2023 Program Calendar

  • January 12 – 13 ~ Secondary English Teachers Enrichment Program

    Core Modules:

    Career English: Autumn Wright

    American/British Literature: Betsey Norman

    Academic Reading and Writing: Chris Sanders

    Culture of English-Speaking Countries: Eric Flynn

    English Conversation: Kristina Kauss

  • January 17 – 18 ~ Professional Enrichment Program for Elementary Teachers

    Core Modules:

    Storybook Crash Course: Get Started with Reading in the EFL Classroom – Autumn Wright

    Planning and Preparing for English Writing in the Elementary Classroom – Betsey Norman

    Analyzing and Developing Methods for Teaching Vocabulary in Elementary School – Chris Sanders

    Phonics Methods and Activities – Eric Flynn

    Interactive Speaking Activities – Kristina Kauss

  • January 31 – February 2 ~ Secondary English Teachers Enrichment Program

    Core Modules:

    Career English: Autumn Wright

    Literature-based Learning in the EFL Classroom: Betsey Norman

    Academic Reading and Writing in Secondary Schools: Chris Sanders

    Teaching Culture of English-Speaking Countries: Eric Flynn

    Teaching English Conversation: Kristina Kauss

  • February 7 – 9 ~ Professional Enrichment Program for Elementary Teachers

    Core Modules:

    Storybook Crash Course: Get Started with Reading in the EFL Classroom – Autumn Wright

    Planning and Preparing for English Writing in the Elementary Classroom – Betsey Norman

    Analyzing and Developing Methods for Teaching Vocabulary in Elementary School – Chris Sanders

    Phonics Methods and Activities – Eric Flynn

    Interactive Speaking Activities – Kristina Kauss

  • March 21 – 23 and 25 ~ Secondary English Teachers Enrichment Program

    Core Modules:

    American/British Literature: Betsey Norman

    English Conversation: Daniel Moonasar

    Academic Writing: David Kim

    Culture of English-Speaking Countries: Eric Flynn

    Career English: Sandra Tran

  • March 28 – 30 and April 1 ~ Professional Enrichment Program for Elementary Teachers

    Core Modules:

    Structured Approaches to Developing Strong Readers in the EFL Classroom: Betsey Norman

    Engaging Students Through Read Aloud: Daniel Moonasar

    Thoughts and Considerations for Teaching Elementary English Writing: David Kim

    Game Implementation and Application: Eric Flynn

    Developing Proactive Listening and Speaking Skills in the Classroom: Sandra Tran

  • April 3 – 13 ~ English Conversation Program Round 1

    Core Modules:

    [Beginner Level] Fundamentals of Conversations – Eric Flynn and Sandra Tran

    [Intermediate Level] Emotional Conversations – Daniel Moonasar and David Kim

    [Advanced Level] Content-based Conversations – Betsey Norman

  • April 15, 17 – 19 ~ Professional Enrichment Program for Elementary Teachers

    Core Modules:

    Structured Approaches to Developing Strong Readers in the EFL Classroom: Betsey Norman

    Engaging Students Through Read Aloud: Daniel Moonasar

    Game Implementation and Application: Eric Flynn

    Developing Proactive Listening and Speaking Skills in the Classroom: Sandra Tran

    Quick Writing Activities – Queen Hoang (Special Lecturer)

  • April 21 – 22, 25 – 26 ~ Secondary English Teacher Enrichment Program

    Core Modules:

    American/British Literature: Betsey Norman

    English Conversation: Daniel Moonasar

    Culture of English-Speaking Countries: Eric Flynn

    Career English: Sandra Tran

    Academic Reading and Writing: Queen Hoang (Special Lecturer)

  • May 8 – 12 ~ EPIK Teacher Training Program

    Core Modules:

    Beyond the ABCs: Phonics and Phonemic Awareness in the EFL Classroom – Betsey Norman

