Two key online platforms were used for discussions and sharing of ideas and resources Padlet and Discussion Board. The aim was to have a space where we felt comfortable sharing our thoughts and experiences, and a place to challenge our current views (in a respectful way). We co-created guidelines for our classroom. Then Covid-19 forced classes online so these online tools were even more vital.ĭuring the first session, we spent some time discussing appropriate conduct when talking about potentially sensitive and confronting issues in our course. The course was being redesigned for mixed mode delivery, so required online platforms. This approach was used in the Sociolinguistics course for the Masters of TESOL program with 20 students initially enrolled. These discussions and sharing would hopefully extend the students ideas for their assessment tasks, but also for their identities and professional practice as English language teachers. I wanted to create a space where they could share their knowledge and experiences with other members of the course, and learn from each other in order to develop a Community of Practice. Students in the Masters of TESOL program are from many different backgrounds, disciplines, cultures and have diverse life experiences. I also wanted spaces for lively, engaged discussion in which students could share their own experiences. These can be potentially controversial and sensitive areas for discussion so I wanted to create a space that was safe and yet challenged our assumptions and pre-conceived ideas. The topics in the Sociolinguistic course cover many aspects of language and its relationship to cultures, power, history, etc.
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