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UTN, Ibarra 1st International EFL Convention 2011
It’s that time of year again when language conventions and congresses take place all over Ecuador. Professional development being a career-long endeavour, these events are attended by the dedicated teachers in Ecuador.
As EFL professionals we are privileged enough to be invited to these events held by esteemed institutions of education annually. This year saw the First International EFL Convention at UTN, Ibarra. The event took place over a 3 day period, and had exemplary EFL professionals from all over the world giving plenaries and workshops on topics ranging from motivating your students using technology and media to achieving international standards. Participants were also treated to a tour of the beautiful city of Ibarra, as well as an incredible show performed by the universities very own performance arts students.
UTN has long been a highly- recognized bilingual university that encourages student autonomy and practical application of theory in all career areas, this alongside a strong commitment to the development of the country itself. The university’s website describes the institution’s aims and commitments as such:
As EFL professionals we are privileged enough to be invited to these events held by esteemed institutions of education annually. This year saw the First International EFL Convention at UTN, Ibarra. The event took place over a 3 day period, and had exemplary EFL professionals from all over the world giving plenaries and workshops on topics ranging from motivating your students using technology and media to achieving international standards. Participants were also treated to a tour of the beautiful city of Ibarra, as well as an incredible show performed by the universities very own performance arts students.
UTN has long been a highly- recognized bilingual university that encourages student autonomy and practical application of theory in all career areas, this alongside a strong commitment to the development of the country itself. The university’s website describes the institution’s aims and commitments as such:
- “North Technical University aims to train professionals trained critical, creative and high national consciousness, that contribute to local, regional and country in various fields of science, technology and culture, as well as, promote scientific research that allows the generation of scientific and technological knowledge in order to solve the problems and needs of the community and contribution to universal science.”
- “Also committed to strengthening the link between the University and society through the expansion and cultural diffusion, which contributes to mutual development.”
- “Defend and actively disseminate universally accepted humanistic values such as freedom, justice, ethics, equality and solidarity.”
- “To promote quality higher education at various levels for training experts to respond to the demands of production and services of society.”
Exemplifying these standards are the aim and objectives of the Convention:
Aim and Objectives of the Convention
AIM
1.- To offer practical information that will enhance teaching abilities in order to actively engage language learners in effective English communication.
2.
OBJECTIVES
1. To share and analyze new techniques and strategies in acquiring a second language.
2. To suggest ways to create a motivating and interactive teaching environment.
3. To provide practical tools for enhancing skills to communicate effectively.
4. To improve personal and professional development and the opportunities for networking and research.
We at Cambridge University Press were lucky enough to be invited to attend the event, and had the pleasure of interviewing Doctor Ruben Congo, the Director of the Language Department at UTN.
Q. How long have you been Director of the Language Centre at UTN?
A. For about ten years
Q. What have been your greatest achievements in this post to date?
A. The project to turn this institution into the first public bilingual university in Ecuador
Q. What makes UTN such an astounding educational institution?
A. Its organization and its hard working team based on “El plan de desarrollo Institucional “
Q. This year saw the 1st UTN EFL International Convention. How would you describe its success?
A. Awesome, everybody was so happy
Q. It was indeed a resounding success. What contributed to this?
A. A hard working team
Well thank you for your time Dr Congo and congratulations once again to you and your team on an event that was a resounding success.
The UTN has been using CUP books for a few years now, this along with their work at improving the academic levels of staff and students via onsite training, and events such as the International Convention has led to an exciting new partnership between Cambridge English and UTN.
Full details of this groundbreaking partnership to be announced very shortly. Watch this space!
For more information on the University’s outstanding contribution to bilingual education visit the University website at: http://www.utn.edu.ec/