I

 have worked for many years as a co-ordinator / trainer of multicultural teams in a university context, with a focus on ESL/EFL and LOTE. This teaching was in the context of life skills training, with an emphasis on language as a crucial aspect of skills training. On returning to Australia, I was involved in a literacy program with migrants here in Toowoomba. I gained my Master of Education (TESOL) from USQ in 2004. As well as my current involvement with the applied linguistics Masters program, I am maintaining an active teaching role in the ELICOS program, online ESL, training in TESOL, academic support and communication skills at the University of Southern Queensland.

 

This broad experience has given me a deep appreciation and understanding of language and language learning. Having learned a second language myself (Turkish), and watched/helped many other people struggle with language acquisition, I have developed a keen interest in observing and enhancing the language learning path of each learner. I enjoy interacting with other language educators in dealing with the many theoretical aspects of language that impact on our teaching methodology. I look forward to interacting with students as they begin to address some of these theoretical aspects of language during their studies in the postgraduate Applied Linguistics program at USQ.