involves assigning comprehension questions, recommending additional sources and getting the students involved in an online discussion. After the projection of a short TED talk (“Try Something New for 30 Days” by Matt Cutts) the audience got actively involved in creating an online lesson from scratch. The workshop was well attended and the feedback positive. Representatives of EFL teachers' associations from the Balkan region and central Europe expressed interest in the TED+ELT combination, and the presenters were invited to write an article for ELTA Serbia which will be published in their ELTA Journal.
18/03/2015
The International Faculty at the 6th Foreign Languages Forum in Thessaloniki
The International Faculty participated in the 6th Foreign Languages Forum and Book Exhibition that took place in Thessaloniki on Sunday, 8th of March at the Grand Hotel Palace. In the frame of the forum, lecturers from our English Studies Department, namely Dr George Dimitriadis, Mr Thomas Mantzaris, Dr Vicky Papachristou and Dr Paschalia Patsala, Head of Department, delivered an interesting and educative presentation entitled “Problems? What problems?” Tips, Tricks and Traps in Managing Foreign Language Classes of Adult Learners. In a lively and interactive presentation, the speakers identified the problems and challenges that EFL teachers face mainly in the foreign language classroom - though not exclusively - and suggested practices to deal with them. A number of realistic scenarios were presented and discussed with the audience while the presenters suggested a wide range of strategies and initiatives through which foreign language teachers can gain and maintain control of their audience, as well as maximise students' active engagement and performance. Overall, the participation of the International Faculty in the Forum was successful and provided the opportunity to our English Studies Department to showcase their work and academic programmes.
11/03/2015
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