9.00 Arrival, tea and coffee, mingling
9.30-11.15 Two groups focusing on the appropriacy of
course exit objectives: Speaking and Listening Courses, and Writing Courses (to
run concurrently)
(1) 30-minute or so input sessions from Mike (Speaking and
Listening) and Andy (Writing), followed by group discussion: Both input
sessions will focus on covering (or not!) course objectives, and raise
questions about either type of course in the first semester (the goals being to
take a critical look at the course exit objectives for (a) a Basic Discussion
skills course, and (b) an Introduction to Academic Essay Writing course, by
presenting successes, problems, and gaps in trying to make sense of, and meet,
cover exit objectives);
(2) Focussed discussion of course development from all of
our different perspectives, so that, together, we can take a constructive and
critical look at what's going well, and what we may each feel needs more
attention and focus.
11.00-11.15 Break
11.15-11.45 Make posters to report back on discussions in
Writing and Listening & Speaking groups
11.45-12.15 Poster viewing
12.15-12.30 Back together for brief full-group feedback on
the morning discussions
12.30-1.30 Lunch
1.30-3.00 Discussion focus on the resources and support
that will help develop teaching and learning in these classes: 4 discussion
groups on Writing, Listening & Speaking, Content-based, and TOEFL &
TOEIC classes.
3.00-3.30 Break
3.30-4.15 Back together to a full group discussion: questions,
comments, and ideas from the day; directions for future Retreats and other
communication/collaboration for developing the English programme together