ELT workshop begins at KU

4-day ELT workshop begins at Kashmir University

A four-day long teacher training workshop on English language teaching (ELT) for college and university teachers organized by the Department of English, University of Kashmir (KU), in collaboration with Cambridge University Press began here today.

More than 30 teachers from various degree colleges, university departments are participating in the workshop, seventh of its kind organized since 2007 by the department .The workshop will be conducted by Dr C L Prakash from Bangalore , Prof Muhammad Aslam of English Department KU and Dr Beena Menon from Pune.

Inaugurating the workshop today in the Gnahndi Bhwan hall of the varsity Vice chancellor Kashmir University Prof Talat Ahmad lauded the efforts of the department of English for frequently holding ELT workshops which he said are essential for updating the teachers regarding new trends in English language teaching. The VC, who presided the inaugural session, underlined the need for starting short term courses in writing and communication skills at Kashmir University.. Prof Talat while thanking the Cambridge University Press for their collaboration expressed hope that in the upcoming workshops of such nature there is large participation from college and higher secondary teachers .

Workshop coordinator Prof Mohammad Aslam in his welcome address said that his department believes in teacher development through interaction and collaboration and during the present ELT workshop the teachers will share their experiences with each other and with the resource persons to overcome any difficulties in teaching English in their classes . Dr Aslam, further said that the department provides a platform through these workshops to teachers so that they actively engage themselves in practical class room activity to enhance their teaching skills .we are working on a plan to start part time diploma course in English speaking , he informed the audience which comprised of students , scholars and the teachers from university and affiliated colleges.

Prof A R Yusuf dean academic affairs who was the chief guest on the occasion talked about the influence of computers , internet and short message service (SMS) services on language. Prof Yousuf looked forward to a broader role of the members of English department to train the teachers , students and scholars in English lan-guage teaching. He urged the English department to continue organizing such workshop which are aimed at development of teachers.

Senior faculty of the English department including Prof A H Tak besides deans and heads of the various KU faculties and departments were present at the inaugural meet.

Dr Ifat Maqbool ,faculty department of English conducted the proceeding of the workshop.