References for M.A. Halina Ostańkowicz - Bazan

Malgorzata Stawska

Director of DFL in 2005-2011
Wroclaw, 05. 05. 2014
Department of Foreign Languages
Wroclaw University of Technology

http://www.sjo.pwr.wroc.pl/index.dhtml

References

M.A. Halina Ostańkowicz - Bazan has been working in the Department of Polish for Foreigners at the Wroclaw University of Technology for nearly forty years and so many years has also been my friend and collaborator. Since the moment, I met her - to this day I have always been impressed by her amazing personality. I would like to express my comprehensive respect for her expertise, professionalism, teaching skills and methodologies. She teaches Polish language at all levels, runs English lectures and develops teaching programs. The widespread recognition among executives, teachers, colleagues, as well as students is her commitment to the work, the aspiration to provide students with the latest knowledge using the most recent techniques and technologies. Halina gained exceptional high opinion, thanks to her awesome and determined enthusiasm in the search for refining excellence of teaching methods as well as implementing new pedagogic approaches. She continually educates and develops professionally. Each time I see her at the Wroclaw University of Technology, Halina is learning and updating her teaching skills.
She has taken many thought-provoking, challenging and significant initiatives for our University. Organized a Summer School of Polish Language, led and continues to lead lectures on Polish Culture and History in English for foreign students, has created a website http://www.sjo.pwr.wroc.pl/89769,131.dhtml

M.A.Halina Ostańkowicz - Bazan was also responsible for generating the image of the Department of Polish for Foreigners at Wroclaw University of Technology / SJPC / in the media and on the Internet. As the first in our Team, began teaching Polish at a distance and online. Today Halina is a distinguished expert in the field of distance learning; both in teaching Polish and English.
Furthermore, her work as a lecturer in postgraduate studies, in the field of Communication and Management was very effective. Surrounded by the framework of those studies, she conducted courses on self-presentation, public relations, public speaking, culture, language correctness, etc. The lectures were very popular among the audience and were also very much appreciated by the organizers of these studies.
Ms. Halina Ostańkowicz - Bazan takes a stimulating, ambitious and responsible tasks, carries them always perfectly. As a result of her working attitude, I feel grateful and need to say that work with her is a guarantee of success and satisfaction.


Malgorzata Stawska

Noam Chomsky: Language and Other Cognitive Processes

What students really think about technology in the classroom | Hechinger Report

What students really think about technology in the classroom | Hechinger Report

The report | Pearson | The Learning Curve

The report | Pearson | The Learning Curve

Bruce Springsteen - Pay Me My Money Down

About Halina’s approach to teaching/learning languages

In my opinion, introducing new techniques and approaches to language learning seem to be relevant these days.  This is why we, language teachers have to understand the implication of learners’ development to the need for lifelong language education. Therefore, communication skills should be worked on continuously.

Firstly, teachers should introduce the new possibilities and reflect on engaging students in lifelong language learning. Secondly, teachers should look into the role of a coach/mentor and get learner/teacher in collaboration with students. Education needs to be focused on teaching students how to learn a new language, online and in the community. The teachers should be facilitators, who present new training tools and help students to cooperate as well as act as a team, so they are in control of their language knowledge.  This way students can become independent, mindful learners. 

Moreover, students should be in charge of their own studies. Language tutor ought to be helping them to identify their unique language learning style and then select the suitable activities they would be working on. This means that eventually students will be prepared to take responsibility for their own improvement as well as develop a remarkable learning experience.

Furthermore, grades would be no longer the goal; on the contrary, the primary reason could be described as flexibility in spoken language and confidentiality in communication with diversity of speakers.

Additionally, there will be still high quality self-assessments of the ability to communicate in the language. For instance, learners will be requested to confirm true commitment and relationship with native speakers. Connecting based on verbal conversation or written communication is THE MUST nowadays.

Since the Internet is such a rich resource, we can use it as a key component in a language learning/teaching contribution. It is a powerful instrument that allows us to make a significant contribution to students’ progress. At the same time, we should bear in mind that the Internet is correspondingly the perfect tool to have beneficial communication with native speakers.

To sum up, what I have just written are my thoughts about XXI century teaching/ learning regarding optionally and supplementary techniques to be considered. 

Being a language teacher for a very long time has made me look for some new ways and inspirations to encourage independent and self-directed learners.

I would like to hear from anybody who is involved in language education. Discussing new methods and technics available in the 21^st century education as well as having some communication and creative dialogue with learners / teachers from all over the world. It is my passion and vision of general improvement.

Watch What's Working: A New Deeper Learning Resource | Edutopia

Watch What's Working: A New Deeper Learning Resource | Edutopia

Watch What's Working: A New Deeper Learning Resource | Edutopia

Watch What's Working: A New Deeper Learning Resource | Edutopia

08. Kiedy byłem małym chłopcem - Tadeusz Nalepa "60 URODZINY" (+playlist)

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