Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Hi from Berta

I am Bertha/Berta Leiva from Venezuela where I have taught EFL English for about 30 years. I have a B.A in Modern Languages from Metropolitan University, Caracas, and a Master´s in Education (Policy, planning and administration) from Boston University, MA. I am also a certified public translator in my country.

I have taught EFL English in different settings (in-company courses in Italy and Venezuela, to professionals at the training center of the national oil company and at three universities). For the past 16 years I have worked in the Language Department of Universidad Simon Bolivar where I have also held different administrative positions (Coordinator of Freshman studies, Head of Department, etc.) I think I already mentioned to the group that I am currently associate profesor but just submitted my promotion thesis to full profesor on socioculturally oriented EFL writing by means of web 2.0 tools. It is still under evaluation and I owe all I know about this research area to EVO, and especially to the Webheads in Action.

When I saw this session, I got really excited and immediately signed up. I expect to meet colleagues from all over the world who would like to take part in international projects where students from different cities could be able to practice writing in a collaborative environment and to learn together about new possibilities in EFL writing teaching and learning in a sociocultural environment.

The photos? Too many, right? I am very visual and love pictures. My office on the upper right, collage of reading and writing students (in computer lab) last July, our main library building, student protest in 2007 in favor of democracy and against the present government, and finally two students with me during consultation hours last term.

I am bleiva2003 in yahoo, gmail, skype, messenger, delicious, etc.

I am excited to be here with all of you. Let the learning begin!!!

3 comments:

Gabriela Sellart said...

Berta, it's great to meet you here as well. Interesting for me the way the pieces of your life are coming together in my mind.
I'm very interested in the topic of your thesis and would love to read it if you ever publish it.

Yulia Ch said...

Hello, Berta. I'm an EFL teacher,Russia. Last year after taking part in evo, I used blogging with my students (17-19 year old). I look forward to finding colleagues with who we could involve our students into international projects to stimulate their interest in writing, communicating, getting to know the world.
My e-mail: ychuvasheva@yahoo.com.

Nadia said...

Congratulations, Berta!

I've seen in BaW09 group (I'm a member there as well) that you've just been awarded at your University. That's great! I'm also amazed by everything you've done so far and wish you all the very best in your work.
Nadia