APAVAC English Teaching Exchange
Saturday 18th April 2015 – Agora Centre D´Estudis
Report by Marianne Duncombe (Castellon member)
Following on from the success of the
´introduction´ to APAVAC meeting in Castellon last October, Saturday 18th
April saw the first session of the Castellon English Teaching Exchange. The aim
of the meeting was to try to establish a Castellon based forum for English
teaching professionals with the focus of Saturday´s meeting being “Dealing with
Difficulties”.
The session, which was held at the Agora Centre D´Estudis, was well
attended, particularly for a sunny, Spring Saturday morning. Over 20 people
were there, representing a mix of native and non-native, experienced and
potential teachers- all enthusiastic to learn and share.
The meeting was led by APAVAC´s representative in Castellon, Richard
Brown, who used a variety of techniques to take us through the morning´s
activities in a professional and engaging manner.
The morning was divided into two parts. Firstly we discussed what we
were hoping for from the group whilst also getting to know each other, along
with the aims for future sessions and expanding membership. The second part of
the morning addressed the subject of the meeting. We were able to talk
together, share experiences and discuss teaching difficulties and solutions.
Richard´s management meant that the group mixed well together giving us the
opportunity to meet and speak with a variety of different people.
The meeting concluded with some decision making. It was decided that we
would hold a session each term in the next academic year, with a ´meaty´ subject
to get our teeth into, while members could organise ´pop up´ meetings more
often to talk and exchange ideas. The next main session will be held in late September
and will focus Collaborative Learning. Thanks to those present who volunteered to
help coordinate.
Thanks again to Richard and Agora Centre DÉstudios for a well organised
and well overdue meeting. Here´s to a successful future for APAVAC Castellon!
To register your interest for the next session of the English Teaching
Exchange, please get in touch at apavacastello@gmail.com