Bishop’s Research Teams Promote Language Learning in Norway Conference

Congratulations to Dr. Sunny Man Chu Lau’s & Dr. Janice Bland’s team at Nord University, who co-organized the Reading for in-depth English Learning (RidEL) 2024 conference in Bodø, Norway!

The 3-day event aimed to promote the use of literature in English as a Second Language (ESL) classrooms to promote students’ in-depth language learning while fostering their critical interculturality and empathy. This event marks the conclusion of a remarkable 4-year collaboration between two universities, a celebration of shared knowledge and dedication to education. Many speakers came from around the world including the renowned Dr. Stephen Krashen, an expert in the field of second language acquisition, who beamed in via Zoom to share his insights.

The Canadian delegates also included educator Wendy King, and the ESL pedagogical consultant from Centre de Services Scolaires de la Région de Sherbrooke, France Destroismaisons. Destroismaisons acted as a mentor teacher for the Norwegian exchange students who came to Bishop’s University and completed a placement in her classroom. The team was also composed of two student research assistants: Lindsay Tolton (graduate) and Bianca Emmell-Tierney (undergraduate), who participated in the conference presentation and organizational work.

The team from Bishop’s had a delightful opportunity to immerse themselves in the cultural environment of Norway. Their journey was filled with enriching experiences, from engaging with students at a local middle school, embarking on picturesque hikes, to admiring the breathtaking scenery. They were able to do some sightseeing of the Saltstraumen from a rib boat and ventured to the historic Kjerringøy old trading post!