TEAL - Growth Mindsets and EAL Learners

Event is FULL - Currently not accepting registrations

FULL - Keynote - Growth Mindset Matters in EAL Learners: What Can Teachers Do?

Research has suggested that students’ growth mindsets predict their achievement goals, self-regulation, anxiety, responses to challenges, and academic success (Dweck, 2006). In this talk, I will address two main questions: (1) why is growth language mindset (i.e., belief that language learning ability can be cultivated through effort and strategies) important for EAL learners? And (2) What can teachers do to foster students’ growth mindsets? To do so, I will first discuss the concept of language mindsets and empirical research of mindsets. Specifically, I will highlight research about how mindsets influence learners’ language anxiety, motivation, and classroom engagement. Next, I will discuss the role of teachers in students’ mindsets and provide some evidence-based strategies that teachers can use to promote students’ growth mindsets.

Presenter: Nigel Mantou Lou, Department of Psychology, University of Victoria

Dr. Nigel Mantou Lou works as an Assistant Professor at the Department of Psychology, and a research fellow at the Centre for Youth and Society, at the University of Victoria. He is also a Director of the Motivation and Intercultural Relations Lab (MIR lab) at UVic. He received his Ph.D. in Social Psychology in 2019 from the University of Alberta. His research focuses on motivation, identity, and language learning. His work on language mindsets is published in Modern Language Journal, Applied Linguistics, Studies in Second Language Acquisition, Contemporary Educational Psychology, and System.

Location: Fort Richmond Collegiate

Time: 9:00 am - 10:15 am

Suitable for: All Educators, Administration, Student Teachers

FULL - AM1 - Roundtable

Roundtable - Sharing Stories: Challenges and Supportive Conversations. This is a chance to bring your questions to share with your colleagues and gather ideas for teaching, engaging and inspiring your students.

Presenter: Melanie Davlut

Melanie Davlut works with EAL/ISP and LAL students in Louis Riel School Division. She has more than 25 years of experience in teaching EAL in a variety of contexts (K-12, workplace, adult, EFL, and more).

Location: Fort Richmond Collegiate

Time: 10:30 am - 11:30 am

Participant Max: 30

Suitable for: All Educators, Administration, Student Teachers

FULL - AM2 - Tech Tools to Teach with EAL/LAL Learners

This session will focus on tech tools that support EAL/LAL learners. Technology infused teaching strategies will be shown and explained that can be used immediately in the language learning classroom for both literacy and numeracy concepts. Session participants will be able to experience some of these tech tools/strategies in live mode with their cellphones.

Presenter: Dennis Nguyen

Dennis Nguyen is an EAL/LAL educator in LRSD. He has experience working with K to adult EAL learners from his work in the public school system and in adult education. He has great interest in leveraging technologies that support language learners.

Location: Fort Richmond Collegiate

Time: 10:30 am - 11:30 am

Participant Max: 30

Suitable for: All Educators, Administration, Student Teachers

FULL - AM3 - EAL Speech and Language Development

Students who are English Language Learners use a variety of strategies to acquire communication skills. Sometimes, EAL students have communication challenges in their first language which makes acquiring English more challenging. This workshop will review a brief timeline of language acquisition, types of communication challenges which EAL learners may experience, and strategies to support their communication development which are culturally appropriate.

Presenter: Tia Coulter

Tia Coulter is a speech language pathologist working in Pembina Trails School Division.

Location: Fort Richmond Collegiate

Time: 10:30 am - 11:30 am

Participant Max: 30

Suitable for: All Educators, Administration, Student Teachers

FULL - AM4 - "Why Focus On Me?" Language Teacher Wellbeing and the Potential of Creativity

This presentation focuses on you – the language teacher and your wellbeing. It explores the potential of identity portraits – or individualized self-portraits - to assist language teachers to continue to be dedicated educators without compromising their wellbeing. Situated in positive psychology, the presentation first discusses the importance of teacher wellbeing in coping with daily challenges of teaching and being effective and innovative educators. Then it moves on to explore the potential of creating identity portraits in assisting language teachers to visually articulate, reflect and make sense of their multiple identities. Visualizing is a process that helps us to unpack certain aspects of our lives that cannot be verbalized and operate unconsciously and tap into our creative selves. The presentation will conclude with a discussion about the centrality of creativity and self-reflection in language teacher wellbeing and the importance of teacher wellbeing in ensuring the wellbeing of our students.

Presenter: Sreemali Herath

Sreemali Herath is an Assistant Professor attached to the Faculty of Education of the University of Manitoba. She has extensive experience teaching ESL/EAP in Canada and abroad and working with pre and in-service teacher of EAL.

