Advice for a First Time Moderator, PLEASE!

Photo by Roni Epstein

My debut as  a moderator at the first OUTPUT Session ever to be held at an ETAI (English Teacher’s Association in Israel) Conference will be next Tuesday.

I’ve advertised the session (on our Israeli online list) as one where we  will tap into the vast experience of our ETAI members and join forces to formulate an agreed list of ONLY seven “Dos” and “Dont’s” on the subject which is currently being chosen by poll.

I’ve also advertised the fact that I’m intending to have a “Critical Brainstorming” discussion rather than a regular “Brainstorming” one: Brainstorming means writing EVERY single idea / suggestion on the board. However here, we can only have a limited number of recommendations. Teachers should be prepared to defend or POLITELY disagree as we HASH OUT our final list. Since the goal is to produce a concise list that will be useful and can be widely posted, brevity and clarity are vital.

The topic leading the poll by far is “staying sane and motivated over the years”. Fifty four people have taken the poll but I have no idea (at all!) how many intend to attend the session.

I have a colleague who will come and help me with keeping written track of the suggestions.

I will bring in extra markers for the whiteboard.

I will bring a few suggestions of my own.

I will have the runner-up topic ready as well in case it goes really quickly (“dealing with technology”).

I will smile a lot.

What else? That’s as far as I’ve got.

Advice most welcome!

 

7 thoughts on “Advice for a First Time Moderator, PLEASE!”

  1. You forgot to mention that you are also bringing your passion and dedication!
    Good luck 🙂 Looking forward to reading all about it.
    Hugs,
    Judy

  2. Judy, I hope that shows!
    That’s the advantage of being on “home turf” – I feel secure at ETAI!
    You can imagine it!
    Thanks!
    Naomi

  3. i’m one of the ‘polled-but-not-attending’ statistics. (have dental surgery, otherwise would be there with my brain ready to storm and my critical faculties charged up in anticipation)

    Since it’s real-time work, the best advice i can think of is meditate in the morning – try to stay centered and open – have lots of water on hand for constant hydration, and be prepared for a lot of intelligence. It’s amazing how fast our intelligence jumps back after the last class (or is it only me?)

    best of sessions and like judy y, can’t wait to read what you’ve come up with.

    – judih weinstein haggai

  4. Oh, I love your use of words Judih! “brain ready to storm…”.
    So sorry you have to suffer through dental surgery (may it go smoothly!) but I’m carrying your words of encouragement with me!
    It it works out well I hope it will become a tradition and then we’ll have it at the next conference too!
    I hope you’ll be feeling well quickly!
    Naomi

  5. Hi Naomi!

    Sending you big whoop whoops for your presentation and moderation! Will be thinking of you on Tuesday and Wednesday – as Judy mentioned, you have your passion and dedication which will shine through!

    Best wishes,
    Vicky

  6. Thank you Vicky!
    I’m virtually gathering all this support inside of me and will tap into it Tuedsay and Wednesday.
    It means a lot to me!
    Naomi

  7. You can do it, Naomi. You’re prepared. No one knows what needs tweaking until they do it a few times. Enjoy!

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