Scholarship Winners for the ERWC4

Congratulations!

These individuals have been selected to receive scholarships to the Fourth World Congress on Extensive Reading. All of these scholars are professionals actively involved in the teaching of or research into the Extensive Reading approach to language learning.

The application process was the most competitive to date, with thirty-two applicants vying for just seven places. When selecting the successful candidates, the following factors were taken into consideration:

The degree to which the candidate was already involved in Extensive Reading through either teaching or research.
A demonstrated understanding of the benefits as well as the problems with implementing an extensive approach to language learning.
The degree to which the candidate’s statement reflected the intention of ‘paying back’ the experience by spreading the word about Extensive Reading after returning home.
The degree of professionalism displayed in preparation of the submission materials.

As there were many well-qualified candidates, the selection committee also based its selection on the following principle:

In order to reach as many people in as many countries as possible, only one person was selected from any one country. (There were many candidates from Indonesia and Vietnam, for example.) This restriction does not include the Scholar separately sponsored by the Japan Extensive Reading Association.

All scholars agree to these terms:

1) To be present for the three main days of the Congress,

2) To participate in the colloquium entitled “Implementing ER under difficult circumstances” on the last day of the Congress. (Participation is optional if they have a separate, accepted presentation.)

3) To attend a meeting of all Scholars with members of the ERF board during the three main days of the Congress.

4) Upon their return, to endeavor to support the ERF’s mission. Some possible means of support would be: a) Presenting on Extensive Reading at local professional meetings, b) Participating in the annual review of books for the Language Learner Literature Awards, c) Translating the ERF Guide to Extensive Reading into your local language, or d) Creating a local social networking page on the Internet in the local language. The ERF central organization will assist in these efforts.

The scholarships include transportation (up to USD $1000), hotel accommodations in Tokyo and a small per diem.