English Teaching Resource Center, Ion Creanga University

On Wednesday I delivered a presentation to university professors at the English Teaching Resource Center that is housed at the Ion Creanga State Pedagogical University here in Chisinau

What is the ETRC?

According to http://www.etrc.md/

"The English Teaching Resource Center (ETRC) was created by the U.S. Embassy and I. Creanga State Pedagogical University in collaboration with the British Embassy in Moldova. It is a multi-media center created to help English teachers improve their knowledge of English, to assist them in developing their lessons and classroom teaching skills, and to promote communication and professional association among English language teachers across the republic.

"In the beautifully remodeled ETRC, teachers can:

•read the latest books on English teaching methods,
•find authentic English language materials,
•plan their lessons and network with EFL colleagues.

"The English Teaching Resource Center is open free of charge to all English language teachers in Moldova. It is the place where teachers find experts in the language who can answer their questions, help with lesson planning, and provide tips on how to make teaching effective and easy. It is also a place where teachers can make themselves heard and hear others, where they can relax and meet friends and colleagues."

The topic of my presentation to faculty was incorporating civic engagement into the curriculum at universities in the US. In addition to our lively discussion about higher education, these teachers were interested to know what I thought about Moldova -- what I liked, didn't like, what was my favorite Moldovan food. (Those of you who have been following my blog know: the zama. Best chicken soup ever! I loved it in August, and even more so now that the temperature has dipped below freezing)