Location: Fort Richmond Collegiate

Time: 10:30 am - 11:30 am

Participant Max: 30

Suitable for: All Educators, Administration, Student Teachers

FULL - AM5 - Breathlines Mindfulness Painting

Breathlines mindfulness painting originated in Sri Lanka at the Butterfly Peace Garden. It was used by displaced children to communicate with each other across languages, and to overcome trauma and loss. This mindful painting has been shared in schools across the country with educators and learners of all ages. The process is reflective and allows us to see the possibilities in uncertainty, give up control, and share with others.

Presenter: Jocelyn MacLeod

Jocelyn has been teaching for 19 years in Winnipeg, Toronto, and France. She is completing her Masters in Counselling with a research focus on youth well-being during pandemic isolation. Before becoming a teacher, Jocelyn worked with youth at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto. She collaborates with international educators and clinicians to develop cultural-specific mental health curricula, manuals, and online courses. Jocelyn often works in student services with EAL learners and has a passion for following research on refugee education. She would like to have a better understanding of trauma and language learning.

Location: Fort Richmond Collegiate

Time: 10:30 am - 11:30 am

Participant Max: 30

Suitable for: All Educators, Administration, Student Teachers

FULL - AM6 - Apps and Websites for EAL Learners K-12

Join us for an engaging and valuable session of ideas and suggestions for educational technology tools for EAL learners K-12. The focus of this session will be on technology that will enhance language learning for grades 6-12 EAL learners and will be presented by current educators in Winnipeg. They will explore a variety of educational websites and resources to support EAL learners, such as RAZ kids, IXL, Twinkl, Math Antics, and so much more. They will also present ideas for incorporating these resources in LAL Literacy, Numeracy and EAL classes for either in-person or remote learning. Participants will examine ways that technology can be intentionally used throughout the process of teaching and learning, so that it plays an active role in learning English as an Additional Language.

Presenters: Lori Osterman and Lisa Desmairais

Lori Ostermann works in St. James Assiniboia School Division as an EAL Curriculum Support teacher, focusing on Middle Years. She is part of a team that works toward the positive social, emotional, and academic growth of all EAL learners. Lori also collaborates with teachers in adapting material, instruction, and assessments. She has a passion for culture, the world, and loves hearing about her students' journey and what life in Canada is like for them.

Lisa Desmarais had taught overseas in France, South Korea and Egypt for many years. She completed her B. A, B.Ed and her CTESL at the University of Manitoba. In 2017, she completed her Masters in Education with a focus on English as an Additional Language. The focus of her studies was on acculturation, cultural identity and social empathy within the school system. She is currently working in the St. James-Assiniboia School Division as an LAL/EAL teacher.

Location: Fort Richmond Collegiate

Time: 10:30 am - 11:30 am

Participant Max: 30

Suitable for: All Educators, Administration, Student Teachers

FULL - AM7 - Supporting Refugee Students from Ukraine

As refugees from Ukraine begin to register in our schools, they come with tremendous trauma, grief, and loss. This session will further participants' understanding of the effects of trauma on refugee students and provide strategies to support them. Participants will also learn more about refugee student experiences.

Presenter: Jayesh Maniar

Jayesh Maniar is a recently retired educator, who believes in an equitable education for every child and that every child can reach their full potential. He has been a classroom teacher, a school administrator, and a Divisional as well as a Provincial EAL Consultant.

Location: Fort Richmond Collegiate

Time: 10:30 am - 11L30 am

Participant Max: 30

Suitable for: All Educators, Administration, Student Teachers

FULL - Afternoon Panel Discussion

How do community service organizations work with schools to support newcomver students and families?
Our panel includes the following community service organizations:
• IRCOM (Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba)
• Manitoba Possible (An Inclusive and Accessible Society)
• Aurora Family Therapy Centre Inc.
• Newcomers Employment and Education Development Services (N.E.E.D.S.) Inc.

Bring your questions for the question/answer part of the presentation!

Location: Fort Richmond Collegiate

Time: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Suitable for: All Educators, Administration, Student Teachers

FULL - PM1 - Roundtable

Roundtable - Sharing Stories: Challenges and Supportive Conversations. This is a chance to bring your questions to share with your colleagues and gather ideas for teaching, engaging and inspiring your students.

Presenter: Melanie Davlut

Melanie Davlut works with EAL/ISP and LAL students in Louis Riel School Division. She has more than 25 years of experience in teaching EAL in a variety of contexts (K-12, workplace, adult, EFL, and more).

Location: Fort Richmond Collegiate

Time: 2:15 pm - 3:15 pm

Participant Max: 30

Suitable for: All Educators, Administration, Student Teachers

FULL - PM2 - Tech Tools to Teach with EAL/LAL Learners

This session will focus on tech tools that support EAL/LAL learners. Technology infused teaching strategies will be shown and explained that can be used immediately in the language learning classroom for both literacy and numeracy concepts. Session participants will be able to experience some of these tech tools/strategies in live mode with their cellphones.

Presenter: Dennis Nguyen

Dennis Nguyen is an EAL/LAL educator in LRSD. He has experience working with K to adult EAL learners from his work in the public school system and in adult education. He has great interest in leveraging technologies that support language learners.

