Dr. Lasha Kurdashvili

Dr. Lasha Kurdashvili is a historian and lecturer with a PhD in American Studies, specializing in History of Civilizations, US History, and Georgian History. He is a committed educator at Tbilisi State Medical University and serves as an Associate Professor at Ken Walker International University. Born in 1991 in Tbilisi, Georgia, Dr. Kurdashvili’s lifelong passion for history led him to pursue American Studies at International Black Sea University in 2007. His academic journey also included studies at King’s College London. In 2017 he earned his PhD as a testament to his scholarly pursuits. Honored with the 2022 Exemplary Teacher Award

Jason Richard Smith

Jason was born in California but grew up in Connecticut and New Jersey. He has a Master of Arts in Teaching from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a Bachelor of Arts in Literature. He has taught in four countries and is a certified public school English Language Arts teacher in the USA. He currently resides in Çanakkale, Türkiye.

Dr. Irine Darchia

Dr. Irine Darchia Dr. Irine Darchia is an Associate Professor in Classics since 1996, Deputy Head of the Institute of Classical, Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies at Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University (TSU) and Higher Education Expert. Since 2005 Dr. Irine Darchia has served as a Head of Quality Assurance Service and Vice-Rector of Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University/TSU, Higher Education Reform Expert (HERE) of Tempus/National Erasmus Office (2009-2021), Rector’s Adviser at National Defence Academy, Tbilisi State University, University of Georgia and St. Andrew Georgian University, Vice-Rector of East European University, Member of Accreditation Council of Georgia (2008-2009), Head of

Prof. Dr. Natela Doghonadze

Natela Doghonadze is a Professor, Doctor in Education Sciences at IBSU. She defended her PhD thesis on methods of teaching vocabulary in middle school in 1983, and completed her postdoctoral dissertation on EFL course-book design for adult learners in 1998. She worked for the Georgian Technical University from 1983 to 2006. She has been working at IBSU since 1997, as invited lecturer between 1996 and 2006 and as academic staff since 2006. She was PhD (Education Sciences, during 2011-2021) and MA (Education Management, during 2013-2019) Program Coordinator at the International Black Sea University. She was IBSU Vice-Rector during 2006-2016. She

PAUL TUKE | ENGLISH LANGUAGE FELLOW, USA

Assessing Assessments This workshop will include five essential criteria that instructors and language departments need to consider when creating assessments. The workshop will include tips to ensure formative and summative assessments are authentic, reliable, valid, practical, and Impactful. Attendees will also learn about Lexile ratings to ensure consistency in which texts are used during exams and tests.

DR. JACOB REID, USA

“Introduction to Qualitative Data Analysis with Taguette” This workshop reviews principles of qualitative research and data analysis, including inductive thinking and reflexivity. Participants will have the opportunity to analyze and code real qualitative data. Taguette, a free qualitative data analysis tool, will be demonstrated. This workshop will be of interest to students conducting interview research or for anyone who wants to learn about qualitative research.

KYLE RIDLEY, ENGLISH LANGUAGE FELLOW AND TEACHER TRAINER, USA

Teaching Anglo American literature This workshop will focus on teaching Anglo American literature to students. The presentation will explore strategies and techniques for engaging students with the diverse and rich literary tradition of Anglo American literature. Participants will learn how to design effective lesson plans and develop activities that promote critical thinking, close reading, and literary analysis.

TIFFANY TILLMAN | ENGLISH LANGUAGE FELLOW, USA

Using Technology in the Low-tech Classroom This workshop is a practical, hands-on experience, exploring tools that can be used in lower-tech learning contexts. It focuses on strengthening both the teaching and learning experience through the use of manageable tech-tools in contexts where technology, or easy access to it, is not always available. The workshop focuses on fostering asynchronous learning, creating engaging classrooms and increasing student engagement.

DR. JULI SARRIS | ENGLISH LANGUAGE FELLOW, USA

Assessment in Project-based learning (workshop) Project-based learning (PBL) has gained widespread use in language education; the research is clear that PBL enhances language skills, critical thinking skills, and 21st century skills. However, PBL is challenging to assess due to the wide variation of students’ final projects. In this workshop, the presenter will briefly discuss PBL and its advantages in the language classroom. Attendees will then engage in research-based strategies for formative and summative assessment, including peer assessment and rubric development. Methods for providing constructive and empowering feedback will also be included. Attendees will leave with assessment strategies they can use