What does SIG stand for?
Special Interest Group.
What do APIBA SIGs do?
APIBA SIGs enable teachers with similar interests to share ideas, network and grow professionally through regular meetings, newsletters and conference events. A SIG is neither a course nor a seminar nor a lecture – a SIG is a study group in which all members participate and exchange ideas and opinions; a SIG is a discussion forum in which teachers of English can develop as professionals. SIG activities are open and democratic and small projects are also welcome. These projects might include: presentation of sample classes; discussion of syllabi, of recently published material and research; development of research projects; debates on controversial issues; etc.
How many APIBA SIGs are there?
At present, there are eight SIGs:
- Business English SIG (re-launched in 2015)
- e-TL SIG (e-Teaching and Learning)
- Language and Phonology SIG
- Literature SIG
- Methodology SIG
- Mindfulness SIG (launched in 2016)
- Professional Issues SIG
- Young Learners' SIG
APIBA would like to encourage Members living and/or working in the Prov. of BA to contact the SIGs Liaison Officers with proposals to set up new SIGs in various districts under APIBA's jurisdiction.
Who can participate in APIBA SIGs?
To participate in a SIG you do not have to be an expert in a particular area – you need to be keen to learn new things, share ideas, debate issues, meet colleagues and develop as a professional. APIBA members are entitled to free membership of as many SIGs as they wish. SIG events are free of charge for:
- a. paid-up APIBA members
- b. members of paid-up FAAPI Associations
- c. teacher trainees
In ALL cases proof of status is required: a. and b. will be asked to produce their current receipt and c. their current student card. All others are welcome but a token contribution is requested (for the current fee please write to Esta dirección de correo electrónico está siendo protegida contra los robots de spam. Necesita tener JavaScript habilitado para poder verlo.).
What is the structure of an APIBA SIG?
A SIG is a self-regulating unit within APIBA which is run by its members through Internal Rules. These ensure the democratic functioning of SIGs in terms of decision-making, election of the Coordinator, choice of areas to explore, etc. The Coordinator organises SIG meetings and liaises with SIG members, the APIBA SIGs Liaison Officers, and the APIBA Executive Committee. The APIBA SIGs Liaison Officers' role is to coordinate the work of the existing APIBA SIGs and to represent their interests within and beyond APIBA. However, those principally responsible for the life and structure of individual SIGs are, of course, their members.
What do APIBA SIG events consist of?
SIG events consist mainly of regular meetings, the frequency, content and form of which is decided on by the Coordinators and members of each individual SIG (see Internal Rules). SIGs tackle academic/pedagogic issues relevant to the teaching of each particular area at various levels and in various contexts. Since topics are decided on and publicised in advance of a set meeting, SIG members are free to choose which meetings they wish to attend.
What are the benefits of APIBA SIG membership?
Like APIBA as a whole, the SIGs are committed to encouraging professional development and networking. In particular, SIGs attempt to encourage the exchange of ideas within a specialist area of English language teaching. SIG members are kept informed of SIG events, in which any member of APIBA or teacher trainee is entitled to participate free of charge.
How is information about APIBA SIG events publicised?
Information about SIG activities, dates and venues is available from www.apiba.org.ar, e-mail lists, various ELT/Education publications and noticeboards at various institutions. You can also subscribe to the monthly APIBA SIGs Timetable by sending a blank message to Esta dirección de correo electrónico está siendo protegida contra los robots de spam. Necesita tener JavaScript habilitado para poder verlo. (Subject: Subscribe).
Are there SIGs in other Teachers' Associations?
Many associations, both within and outside ELT, have SIGs – in early 2000 APIBA implemented the SIGs project with the aims and features described above. Analía Kandel, the first APIBA SIGs Liaison Officer (1999-2002), created copious materials for the running of SIGs and in June 2002 APIBA published the APIBA SIGs Handbook 2002 (Ediciones APIBA). APIBA shares these materials with other FAAPI Associations (a model request letter is available on APIBA's website). Up until now, APIBA has shared SIGs materials with APrIR (Rosario), APIZALS (Río Negro), APIBB (Bahía Blanca), ASPI (Salta), ACPI (Cordoba) and ASPI (Santa Fe).
How can you find out more about APIBA and APIBA SIGs?
For information about APIBA e-mail Esta dirección de correo electrónico está siendo protegida contra los robots de spam. Necesita tener JavaScript habilitado para poder verlo., Esta dirección de correo electrónico está siendo protegida contra los robots de spam. Necesita tener JavaScript habilitado para poder verlo., or explore this website.