Location: Fort Richmond Collegiate

Time: 2:15 pm - 3:15 pm

Participant Max: 30

Suitable for: All Educators, Administration, Student Teachers

FULL - PM3 - Supporting Refugee Students from Ukraine

As refugees from Ukraine begin to register in our schools, they come with tremendous trauma, grief, and loss. This session will further participants' understanding of the effects of trauma on refugee students and provide strategies to support them. Participants will also learn more about refugee student experiences.

Presenter: Jayesh Maniar

Jayesh Maniar is a recently retired educator, who believes in an equitable education for every child and that every child can reach their full potential. He has been a classroom teacher, a school administrator, and a Divisional as well as a Provincial EAL Consultant.

Location: Fort Richmond Collegiate

Time: 2:15 pm - 3:15 pm

Participant Max: 30

Suitable for: All Educators, Administration, Student Teachers

FULL - PM4 - "Why Focus On Me?" Language Teacher Wellbeing and the Potential of Creativity

This presentation focuses on you – the language teacher and your wellbeing. It explores the potential of identity portraits – or individualized self-portraits - to assist language teachers to continue to be dedicated educators without compromising their wellbeing. Situated in positive psychology, the presentation first discusses the importance of teacher wellbeing in coping with daily challenges of teaching and being effective and innovative educators. Then it moves on to explore the potential of creating identity portraits in assisting language teachers to visually articulate, reflect and make sense of their multiple identities. Visualizing is a process that helps us to unpack certain aspects of our lives that cannot be verbalized and operate unconsciously and tap into our creative selves. The presentation will conclude with a discussion about the centrality of creativity and self-reflection in language teacher wellbeing and the importance of teacher wellbeing in ensuring the wellbeing of our students.

Presenter: Sreemali Herath

Sreemali Herath is an Assistant Professor attached to the Faculty of Education of the University of Manitoba. She has extensive experience teaching ESL/EAP in Canada and abroad and working with pre and in-service teacher of EAL.

Location: Fort Richmond Collegiate

Time: 2:15 pm - 3:15 pm

Participant Max: 30

Suitable for: All Educators, Administration, Student Teachers

FULL - PM5 - Breathlines Mindfulness Painting

Breathlines mindfulness painting originated in Sri Lanka at the Butterfly Peace Garden. It was used by displaced children to communicate with each other across languages, and to overcome trauma and loss. This mindful painting has been shared in schools across the country with educators and learners of all ages. The process is reflective and allows us to see the possibilities in uncertainty, give up control, and share with others.

Presenter: Jocelyn MacLeod

Jocelyn has been teaching for 19 years in Winnipeg, Toronto, and France. She is completing her Masters in Counselling with a research focus on youth well-being during pandemic isolation. Before becoming a teacher, Jocelyn worked with youth at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto. She collaborates with international educators and clinicians to develop cultural-specific mental health curricula, manuals, and online courses. Jocelyn often works in student services with EAL learners and has a passion for following research on refugee education. She would like to have a better understanding of trauma and language learning.

Location: Fort Richmond Collegiate

Time: 2:15 pm - 3:15 pm

Participant Max: 30

Suitable for: All Educators, Administration, Student Teachers

FULL - PM6 - Apps and Websites for EAL Learners K-12

Join us for an engaging and valuable session of ideas and suggestions for educational technology tools for EAL learners K-12. The focus of this session will be on technology that will enhance language learning for grades 6-12 EAL learners and will be presented by current educators in Winnipeg. They will explore a variety of educational websites and resources to support EAL learners, such as RAZ kids, IXL, Twinkl, Math Antics, and so much more. They will also present ideas for incorporating these resources in LAL Literacy, Numeracy and EAL classes for either in-person or remote learning. Participants will examine ways that technology can be intentionally used throughout the process of teaching and learning, so that it plays an active role in learning English as an Additional Language.

Presenters: Lori Osterman and Lisa Desmairais

Lori Ostermann works in St. James Assiniboia School Division as an EAL Curriculum Support teacher, focussing on the Middle Years. She is part of a team that works toward the positive social, emotional, and academic growth of all EAL learners. Lori also collaborates with teachers in adapting material, instruction, and assessments. She has a passion for culture, the world, and loves hearing about her students' journey and what life in Canada is like for them.

Lisa Desmarais had taught overseas in France, South Korea and Egypt for many years. She completed her B. A, B.Ed and her CTESL at the University of Manitoba. In 2017, she completed her Masters in Education with a focus on English as an Additional Language. The focus of her studies was on acculturation, cultural identity and social empathy within the school system. She is currently working in the St. James-Assiniboia School Division as an LAL/EAL teacher.

Location: Fort Richmond Collegiate

Time: 2:15 pm - 3:15 pm

Participant Max: 30

Suitable for: All Educators, Administration, Student Teachers