Partnerships of Change: Transforming Language in Three-Way Conferences for English as an Additional Language (EAL) Student Success

As part of the McDowell Foundation’s virtual Salon Series, teachers Shawna Jurgens, Brenden Kroeger, and Dr. Zhi Li, Dr Hyunjung Shin, and Shannon Storey from the University of Saskatchewan share research on building bridges of understanding with EAL students and families. The webinar, Partnerships of Change: Transforming Language in Three-Way Conferences for English as an Additional Language (EAL) Student Success, offers lessons in making connections and building understanding with English language learners and their families.

As the final report outlines, “[R]esearchers sought to examine the discourse between teachers, families and students within three-way student-led conferences, and through this process find effective ways to support families and the academic success of students.” (Partnerships of Change: Transforming Language in Three-Way Conferences for English as an Additional Language Student Success 2022)

Jurgens, Kroeger, and team will be joined by panelist Elizabeth Hutton Kristiansen, senior administrative staff from the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation.

The event will be held on Wednesday, September 28 via Zoom webinar from 7-8:30 p.m. and hosted by the McDowell Foundation. The webinar is free and open to all interested by registration.

Media that would like to request an interview with the teacher researchers should contact Ellen Whiteman at ellen.whiteman@stf.sk.ca.

The McDowell Foundation provides funding grants for teacher-led research in Saskatchewan. The Salon Series provides an opportunity for Saskatchewan’s teachers to directly share their research with the wider community. Visit www.mcdowellfoundation.ca to learn more about teacher-led research in the province or how you might become involved.