Teaching speaking and listening through chants, rhymes and songs
21 October 2025, 5:30pm – 6:30pm, AEDT, Online
Summary
Summary to come.
Recording
Recording to come.
Resources
Teaching speaking and listening through chants, rhymes and songs
21 October 2025, 5:30pm – 6:30pm, AEDT, Online
Summary
In this lively and hands-on session, Barbara showcased the power of rhythm, rhyme and repetition in supporting newly arrived EAL students to develop oral language skills. She began by highlighting the many benefits of chants and rhymes for building confidence, fluency and clarity in spoken English.
Participants experienced how simple vocabulary and sentence chants—set to a steady four-beat rhythm—can be easily adapted to any classroom topic. Through engaging demonstrations, Barbara illustrated how these playful, yet purposeful routines help students internalise language patterns, expand their vocabulary and enjoy the process of learning English.
Teachers also learned how to create their own chants linked to classroom content, reinforcing key language structures and connecting oral language to literacy in meaningful, memorable ways.
Everyone left inspired and equipped with practical, low-prep ideas they could use straight away—confident that even without musical experience, they can bring the joy of rhythm and rhyme into their classrooms.
Recording
This session was not recorded.
Resources
Transforming TESOL Practice: AI as a Literacy and Learning Partner
11 September 2025, 5:30pm – 7:30pm, AEST, Online
Summary
In this two-hour online workshop, Dr Creely shared ideas and insights to support educators to harness artificial intelligence as a transformative tool for English language learners.
The session covered the foundational concepts of AI literacy and explored the use of AI to support learners in the classroom. Teachers learnt how to employ generative AI for translanguaging activities that validate home languages whilst building English proficiency. Participants worked together in small groups to explore various generative AI tools, strategies for crafting effective prompts that generate scaffolded writing exercises, AI for vocabulary practice, and AI for grammar support. The use of AI to tailor teaching to diverse proficiency levels was a core consideration across all activities.
Throughout the workshop, Dr Creely encouraged participants to discuss and reflect on the ethical considerations and digital citizenship principles essential for responsible AI integration.
Recording
Resources
An Analysis of Australian and Pakistani English Language Textbooks in Terms of Acquiring English as a Second Language by Underprivileged Students in Both Countries at the Pre-Intermediate Level
4 September 2025, 5:30pm – 6:30pm, AEST, Online
Summary
In this insightful and highly practical session, the presenter guided viewers through a comparative analysis of English language textbooks used in Australia and Pakistan at the pre-intermediate level. The session highlighted how these resources support or hinder underprivileged students in acquiring English as a second language, with a focus on accessibility, cultural relevance, and alignment to learners’ needs. Participants were introduced to the methodology used for evaluating the textbooks, including criteria related to language skills, sociocultural context and opportunities for meaningful practice. The presenter demonstrated key findings from the analysis, drawing attention to differences in pedagogical approaches and the implications for classroom practice. Discussions about how the insights from the study could inform curriculum design and teaching strategies in diverse contexts followed the presentation leaving viewers with valuable perspectives and strategies to enhance equity and effectiveness in EAL provision. An engaging and thought-provoking presentation!
Recording
Resources
Assessing with Purpose: The Power of Theme-Based Assessment 12 June 2025, 5:30pm – 6:30pm, AEDT, Online Summary VicTESOL was pleased to have two experienced EAL teachers and curriculum leaders from...
This content is available for VicTESOL members.
Become a Member
Become a Member
Already a member? Log in here
Teaching First Nations Students: Things to Consider
25 May 2025, 5:30pm – 6:30pm, AEDT, Online
Summary
In this presentation, Rhonda Oliver from Curtin University took us through some of the key issues that need to be considered when teaching First Nation Australian students, as informed by recent studies in collaboration with other researchers and educators. Some of these issues include a consideration of students’ diverse language backgrounds, the impact of cultural issues on learning, and the importance of family. Rhonda outlined some practical suggestions for different approaches and strategies which support the learning experience for First Nation students and all students of diverse backgrounds.
Recording
Resources
The Science of Reading in TESOL: Challenges, Opportunities, and Practical Approaches 8 May 2025, 5:30pm – 6:30pm, AEDT, Online Summary This session explores the body of research from science of...
This content is available for VicTESOL members.
Become a Member
Become a Member
Already a member? Log in here
Teaching EAL (English as an AI-assisted Language): From Exrater to ChatGPT
27 March 2025, 5:30pm – 6:30pm, AEDT, Online
Summary
Summary to come.
Recording
Resources
Resources to come.
Clustering Delivery and Assessment 6 March 2025, 5:30pm – 6:30pm, AEDT, Online Summary In this presentation, Frances La Riccia unpacked the process she and her Melbourne Polytechnic colleagues use to...
This content is available for VicTESOL members.
Become a Member
Become a Member
Already a member? Log in here
Meet the Assessors Online 2025 13 February 2025, 4:30pm – 6:00pm, AEDT, Online Summary The VCAA Chief Assessor for VCE EAL, Jenna Gomes, and Deputy Chief Assessors, Linda Hogan and...
This content is available for VicTESOL members.
Become a Member
Become a Member
Already a member? Log in here
