HOW TO WRITE AND SUBMIT EFFECTIVE

CONFERENCE PROPOSALS

NileTESOL Professional Development

Amani Demian and Sanaa Makhlouf 2019 Nile TESOL Co-Chairs Adapted from Alexander Lewko, English Language Institute The American University in Cairo

EFFECTIVE PRESENTATIONS

Think back to a presentation that impressed you.

What were the aspects that made it impressive?

EFFECTIVE PRESENTATIONS

• Dynamic

• Organized

• Matched the session summary

• Learned something new

• Allowed enough time for questions

INEFFECTIVE PRESENTATIONS

Think back to a presentation that disappointed you.

What made it disappointing?

INEFFECTIVE PRESENTATIONS

• Did not match the summary in the program book

• Disorganized

• Was too short/too long

• Did not answer the questions asked

PARTS OF A PROPOSAL

• Title (10 Words)

• Summary (50 Words) – Program Book

• Abstract (250 Words)

• Bio (35 Words)

*Tip: Type into Word document

ABSTRACT (250 WORDS)

•  Introduce topic

• Connect the topic to the field (current and relevant)

•  Indicate the problem/need/research gap

• Show how your session addresses need/ fills the gap

•  Include the significance of your session to attendees

SUMMARY (50 WORDS)

• Program Book (attendees use this to decide)

• Shorter version of your Abstract

• Include what you will do/what participants will gain from attending

TITLE (10 WORDS)

• Short

• Clear

• Accurate

Do not sacrifice accuracy for catchiness!

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

• Session Type

• Interest Section Thread

• Remarks/Equipment Needed (PPT, internet, sound files)

SESSION TYPE 20 X 20 Presentation (10 Minutes)

•  A 20 X 20 presentation is a quick "sales pitch" of a creative idea using 20 carefully chosen, auto-advancing slides to accompany the creative idea the presenter is sharing with the audience.  The presentation lasts for seven minutes, followed by three minutes for questions.

•   

Presentation (45 Minutes)

•  A presentation is a 30-35 minute talk covering the presenter's research or demonstrating a new idea, followed by 10 minutes for questions and discussion with the audience.

•   

•  Workshop (90 Minutes)

•  A workshop is an interactive session in which the facilitator guides the audience through the steps of implementing a new idea or technique.  A workshop may include some formal presentation in which the facilitator explains the background and basics of the new idea or technique.  However, most of the session is dedicated to giving the audience hands-on practice with the new idea or technique, followed by time for discussion and questions.

•   

•  Lightning Talks (20 Minutes)

•  A lightning talk session is when short 20-minute presentations are given one after another in which the presenters illustrate their ideas or research.  The talk is accompanied by a brief PowerPoint.  Several presentations happen sequentially in the same room with the audience hearing one presentation at a time.  At the end of the presentations, a brief period for questions is given.  This type of session gives the audience a chance to attend multiple presentations.

POSTER SESSION (15 MINUTES) •  A Poster Session is your allotted time to share with your

audience the summary of your conference-related work as exemplified in your poster. The poster can combine text, images and graphs that show your work in a logical, accessible and creative way. It should clearly explain the rationale for the choice of topic, the steps involved in completing your research and the value of your work to the field. In a poster session, it is expected that you give a short presentation of your work every 10 or 15 minutes, and attendees can ask questions and share comments and feedback with

PROPOSAL RUBRIC

1.  Proposal Title

2.  Summary

3.  Abstract

4.  Significance of Content to the Field/ Relevance of Topic to Conference Theme

5.  Language

PROPOSAL RUBRIC

PROPOSAL RUBRIC

PROPOSAL RATING

Out of a 100 point total:

• 75-100=Acceptance • 60-74=Pending/Borderline • 59 and below = Reject *Tip: Proposals scoring mostly 4s and 5s are more likely to be accepted

IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER BEFORE SUBMISSION

•  The title must match the summary

•  The title and the summary must match the thread.

•  The title and summary must match the abstract

SAMPLE PROPOSAL

• Use the Rubric to rate the following Sample

• Discuss your ratings with a partner

“2015 CREATIVE COMMUNITIES: INSPIRING TEACHING AND OWNERSHIP OF LEARNING”

A learning community is defined as a group of people who interact to achieve a

common purpose and are actively engaged in learning with and from each other. As

English Language Teaching (ELT) professionals, we strive to create this sense of

community through the building of networks in which knowledge, resources and

passion for the English language are shared. To foster a sense of belonging to this

community, ownership of teacher and student learning needs to be supported and

encouraged. Through the act of sharing knowledge and experiences with each other,

educators learn how to creatively cultivate their learner's potential, allowing their

students to acquire the confidence they need to become independent learners. The

combination of all of these factors helps students to claim ownership of their learning

resulting in a limitless learning experience, which will act to inspire and strengthen

the ELT community and contribute to shaping the future of English language teaching

and learning.

 

DISCUSSION

• The Sample was accepted.

• Why?

WHY ACCEPTED?

• Attractive, Informative, Each part matched • Outlined a need and how the session

would solve it • Based in Research and Practice • Contributed to the field • Relevant to the Conference Theme • Clear, Well Written

USE THE CHECKLIST!!!

FINAL POINTS

•  Submitting a conference proposal can be a daunting task, especially if you have never done it before. Don’t be afraid to ask friends or colleagues—especially those who have presented at conferences before—to help you refine your proposal.

•  Nile TESOL is a dynamic organization whose members come from many different backgrounds and hold many different interests and experiences. We warmly welcome new members and new presenters who want to make a contribution to the field of TESOL in Egypt! Consider becoming a member:

http://niletesol.org

Even if your proposal is not accepted, the process of proposal writing is a valuable exercise and trains you professionally. It is part of your professional development.

THANK YOU

Good Luck! Hope to see you in January!