WELCOME FROM THE CONFERENCE CO-CHAIRS

Dear Colleagues,

On behalf of the TESOL Arabia Conference and Exhibition 2011 Committee, we would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our TESOL Arabia members and our conference participants of previous years for their continuing support and involvement. We would also like to welcome prospective first-time conference participants to what is the premier conference of its type in the region. We would now like to invite you to peruse what we will have on offer in 2011.

The theme for this year’s conference is Rethinking English Language Teaching: Attitudes, Approaches and Perspectives. Language teaching is a dynamic process that involves different attitudes, approaches and perspectives. The idea behind our theme for this year comes from the fact that language teaching is constantly evolving. It is always changing and different attitudes and perspectives are entertained, taking into account the different way in which students learn. This is a theme that accounts for the fact that one item could be taught one way by one teacher to one group and a different ways by another teacher (or even by the same teacher) to a different group.

Learning does not take place in a vacuum. It involves stake holders from the community (parents, businesses, the government, etc.), administrators, teachers, and staff members and, the most important stake holders, our students. In order to properly serve our community and our students and to provide for their educational needs, teachers have taken it on their shoulders to advance their expertise and further their knowledge in their fields.

Esteemed parents, government officials, businesses, administrators, and teachers have ample opportunities to participate in the upcoming conference that commence on Thursday 10th March to Saturday 12th March, 2011, with Wednesday 9th available for pre-Conference events. Our esteemed students, who have already attended previous conferences, are also welcome.

As you have always expected from TESOL Arabia Conferences, we have a wonderful line up of plenary, featured and invited speakers ready to take you on the trip of your lives with their new and innovative ideas and insights in the field of English language teaching. These speakers will challenge you with their ideas and challenge you to take what you learn with you to your school and to your classrooms.

For those who would like to contribute to the program, the Call for Papers is open for submissions from 5th June until midnight on the 15th November 2010. Presentations, workshops and poster sessions provide a window at what has been done in the various areas of language learning and teaching with a focus on new theories and innovations in technology.

This year, our conference 2011, will take place at the J W Marriott Hotel in Dubai, a place that is familiar to many of you where TESOL Arabia conference 2007 and 2009 were held. The hotel where the conference is going to take place is close to many of Dubai attractions and malls. We hope that conference delegates enjoy the opportunity to make use of the excellent facilities the conference venue has to offer.

Another feature for the 2011 conference, which started in 2010, is the introduction of an online virtual initiative which offers another channel of interaction for conference delegates and/or organizers. Before the start of the conference and during the conference, attendees will be able share their own profiles, take part in the TACON 2011 blogs and discussion forums and at the same time get conference updates and announcements.

Furthermore, TESOL Arabia delegates will once again be offered the opportunity to participate in a selection of specialized professional development courses both before and during the conference. These courses require payment of fees on top of the main conference registration. As spaces on these courses are limited, you are advised to register for them early enough. Information about these courses can be found on the conference website.

For all of us who enjoy books and are course material writers, as well as those looking for the latest teaching aids, the Arabia Exhibition will once again host the major education publishers and distributors in addition to many tertiary institutions. In addition to the Exhibition, we once again plan to host the Innovative Material Showcase. This will give publishers, distributors, and educational organizations the opportunity to showcase their latest products in interactive presentations and workshops. The new Innovative Material Showcase, coupled with the Exhibition, provide delegates with great networking and learning opportunities.

Again, as you would always expect from TESOL Arabia conferences, the 2011 Conference will also continue to offer the opportunity to participate in the Job Fair, which brings together job seekers and major recruiting organizations in the region. In their attempt to seek highly qualified candidates to fill a variety of posts, including some that are filled onsite, the TESOL Arabia Job Fair retains its position as the premier employment showcase for both recruiters and job seekers in the teaching profession in the area. Please note that job seekers must register for the Conference in order to participate in the Job Fair.

Due to the incredible success of Dubai as an international tourist and conference destination, demand for hotel space is high. We will do our best to provide you with some options for your stay here in Dubai. Please feel free to make use of those listed on the conference website, and make hotel reservations as early as you can.

On behalf of TESOL Arabia and the TESOL Arabia’s Conference Organizing Committee, we look forward to welcoming you all to the 2011 Conference.