GUIDELINE
LaoTESOL Conference
- Target Participants: Lao EFL teachers (secondary and tertiary)
- Many participants may have low English language proficiency
- Teaching contexts may include: large classes, limited resources, mixed-level students
LANGUAGE USE
To support understanding, presenters are encouraged to:
- Speak slowly and clearly
- Use simple English and short sentences
- Use common language and terms
- Technical terms (e.g., say ‘group work’ instead of ‘collaborative learning’)
- Avoid:
- Idioms and jargons (e.g., say ‘very easy’ instead of ‘piece of cake’).
- Repeat and rephrase key terms
HANDS-ON WORKSHOP
- Session Duration: 60 Minutes
- Format: Hands-on / Interactive
PURPOSE OF THE WORKSHOP
The hands-on workshop is to help teachers learn by doing. Participants should leave the session with:
- At least one practical teaching idea
- Simple materials or techniques they can use in their own classrooms
- Confidence to try activities with their students
ROLE OF FACILITATORS
- Be supportive, patient, and encouraging
- Model good teaching practices
- Create a friendly learning environment
- Focus on classroom practice
MATERIALS DESIGN
Materials should be:
- Low-cost or no-cost
- Easy to photocopy
- Provide simple handouts with step-by-step instructions and clear examples
ACTIVITY DESIGN
Choose activities that:
- Work in large classes
- Can be done in pairs or small groups
- Allow students to speak simple English
- Can be adjusted for different levels
Simple, practical, and supportive is better than complex and perfect.
WORKSHOP STRUCTURE
The workshop structure is intentionally flexible and may be adjusted to accommodate facilitators’ preferred hands-on approaches and instructional strategies.
Stage | What the Facilitator Does | What Participants Do | Time |
1. Warm-up & Introduction Purpose: Help participants feel comfortable and understand what they will learn. |
|
| 5–10 minutes |
2. Activity Demonstration
Purpose: Show participants how the activity works by letting them experience it as students. |
|
| 15–20 minutes |
3. Guided Practice & Adaptation
Purpose: Help participants understand how to use or adapt the activity in their own classrooms. |
|
| 15–20 minutes |
4. Reflection & Take-Home Ideas
Purpose: Help participants reflect and remember what they learned. |
|
| 10 minutes |
PARALLEL SESSION PRESENTATIONS
Presenters are encouraged to plan their sessions carefully to ensure clarity, relevance, and effective use of time.
SESSION PURPOSE
Parallel presentations should:
- Share classroom practices, research findings, teaching techniques, or professional insights relevant to English language teaching
- Offer practical implications for teaching, learning, or professional development
- Support English teachers working in Lao EFL contexts
PRESENTATION APPROACH
Presenters are encouraged to:
- Be concise and focused due to the limited time
- Include practical examples or classroom applications
- Engage participants through brief interaction when appropriate
MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGY
- Presentation slides should be clear, readable, and not overly text-heavy
- Slides should use simple sentences and large fonts
- Avoid long paragraphs of text
- Use pictures, charts, or short sample activities
- Presenters are responsible for preparing their own materials
TIME MANAGEMENT AND PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
- Please keep your presentation within 30 minutes
- Create a friendly and supportive learning environment
- Encourage participation and sharing
- All sources and materials should be appropriately acknowledged
STRUCTURE AND TIME ALLOCATION
The following structure is provided as a guideline only. Presenters may adjust it as appropriate:
- Introduction (5 minutes):
Brief overview of the topic, objectives, and session outline - Main Content (15–18 minutes):
Presentation of key ideas, practices, research findings, or demonstrations
(Short interactive elements may be included where appropriate) - Discussion / Q&A (5–8 minutes):
Participant questions, comments, or brief reflection
- Introduction (5 minutes):
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
LCD projectors, laptops, HDMI cables, and Wi-Fi will be provided. Presenters may bring materials on a USB drive or submit presentation files in advance to laotesol@nuol.edu.la for installation on conference laptops. Presenters may also use their own laptops. Please ensure all materials are compatible with standard projection equipment.
HANDOUT PREPARATION
Presenters who require printed handouts for participants are kindly requested to send the documents in advance to laotesol@nuol.edu.la. We will arrange the necessary photocopying for distribution during the session.