Sessions /
Spoken Fluency Practice for Improving TOEFL Writing: A Case Study #1044

In keeping with the conference theme of re-envisioning, rethinking, and re-evaluating our teaching as reflective practitioners, this presentation will give a case study that supports what we have intuitively felt all along as teachers--namely, that conversation practice does have its place in and effect on academic performance and test results. Despite advances in areas of applied science such as brain theory and AI for language teaching and learning, we must return to the realization that our students are human beings who need social and emotional support and affirmation. This presentation will illustrate how a student can thrive personally and academically when English language learning includes not only academic tutoring but also support for building self-confidence and self-esteem, factors which undeniably contribute to successful performance in high stakes testing--in this case, the TOEFL iBT.