8:00-8:15
Registration and coffee
8:15-8:30
Learning about Volunteer Opportunities
8:30-9:45
Session One
A. Teacher’s Technology Toolkit: Presentation Software in Action

B. Proportional Thinking in GED Math

C. Transition Words and Thought Patterns

9:45-10:00
Break
10:00-11:15
Session Two
D. Icebreaker Mania for Adult ESL Classroom

E. Family Literacy 101

F. Critical Thinking – Basics of Argument

Workshops

A. Teacher’s Technology Toolkit: Presentation Software in Action
The workshop is a follow-up to the “Using Technology in the ESL Classroom: Ideas, Tips, and Tricks” session at the March Mini-Conference. This new workshop will provide a “sleeves rolled up” look at creative and effective use of “PowerPoint” in the ESL setting. This workshop will go beyond general concepts and demonstrate specific hands-on techniques for the use of PowerPoint.
To get the most from this workshop, a general familiarity with personal computers and PC software is recommended. The presentation will use Microsoft PowerPoint 2010. This version has some important improvements in functionality over earlier versions.
Attendees will learn to use PowerPoint to create:
· Classroom presentations
· Interactive web content
· Video presentations for web or DVD
Attendees will learn to integrate
· Images
· Audio files
· Videos
Creating teaching materials with PowerPoint is easy!
Peter Schmitt is an ESL instructor, and completed his LIA in 2011. Based on 20 years work in Information Technology, Peter has provided a variety of presentations on the use of technology with ESL

B. Proportional Thinking in GED Math

Participants will 1) learn to use a number line model to teach part-whole relationships; 2) learn to apply part-whole thinking to proportion relationships in percent, probability and geometry/similar figure problems like those found on the GED math test.
Topic Appropriate for: GED and Workforce Readiness teachers.
Dorothea Steinke teaches developmental math at Front Range Community College. She has been involved with adult math since 1993, including developing GED math materials, and has been nationally published (see Focus on Basics, May 2008 on line).

C. Transition Words and Thought Patterns
Recognizing transition words and thought patterns facilitate and improves reading comprehension. Not only does this reading skill help students become better readers, it also helps them become better writers. Furthermore, it teaches them how to retain what they read. This workshop will give participants a first-hand experience on how the concepts of transition words and thought patterns can be taught in a fun and interactive way. This interactive game will challenge students to think critically as they negotiate meaning among themselves.
RaneeCervania, a developmental education instructor for the Community College of Denver, completed her MA in ESL and PhD in Education at the University of Hawaii—Manoa. She has been in the field of post-secondary education for over 30 years, providing professional development workshops to Adult Ed/ESL/GED instructors.

D. Icebreaker Mania for Adult ESL Classroom
Want to establish a meaningful, supportive, trusting classroom environment that builds your adult students’ self- esteem? Do you want to move adults from their fears and self-doubt toward independent and confident learning? Icebreaker Mania is designed to use real life experiences and background knowledge in various activities which will establish a place for all students to who will continually return to your classroom.
Participants will discover and practice activities that will help students get to know each other, build a positive sense of team identity, accept cultural differences, provide mutual support, and develop a sense of synergy. This active presentation will go beyond the average Bingo and people searches. Participants will leave with the knowledge and confidence to employ a variety of research based icebreakers and warm up activities that will support all language levels of adult English learners, multi-level classes, and your ESL curriculum. These icebreakers and warm ups will enhance vocabulary for all language level students, enable students to become more accustomed to the educational system in America that their children are encountering, and improve oral speaking skills. Participants will be provided with handouts on instructed activities, research, and resources to support continuing development.
Stephanie NewhouseDistrict Administrator for adult ESL and family literacy programs serving migrants, refugees, and Title 1 families in Weld County. ESL instructor for the University of Phoenix Master of Education program.

E. Family Literacy 101
Participants will learn about the four components of a family literacy program, and explore the strengths of each component for family members, adults and children, who are working on obtaining stronger literacy skills. The workshop will offer interactive techniques for planning parent and child time together in a family literacy setting.
Susan Cottonhas been a family literacy coordinator for Metro for the past 10 years. She completed her MAT in ESL at the School for International Training, and has taught ELS in multiple settings around the world for 20 years.

F. Critical Thinking – Basics of Argument
Critical thinking is the ability to reflectively question, analyze and evaluate relevant information/situation and efficiently make rational and well-supported judgment (Cervania, 2008). As educators, it is our responsibility to help students become critical thinkers. This presentation will demonstrate how an interactive game can help students identify a point and determine logical and relevant supports, as opposed to illogical and irrelevant supports. The game challenges students to think critically by giving reasons to support their choices. Participants will have an opportunity to share ideas of how they can adapt this activity in their own classrooms.
RaneeCervania, a developmental education instructor for the Community College of Denver, completed her MA in ESL and PhD in Education at the University of Hawaii—Manoa. She has been in the field of post-secondary education for over 30 years, providing professional development workshops to Adult Ed/ESL/GED instructors.

Here are the directions to RRCC’s Lakewood campus:

www.rrcc.edu/maps/lakewood.html.