46th TESOL Greece Annual International Convention
8 March - 9 March
The 46th Annual TESOL Greece
Annual International Convention
"Embracing Actions in Practice"
8 - 9 March, 2025
Plenary Speakers
Alastair Kevin Daniel
Maria Diakou
Prodromos Markopoulos
Terry Small
Plenary Presentations
Alastair Kevin Daniel
“Storytelling As Embodied Language “
In this presentation, Alastair will argue that the story-hungry nature of the human mind makes storytelling a powerful tool in language learning. In contrast to the monologic nature that can characterise performance-oriented storytelling, Alastair will argue for (and model) a process-oriented approach which is characterised by dialogue and allied to Vivian Gussin Paley’s notion of storytelling as ‘the social art of language’. Recognising the challenges of developing sustained narratives with language learners, Alastair will present oral storytelling as multimodal communication in which dialogue is supported, beyond verbal language, by multiple channels of communication.
Alastair is an artist educator, performance storyteller and independent scholar working in the UK and abroad. His interest in making connections between storytelling, dialogue and embodiment informs his teaching of both storytelling performance and the applications of storytelling and narrative communication in educational contexts. In 2022 Alastair finished his term as the Principal Lecturer in Early Years and Primary English Education at the University of Roehampton (London), having worked in university-based teacher education from the early 2000s. He is published in the fields of educational storytelling and the semiotics of storytelling performance.
Maria Diakou
“Embracing Diversity in Classrooms: Empowering Multicultural Language Learning Through Technology“
Dr Maria Diakou is working as a Deputy Head for the Cyprus Ministry of Education and a faculty member at the University of Nicosia and Frederick University. She holds a Master’s in Applied Linguistics and a Doctorate in Education. She is currently the Coordinator of IATEFL LTSIG (Learning Technologies Special Interest Group). She is a Consulting Member of the MA in CALL committee of the Cyprus University of Technology, giving suggestions, support, and feedback to evaluate and adapt MA programme to meet the needs of language instructors in schools. Her research interests are in technology language learning and multicultural education.
In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, the role of the teacher is under scrutiny, with questions arising about whether technology can replace them. However, as language learning becomes increasingly crucial in a world of global communication, the teacher’s role is more essential than ever and the demand for effective language education that promotes multicultural understanding is on the rise. This session highlights the pivotal role educators play in fostering multicultural language learning environments and how technology can support them in their efforts, as well as the crucial role that educators play in implementing technology in an effective, impactful way.
Prodromos Markopoulos
“Play, Speak, Learn: STEAM in Action“
“Play, Speak, Learn: STEAM in Action” explores the power of hands-on STEAM activities to create dynamic, interactive language classrooms. This session blends speaking practice with engaging, play-based tasks designed to inspire creativity and collaboration. Through a mix of practical demonstrations and actionable strategies, this session empowers educators to embrace play and innovation, turning classrooms into hubs of active learning
Prodromos Markopoulos is an accomplished Education Professional Development Manager at Eduk8, a leading EdTech company in Thessaloniki, GREECE. He has delivered certified LEGO Education Academy training to over 2,500 teachers across Greece and Cyprus, focusing on hands-on, play-based learning. With extensive experience in designing and leading workshops, he supports educators in developing practical skills for implementing STEAM education effectively. Prodromos combines his expertise in training with a passion for fostering innovation, empowering educators to create meaningful learning experiences for students of all ages
Terry Small, B.Ed., M.A., is a master teacher and Canada’s leading learning skills specialist. He is the author of the Brain Bulletin with over 34,000 subscribers worldwide. He has presented on the brain for over 33 years to organizations around the world.. His knowledge, warmth, humour and dynamic presentation style have made him a much sought-after speaker at workshops and conferences. Terry often appears on TV, radio, and in the press. He recently appeared on BCTV, Global, CKNW and Student Success. He has presented his ideas to over 301,000 people in 23 countries on 5 continents.
Terry Small
“Engaging the Brain – Using Neuroscience to Improve Learning“
Have you ever taught something only to discover that it just did not “stick” in the minds of your students?
Research has a great deal to say about the brain and learning! It is possible to easily help students learn faster and remember more… and have more fun.
How would you like to extend your skills, knowledge, and experience so that your students can build confidence, academic achievement, and self-esteem? And how would you like new tools and ideas to make your work more fun and reach more students? You will learn many practical tips and strategies that you can use immediately in your class and you life.
Arriving from Athens airport “Eleftherios Venizelos”
There is a Suburban Railway station at the airport.
Use any train from the Railway.
It leaves every hour.
The last one leaves at 23:07.
Your destination is Neratziotissa station. You then change to the green line (Kifisia-Piraeus), towards Piraeus. Your destination is Ano Patisia.
There are several different ticket types to choose from:
Single airport metro ticket (single journey): € 9
For further information, visit the following site:
https://www.oasa.gr/en/tickets/prices-of-products/
Public Transport & Bus Services
There are also a number of public transport bus services to the venue: moovit
Metro & Public Transport Bus Service Ticket Prices
Integrated metro & bus tickets cost €1.20 (one euro twenty cents) and are valid for 90 min once validated* (see: https://www.oasa.gr/en/tickets/prices-of-products).
* Not including airport journeys
Taxis to the venue will cost around €15-20 (fifteen to twenty euros) from the Port of Piraeus (14km, around 20 min) and can be hailed from the street.
Walking
For those who like exercising, walking takes about 5 min from the train station ‘Ano Patisia’ . Click here for more information.
Arriving by Car
Please check the map below for directions.