Elżbieta (Ela) Chudoba is the Director of Studies at International House Integra Bielsko. She trains teachers on the school’s in-service programme and the IH CYLT. She’s a keen enthusiast of teaching young learners, promoting learner autonomy and professional development. Email: elzbieta.chudoba@ih.com.pl

A brief summary of the talk

My session focused on some of the most common problems plaguing EFL lessons. It is a topic I feel strongly about because as Director of Studies and teacher trainer I observe TEFL teachers on a regular basis and believe that many of the issues I notice during formal observations happen to all foreign language teachers. Therefore I believe that sharing my knowledge in this area might benefit more people than only the teacher who was observed. In my presentation I aimed to suggest (but elicited from the participants, too!) some possible solutions to the problems and focused on the long-term advantages of rectifying them (for example improved fluency, autonomy and greater student satisfaction).

How you felt before the conference

Having spoken at various EFL events in the past (but only one online one prior to our TTD!) I felt confident that my presentation would resonate at least with some of the participants. I was very happy to see that my expectations were exceeded - the amount of positive feedback both during and after my presentation was very gratifying! What was a bit more stressful was the fact that I was not only speaking at the conference, but also running it! Luckily, thanks to the fantastically well-organized speakers and supportive peers at IH Bielsko my early morning apprehension disappeared very soon after the start of the conference.

What your feelings were during the talk itself

Just like with online teaching, it did feel like I was talking ‘at the screen’ to some extent but seeing the participants so active and engaged in the chatbox made me feel good about how my presentation was being received. Seeing replies to my questions appear in the chat box in no time was evidence enough that I wasn’t talking to empty space - quite the opposite, I felt I was in one room with peers and colleagues willing to exchange views and opinions. This was probably done with more enthusiasm on the participants part than it might have been with a live audience who might sometimes feel too shy to speak up in public.

Post-conference reflections

I was overall really pleased with how the day worked out and really grateful for the fantastic audience we all had during the day despite the length of the TTD. When it comes to my own talk, I wish I had foreseen how willing and enthusiastic my audience would have been! That was one of the biggest surprises of the day for me. I am looking forward to another speaking opportunity at an equally supportive and passion driven TTD.

Please check the The Art and Skills of the Humanistic Teacher Trainer course at Pilgrims website