CELT 2021 Presenter Information
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Gretchen Ketner
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Gretchen Ketner earned her MA in Teaching English as a Second Language from Penn State University in 2005. She currently serves as the English Language Institute Director at LCC International University in Klaipeda, Lithuania and is the Europe Field Specialist for Global Partners for Education. She has worked in university intensive English programs and led teacher training seminars in the US and Europe.
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Session 4 on Saturday, March 6, from 2:15-2:45 (PT)
Comprehension and Empathy: Understanding Social Issues Through Fiction
Comprehension and Empathy: Understanding Social Issues Through Fiction
As language teachers, we want our learners to grow in understanding (comprehension) of written and oral communication. As Christian teachers, we want our learners to grow in areas of character, such as true understanding of others' lives and perspectives (empathy). Reading a novel focused on a current social justice issue can give learners opportunities to develop in both kinds of understanding. This session will examine the use of the novel Sold by Patricia McCormick. It will include examples of activities that build learners' reading comprehension skills and those that help to foster greater empathy for a character who experiences human trafficking. Participants will consider and discuss what current social issues they have addressed or might wish to address with their learners and what types of activities can help learners to “walk a mile in someone else’s shoes”.
Resources:
| Comprehension and Empathy Handout |