CAMBRIDGE EXPERIENCE
“Reconnecting”
Under the theme “Reconnecting”. The event invites teachers and education professionals to take an intentional pause – a return to the roots of teaching practice, to the purpose that drives education, and to the pursuit of meaningful learning. The 7th Edition of the Cambridge Experience takes place on 30 August (Saturday), from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m..
To explore such a meaningful theme, we welcome:
- Dr. Brigita Seguis, with two sessions:
Rethinking Assessment to Support Learning & The Many Shades of CLIL: Effective Strategies and Considerations
- Alberto Costa, with session: Activities and Techniques to Maximise Students’ Speaking Time.
Investment:
For teachers from private institutions and other participants, the registration fee is R$ 50,00. For public school teachers, registration is free of charge.
The Cambridge Experience is organized by the Farroupilha Open Centre (Cambridge Assessment English Authorised Centre) and is supported by Cambridge University Press & Assessment and the Escola de Professores Inquietos.
EVENT DETAILS
PUBLIC
Language teachers, language students, school directors and administrators, as well as other education professionals and anyone interested in the topic.
WHEN
30 August (Saturday)
HOUR
from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m
VENUE
Colégio Farroupilha
Rua Carlos Huber, 425 – Três Figueiras, Porto Alegre
DURATION
5 hours
FEE
For teachers from private institutions and other participants, the registration fee is R$ 50,00. For public school teachers, registration is free of charge.
PROGRAMME
See the full programme
08h15 – 08h45: Welcome coffee
08h45 – 09h: Opening
09h00 – 10h00: Brigita Seguis – Session 1
Assessment goes beyond measuring outcomes
Assessment plays a critical role in evaluating learners’ progress and shaping educational outcomes, yet its potential to positively influence teaching and learning is often overlooked. This session introduces key concepts in language assessment, including formative and summative types, and essential principles such as reliability, validity, practicality, and fairness. We’ll then explore how assessment can go beyond measurement, serving as a tool for motivation, reflection, and growth. Drawing on research and classroom practice, the session highlights how well-designed exams can support both learners and teachers. Participants will gain a clear understanding of what makes a good language test and practical strategies to ensure assessment has a meaningful, positive impact in their own classrooms
10h00 – 10h45: Alberto Costa – Talk
Activities and Techniques to Maximise Student Talking Time
Unlike reading, writing, and listening activities, speaking requires real-time exposure to an audience. Common challenges in the language classroom include students feeling inhibited, struggling to think of something to say, shying away from dominant peers, or reverting to their first language (L1) (Ur 2012, chapter 9). This presentation will explore the characteristics of speaking and conversation, key steps for setting up effective speaking activities, and strategies to address the challenges described by Penny Ur. Additionally, we will discuss aspects of classroom management to enhance student engagement and the benefits of content-integrated language learning to provide a more practical language experience.
10h45 – 11h15: Coffee break
11h15 – 12h15: Brigita Seguis – Session 2
The Different Shades of CLIL: Effective Strategies and Considerations
Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) is a flexible and powerful approach that combines subject content with language development. This session explores the different ways CLIL can be implemented across educational contexts—from lite to hard CLIL—focusing on practical strategies for lesson design, learner engagement, and curriculum alignment. We will also examine key considerations for assessing learning in CLIL settings, including how to evaluate both language proficiency and subject understanding fairly and effectively. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how to successfully implement and assess CLIL in their own teaching contexts.
12h15 – 12h45: Roundtable discussion
12h45 – 13h: Closing
SPEAKERS
Brigita Seguis
PhD in Linguistics from the University of Oxford, Brigita is a specialist in language learning, bilingual education, and educational technology. She works at the intersection of research, policy, and practice to support teachers and enhance education.
She will lead two sessions::
Rethinking Assessment to Support Learning
Assessment goes beyond measuring outcomes – it can motivate, guide teaching, and promote student growth. This session will explore key language assessment concepts, types of assessment, and principles such as validity and fairness, while offering practical classroom strategies.
The Different Shades of CLIL: Effective Strategies and Considerations
Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) is a flexible and powerful approach that combines subject content with language development. This session will offer insights into implementing CLIL in various contexts, with strategies for planning, engagement, and assessment – equipping educators to apply CLIL with clarity and confidence.
ALBERTO COSTA
Senior Manager at Cambridge University Press & Assessment, Alberto brings over 30 years of experience in English language teaching. He works in teacher training and the development of effective assessment practices, with a focus on language evaluation and professional growth.
He will deliver the talk:
Techniques to Maximise Students’ Speaking Time
Unlike reading, writing, or listening, speaking requires real-time responses and can make students feel less confident. This session will explore strategies to create effective speaking activities, address common challenges, and make classroom conversation more practical and engaging.
