Sunday With MaW SIG
Join us for a very special morning with two distinguished guests. Dr Amina Douidi is a global expert on EDI and intercultural communication and will share with us her views on decolonising our materials. Jeremy Harmer has been at the forefront of ELT for many years and will share his experience with us in this unique ask me anything session. Register now for what promises to be a reflective and enlightening morning.
This event costs R$10 for members and R$20 for non-members.
Session 1
Speaker: Dr Amina Douidi
Title: From Theory to Practice: Can ELT Materials Be Decolonised?
Abstract: English carries the weight of a long legacy of coloniality and imperialism. As such, an English curriculum is never neutral. The curriculum can be understood as the structured expression of an institution’s cultural content, informed by psychopedagogical principles. As José Gimeno Sacristán states, “el currículum es la estructuración de esa cultura” (2010). Decolonising the curriculum requires problematising what counts as legitimate knowledge and making colonial processes visible. This talk explores how decolonial theories can inform the practical work of ELT materials writers. It examines how coloniality is woven into teaching materials through representation, language use, and underlying assumptions, and considers ways to deconstruct these patterns. In doing so, it positions materials writers within a broader movement for systemic change grounded in pluriversality and alternative forms of knowledge (Mignolo and Vázquez, 2013). Moving from theory to practice, the session argues that materials writers can play an active role in creating more inclusive and critically engaged ELT resources that challenge, rather than reproduce, dominant narratives.
References:
Gimeno Sacristán, J. (2010). La función abierta de la obra y su contenido. Saberes e Incertidumbres Sobre El Currículum, 11–17.
Mignolo, W., & Vazquez, R. (2013). Decolonial AestheSis: Colonial Wounds/Decolonial Healings – Social Text. Social Text.
Bio:
Dr Amina Douidi is an equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and intercultural communication consultant specialising in education and English language teaching. She works with publishers, educational institutions and ministries to develop EDI policies, conduct reviews, and support strategy and research, with the aim of reducing harm. She holds a PhD in Modern Languages and Applied Linguistics from the University of Southampton, UK, as well as a joint MA from Tlemcen University, Algeria, and the University of the Balearic Islands, Spain. She is a former Co-Chair of the TESOL Intercultural Communication Interest Section and currently serves as a Community Coordinator. She is also a mentor in the Africa ELTA Women in Leadership Mentorship Scheme.
Session 2
Title: Open space discussion with Amina
Abstract: Join our guest, Amina, to discuss with her and other attendees the issues and subjects that have arisen from their session. This valuable space will allow for discussion and reflection in an open and supportive environment.
Session 3
Speaker: Jeremy Harmer
Title: Ask Me Anything
Abstract: Jeremy Harmer is one of the most well known names in ELT. With an extensive career spanning multiple countries, subjects, publishers, and publications, it’s fair to say he knows a thing or two about English language teaching! In this session you’ll have your opportunity to submit a question to Jeremy about any aspect of ELT materials that interests you. Submit your question in advance at this link: https://forms.gle/PC4WJcSDK1RA7cBr7
Bio: Jeremy is a teacher, teacher trainer, speaker, facilitator in the world of English as a Foreign Language. Among his books are The Practice of English Language Teaching, How to Teach English, & Essential Teacher Knowledge (all published by Pearson), Jeremy Harmer’s 50 Communicative Activities (published by Cambridge University Press & Assessment). He is also one of the authors for Jetstream, a 6-level adult course published by Helbling. He is also a performer of music, both classical and as a singer-songwriter in the folk tradition.
Session 4
Title: Open space discussion with Jeremy
Abstract: Join our guest, Jeremy, to discuss with him and other attendees the issues and subjects that have arisen from their session. This valuable space will allow for discussion and reflection in an open and supportive environment.