Pathways PD Squared

                               

 
 
With an increasing number of international students, Pathways teachers more than ever need to straddle the world of
English language teaching and their own discipline. Despite being experts in their field, these teachers may not have had 
much training in a language learning environment. Yet, try finding any professional development that specifically focuses on 
bridging this gap. Recognising this, the IEAA Pathways SIG created the Pathways PD Squared event. 

Pathways PD2 is targeted to pathways teachers grappling with language challenges in the classroom.
The Director of Macquarie University International College and co-convener of the Pathways SIG, Ruby Biscuit, explains more.
‘Whenever I’m at events with Pathways teachers,’ Ruby says, ‘they feel isolated. Falling through the cracks because they 
crossover a whole different realm of skills in the classroom.  We wanted to create something for those teachers that are 
working in discipline specific spaces but are dealing with international students and their language needs.’

But language learning isn’t my focus, my discipline is
This view is common in discipline-specific teaching if teachers aren’t trained or confident to fill the role of language teacher. 
While this idea is reasonable, teachers often find themselves needing to also meet students needs for language instruction 
or understanding of cultural nuances. International students are still culturally adapting, particularly in their language.  
Critically, the research shows that addressing language learning issues within discipline-specific content leads to greater 
success for the students.

Workshops that give simple tricks and tips from teachers teaching pathways courses
How do you manage the diversity of a pathways classroom? How do you approach language learning within a discipline’s 
content? How do you create a successful learning environment for both domestic and international students? 
Pathways PD Squared will explore these ideas and more in a series of practical workshops led by experienced pathways 
teachers. There will also be a plenary session by Dr Pamela Humphreys who has a wealth of experience supporting university 
lecturers to embed English language skills in their classrooms.

PD that’s accessible and supportive
‘Our workshops will fall into three categories: Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL), pedagogy and diversity’, 
says Ruby, ‘We will focus heavily on practical tips in the classroom. The workshops are designed to make you feel more 
comfortable and confident when dealing with a range of students so you feel more supported.’

PD that doesn’t cost the earth 
At just $60 for six hours of professional development, the event is highly accessible. Better still, English Australia and IEAA 
members pay just $50. The event is happening in both Melbourne and Sydney: Melbourne on 14 July 2018 and Sydney on 
11 August 2018.

Got some great ideas for a workshop? Get in contact!
Submissions close in just two weeks on 14 May 2018, so if you’re a skilled pathways teacher with a star idea then we’d love 
to hear from you. Whether it’s a 20 minute presentation or a 40 minute workshop, this could be a great chance for you to 
share your wisdom in an area that lacks quality PD events. Last words from Ruby ‘come on star teachers from Sydney, 
Melbourne’s got the jump on you!’