    Understanding and Enhancing Your Role as an NET – Daniel Moonasar

    Balancing Detail with Fluidity – Eric Flynn

    The Teacher’s Toolbox of Classroom Resources – Sandra Tran

    Vocabulary Building Strateiges – TBD

  • May 15 – 25 ~ School Visit Program Round 1

    Core Modules TBD

  • May 29 – June 3 ~ Secondary English Teacher Enrichment Program

    Core Modules:

    American/British Literature: Betsey Norman

    English Conversation: Daniel Moonasar

    Culture of English-Speaking Countries: Eric Flynn

    Career English: Sandra Tran

    Academic Reading and Writing: TBD

  • June 12 – 23 ~ School Visit Program Round 2

    Core Modules TBD

  • June 26 – July 1 ~ Professional Development Program for Elementary Teachers

    Core Modules TBD

  • July 4 – 6 ~ Local Officials’ English Program

    Core Modules TBD

  • July 10 – 15 ~ Secondary English Teachers Enrichment Program

    Core Modules:

    American/British Literature: Betsey Norman

    English Conversation: Daniel Moonasar

    Culture of English-Speaking Countries: Eric Flynn

    Career English: Sandra Tran

    Academic Reading and Writing: TBD

  • July 24 – 28 ~ Secondary English Teachers Program

    Core Modules TBD

  • August 7 – 11 ~ Professional Enrichment Program for Elementary Teachers

    Core Modules TBD

  • August 28 – September 8 ~ School Visit Program Round 3

    Core Modules TBD

  • September 11 – 16 ~ Professional Enrichment Program for Elementary Teachers

    Core Modules TBD

  • September 18 – 23 ~ Secondary English Teachers Enrichment Program

    Core Modules TBD

  • October 10 – 14 ~ Professional Enrichment Program for Elementary Teachers

    Core Modules TBD

  • October 16 – 21 ~ English Conversation Teachers Program

    Core Modules TBD

  • October 23 – November 3 ~ English Conversation Program Round 2

    Core Modules TBA

  • November 6 – 11 ~ Professional Enrichment Program for Elementary Teachers

    Core Modules TBA

  • November 13 – 18 ~ Secondary English Teachers Enrichment Program

    Core Modules TBA

  • November 20 – December 1 ~ School Visit Program Round 4

    Core Modules TBA

  • December 4 – 9 ~ Professional Enrichment Program for Elementary Teachers

    Core Modules TBA

  • December 11 – 16 ~ Secondary English Teachers Enrichment Program

    Core Modules TBA

ANNOUNCEMENT: GIFLE is now GIGE

We’ve got an exciting announcement.

GIFLE (Gyeonggi-do Institute of Foreign Language Education) is now the Gyeonggi-do Institute for Global Education (GIGE) starting from March 1st, 2023.

Going forward, we’re going to be focused more on working on an even more global scale than ever before, and really emphasize international success. While our programs are going to grow and change, we can guarantee the same quality of e-learning, instruction, and curriculum design we’ve always provided.

We’re looking forward to having you on this journey with us.

Experiencing Global Interactions in the Classroom

For 3 years, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to work at a senior high school and be a part of the teaching team for a subject called, “Global Interactions”. Aimed at first year students, this subject was for the entire year consisting of several different modules that led to a final year-end project. The aim of this course was to give students as much exposure to life outside of not only their neighborhood, but to the world.

1st Semester

The first and main focus was to teach students what a “digital citizen” was. As a “Googley” school, it was necessary for students to learn how to at least successfully create projects and share documents through Google. They learned through trial and error how to navigate through Google Workspace for Education services; in particular, Google Slides, Google Forms, and Google Docs. It was also imperative for students to learn how to use the internet in a safe and responsible manner. 

The second focus of the semester was for students to gain as much confidence speaking in front of their peers. As a student-centered class, students were able to steadily gain confidence through numerous solo and group presentations. These presentations were all the more meaningful to students since their audiences were not just their classmates, but guests from different countries such as, Singapore, Taiwan, America, and Canada. Through these brief international interactions, students were able to broaden their views of life outside of what they were familiar with.

