KAMLOOPS – Organizers of this year’s Adult Basic Education Association of British Columbia (ABEABC) conference for adult educators, to be held at Thompson Rivers University May 10-13, have opened the meeting up to students and members of the public.

Hosted by TRU’s University Preparation department and ABEABC, the 2006 conference was organized around the theme, “A Celebration of Learning.”

This year, for the first time, this invitation includes student learners who will be offered special workshops and opportunities to collaborate with instructors.

Keynote speakers include Dr. Jeanne L. Higbee and Dr. Dan Pratt. Dr. Higbee currently serves as Professor and Senior Advisor to the Center for Research on Developmental Education and Urban Literacy at the University of Minnesota General College. Her topic will be “Enhancing Intellectual Growth: Embedding Skill Development in Content-Area Courses.” Dr. Pratt is Professor of Educational Studies at UBC and his topic is “Awakening our Teaching Biases.”

Workshop topics include: “Oral Traditions and Literacy” with Dr. Gerry William (NVIT), “Making the Transition to University: a Student Panel” with Kathy Mitchell (TRU), “Piecing/Peacing it Together: Student-Centred Activities with a Musical Twist” with Janet Funger (Burnaby School District/VCC), “Using the WWW to celebrate and encourage learner writing” with Charles Ramsey (NALD), “Exploring Conflict” with Mary Haywood (NOVA), and “Intercultural Intersections – Practical tips for understanding and communicating in a culturally diverse classroom” with Emma Bourassa (TRU).

The Kamloops community, and private and public educators are invited to attend this conference at Thompson Rivers University.

For further information and to register for the conference visit the websiteor contact Lee Emery at 250-828- 5928.

For more information, please contact Lee Emery at 250-828- 5928