Dare to Share by Despina Karamitsou - Report

Saturday, 29^th March. First day of TESOL Macedonia Thrace Convention.  I had the privilege to attend Despina Karamitsou’s presentation – Dare to Share. I had met Despina a few months ago when she introduced us to the world of Lapbooks and Dioramas at TESOL MTh Christmas event.

In our interview earlier she briefly expressed her belief that education becomes better for everyone if we share. At first she wanted to break the ice by giving us various reels which we had to unroll by passing them on to our co-attendants. At their ends there were quotes written on small notes. To reach the goal we had to cooperate.

Then she moved on to present to us what could be shared and how we could do that. For instance, educators could share lesson plans, ideas, and advice by using technology and social media sites, i.e. YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.

However, the most interesting part was when she shared a Team Activity with us; it was about survival on a desert island. We went through the various phases from warm-up questions to survival ideas, suggestions and advice. There were interactive tasks and we all participated in finding solutions to health problems, danger and risks.

It was a worthwhile experience and I must admit that I have learnt a lot about surviving on a desert island, which, of course, satisfies me as a life-long learner. The students learn and practice vocabulary, think critically and expand their general knowledge in health, nature and science.

If you wish to find out more about the activity, you can find Despina’s presentation at http://prezi.com/s5ookkzdw6e5/dare-to-share/

By Georgia Psarra

Interviewed by our Roving Reporter: Jo Psarra