Maria Dantas-Whitney, Ph.D.
Professor of ESOL/Bilingual Education, Western Oregon University
Fulbright Scholar 2016-2017, Universidad Latina de Panama
Video Conference Schedule
Ministry of Public Education, Costa Rica
Project Based-Learning: Principles and Practices for the Language Classroom
13/02/2017 (1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.)
Summary: This workshop covers principles and practices of project-based learning. It presents an overview of the “Four C’s,” which have been identified as essential competencies for 21st century learning: 1) Critical thinking and problem-solving, 2) Communication, 3) Collaboration, and 4) Creativity. We will discuss the educational importance and fundamental characteristics of each of these competencies, and explore how they can be integrated into the language classroom through practical strategies and student projects.
Click here to download slides
Promoting Language Authenticity and Awareness with Young Learners
14/02/2017 (9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.)
Summary: In effective language classrooms, activities are designed to help learners explore their experiences and current realities so they can reshape their existing knowledge in light of new course content. Language skills are developed in interactive tasks, with a focus on topics that are relevant to students’ daily lives, interests, and talents. This workshop presents strategies and materials for maximizing student engagement in the classroom through an emphasis on language authenticity and awareness. Examples of strategies will include innovative uses of digital media and the Internet, multimodal forms of communication (e.g., drawing, photography and drama), environmental print (e.g., labels and advertisements), and projects that encourage students to act as language researchers.
Click below to download slides:
Part 1
Part 2
Authentic Assessment for the Language Classroom
14/02/2017 (1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
Summary: After considering guiding principles, purposes, and issues related to assessment/evaluation, we will discuss strategies for planning and designing authentic assessment tasks for the classroom. Practical strategies for communicative language assessment will be presented, as well as the design of rubrics and observation checklists, and the utilization peer- and self-assessments.
Click here to download slides
Classroom Management for Language Teachers
15/02/2017 (9:00 a.m. -11: 00 a.m.)
Summary: We will discuss three interconnected concepts related to classroom management: 1) Preparation, 2) Routines, and 3) Behavior. In “Preparation,” we review principles and strategies of effective planning, such as scaffolding and gradual release of responsibility. In “Routines,” we discuss effective seating arrangements, classroom routines, and smooth transitions. In “Behavior,” we consider concepts of positive behavior and identity investment, as well as systems for establishing rules and expectations. Practical strategies are presented through videos, case studies, and discussion.
Click here to download slides
Activities and Strategies for Building Language Awareness
15/02/2017 (1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.)
Summary: When students develop an awareness of how language works, they become more confident in their own language abilities. As they develop an understanding of their language learning processes, they become more autonomous as learners. This session explores three types of language awareness that can be developed in the classroom: metalinguistic awareness, sociocultural awareness, and metacognitive awareness. Each of the types will be discussed through practical examples of activities and materials that can be used with students of different proficiency levels.
Click here to download slides
Professor of ESOL/Bilingual Education, Western Oregon University
Fulbright Scholar 2016-2017, Universidad Latina de Panama
Video Conference Schedule
Ministry of Public Education, Costa Rica
Project Based-Learning: Principles and Practices for the Language Classroom
13/02/2017 (1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.)
Summary: This workshop covers principles and practices of project-based learning. It presents an overview of the “Four C’s,” which have been identified as essential competencies for 21st century learning: 1) Critical thinking and problem-solving, 2) Communication, 3) Collaboration, and 4) Creativity. We will discuss the educational importance and fundamental characteristics of each of these competencies, and explore how they can be integrated into the language classroom through practical strategies and student projects.
Click here to download slides
Promoting Language Authenticity and Awareness with Young Learners
14/02/2017 (9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.)
Summary: In effective language classrooms, activities are designed to help learners explore their experiences and current realities so they can reshape their existing knowledge in light of new course content. Language skills are developed in interactive tasks, with a focus on topics that are relevant to students’ daily lives, interests, and talents. This workshop presents strategies and materials for maximizing student engagement in the classroom through an emphasis on language authenticity and awareness. Examples of strategies will include innovative uses of digital media and the Internet, multimodal forms of communication (e.g., drawing, photography and drama), environmental print (e.g., labels and advertisements), and projects that encourage students to act as language researchers.
Click below to download slides:
Part 1
Part 2
Authentic Assessment for the Language Classroom
14/02/2017 (1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
Summary: After considering guiding principles, purposes, and issues related to assessment/evaluation, we will discuss strategies for planning and designing authentic assessment tasks for the classroom. Practical strategies for communicative language assessment will be presented, as well as the design of rubrics and observation checklists, and the utilization peer- and self-assessments.
Click here to download slides
Classroom Management for Language Teachers
15/02/2017 (9:00 a.m. -11: 00 a.m.)
Summary: We will discuss three interconnected concepts related to classroom management: 1) Preparation, 2) Routines, and 3) Behavior. In “Preparation,” we review principles and strategies of effective planning, such as scaffolding and gradual release of responsibility. In “Routines,” we discuss effective seating arrangements, classroom routines, and smooth transitions. In “Behavior,” we consider concepts of positive behavior and identity investment, as well as systems for establishing rules and expectations. Practical strategies are presented through videos, case studies, and discussion.
Click here to download slides
Activities and Strategies for Building Language Awareness
15/02/2017 (1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.)
Summary: When students develop an awareness of how language works, they become more confident in their own language abilities. As they develop an understanding of their language learning processes, they become more autonomous as learners. This session explores three types of language awareness that can be developed in the classroom: metalinguistic awareness, sociocultural awareness, and metacognitive awareness. Each of the types will be discussed through practical examples of activities and materials that can be used with students of different proficiency levels.
Click here to download slides