On 9 November 2026, within the educational component "Practice of Oral and Written Speech" for applicants of the first (bachelor's) level of higher education of specialty A4 Secondary Education (English Language and Foreign Literature) (2nd year; instructor Raikhel A. M., moderator of the event), a guest online workshop was held with the support of the English Language Programs of the U.S. Embassy. The event was conducted by Barbara Rodgers, an American fellow of the English Language Fellow program. During the workshop "Teaching the Whole Human: Presence, Connection and Learning," the lecturer focused attention on how anxiety, emotional barriers and the fear of making mistakes affect the readiness to speak and write in a foreign language. Particular attention was paid to the importance of emotional safety, mutual understanding and support as prerequisites for a favourable educational environment.
During the class, the applicants had the opportunity to become practically acquainted with approaches to emotional self-regulation, teamwork and effective interaction, as well as to discuss how to create in the classroom an atmosphere in which everyone feels safe and ready for self-expression.
The event was attended by teachers of the department, in particular, the guarantor of the educational program of the first (bachelor's) level of higher education - Inna Feltsan. Representatives of Sumy State University also joined the workshop.
Such meetings help future English language teachers realize that the development of oral and written speech depends not only on language skills, but also on trust, support and mutual understanding in the classroom.
The organizers and participants expressed sincere gratitude to Barbara Rodgers for the inspiring and substantive workshop, and to colleagues from Sumy State University for their participation and support.
According to information from the Department of English Language and Literature with Teaching Methods of the Faculty of Humanities
(Mukachevo)