The culmination of their 1st semester was a school trip to Singapore where they visited several schools in the area to present on culture and other various topics.

2nd Semester

During the second semester, students learned to voice their opinions in English. They learned it’s okay to disagree with their peers and voice their reasons for doing so. They had ample opportunity to have conversations with their classmates through group projects and conversation tests.

At the end of the semester, students met with 5 ~ 8 foreigners who were teachers and international students. For an entire class period, students were able to interview these guests, asked them why they moved to another country, what their career aspirations were, and any other question students deemed appropriate.

Finally, students used what they learned in their interviews, coupled with what they had experienced and learned during their international interactions to create a final project focusing on what a global citizen was.

My Thoughts

This course offered students something outside of their regular textbook regurgitating lessons. Students learned to think for themselves, value their opinions, and make their voices heard if they disagreed on something. For some, this class gave them the first opportunity to talk to people who were not from the same background. For others, this class provided them with the only environment to talk freely in English.

Through this class, students were given a reason to learn English. They had an attainable goal in sight: to talk to their peers. This student-centered class focused on teamwork and building cooperation not only between students, but with members of the community and other countries. Many students were able to use this class as a stepping stone to study and travel abroad during their 2nd year and eventually even move abroad for university. The class gave all the students the chance to grow and see the world in a new light, outside of the safety of their home.

I believe if we open ourselves up to new experiences and give our students the opportunity to do so as well, we can create a global community rich with understanding and mutual respect.

2021 – EPIK Teacher Training Program

What is the EPIK Teacher Training Program?

From June 28th to July 1st, around sixty EPIK teachers in Gyeonggi had the opportunity to visit a virtual version of GIFLE. This year, our EPIK teacher training was partially hosted on Gather Town, which you can read more about here. At the training program, teachers had the opportunity learn and share ideas about teaching methods, school life, and Korean culture. They also acquired teaching tips and techniques they can use in their own classroom. Best of all, the EPIK teachers had the opportunity to meet and network with each other.

We had a great time meeting all of our trainees virtually! We really hope enjoyed everything we’ve planned for you.

Curriculum

Our instructors at GIFLE worked hard to prepare a variety of diverse course offerings for our EPIK trainees. For the 2021 EPIK Teacher Training Program, five different modules were offered. Trainees had the opportunity to take four out of the five modules, depending on their preferences and course availability.

Engaging Students Through Read Alouds – Angie Lee

In this course, trainees will participate in workshops to build storytelling skills and make read alouds more dynamic. We will examine the what, why, and how of reading aloud to students with resources for adding curriculum-based, themed, or multicultural storybooks to the English language classroom. We will explore ways read alouds build language comprehension, creativity, and critical thinking skills in students. 

Professional Development in ESL – Autumn Wright

In this module, EPIK teachers will learn about different ways to engage in professional development. They will explore career options in ESL, and learn how they can better their resume, teaching credentials, and make themselves a more viable candidate. 

Action in the Classroom – Betsey Norman

In this module, EPIK teachers will explore action in the classroom, which integrates movement and adventure into English-language lessons. This module showcases storytelling, station learning and classroom transformations and how these tools might work with Korean textbook lessons. Trainees will be able to take this knowledge and integrate more action in their own classrooms.

Speaking Practice Through Theatre – Elizabeth Baldwin

EPIK teachers will be introduced to a variety of theatre activities that can be used in the English language classroom to provide opportunities for authentic speaking practice.  Teachers will experience sample activities and review different methods for grouping students that encourage maximum engagement. Finally, teachers will leave with a lesson plan they can use in their classroom right away. 

Navigating Korean Culture – Eric Flynn

In this course, trainees will dive deeper into Korean culture, beyond the basic “tip of the iceberg.”  The course will explore nuances in underlying mentalities and traditions, as well as how they pertain to the trainees’ work and social lives.