30/04/2021
Experts from Cambridge Assessment English took part in the Best of British English Language Teaching Conference (BBELT). Organised by British Council, this event is the largest English Language Teaching (ELT) conference in Mexico. This year event has involved the whole Latin America region.
During the event, teaching specialists had a chance to discuss techniques and reflect on the development and evolution of new theories and technologies supporting teachers in the English classroom as well as global issues and challenges, materials development, equality, diversity and inclusion in ELT.
Maija Kozlova, Senior Assessment Manager at Cambridge Assessment English, presented the latest digital initiatives such as game-based learning that are supporting teachers and learners in Latin America and across the world. Her workshop included a detailed overview of the latest games developed to support the learning experience such as Exam Lift, Cambridge English Adventures in Minecraft developed in collaboration with Microsoft or English language quizzes for children developed with Kahoot!.
Kozlova explained
‘Games are an excellent tool for learners. Kids need to play and young adults can also benefit immensely as games engage the audience, they helps students to relax and increase their motivation as well as pushing them to want to learn more. Games are adjustable and adaptable to the right level for the learner and offer the opportunity to play both in class and when the learner is outside the classroom. Flexibility is key and the value of games goes well beyond the mere entertainment.’
With nearly 2000 participants, including teachers from Chile, Cuba, Mexico, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela, BBELT is an annual academic forum where experts and specialists in ELT from all over the world gather together to discuss the latest trends in English teaching. BBELT was launched in 1991 and this year celebrated its 30th anniversary.
The recording of the session is available here