Skip to main content

Michigan State University
A-712 Wells Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824

Phone: 517-432-2286
Fax: 517-432-0473
clear@msu.edu

Center for Language Education And Research (CLEAR) at Michigan State University - Summer Workshops

Summer 2009 Workshops

July 2009
S M T W T F S
28 29 30 1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30 31 1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8


Jul 9th, 2009 (Thu) -- Jul 11th, 2009 (Sat)
  An Online Language Portfolio Approach to the Development of Speaking and Listening Proficiency
Workshop Leader: Daniel Reed
Workshop Times: 9:00 - 3:30 each day



This workshop is limited to 20 people.

Advances in technology and developments in the field of language assessment come together in this CLEAR workshop which is designed for teachers of all languages. The premise is that formative assessment facilitates learning when it provides regular feedback that is relevant, timely and meaningful to the student. This workshop focuses on speaking and listening performances that can be recorded, evaluated and revised by means of a new online language portfolio program. In this approach, students create their own portfolios by uploading multimedia files as well as text files that are representative of their classroom activities. Subsequently, teachers and peers provide feedback which is incorporated by the students in future revisions of their work. Furthermore, through this process students learn to self-evaluate and improve their skills on their own, thereby becoming lifelong learners. Software we will use includes CLEAR's Rich Internet Applications technology, Audio Portfolios and a new online language portfolio system named "Demonstrate." In addition, participants will learn how to align teacher-created assessments with national standards and the particular curricular objectives of their language programs. There are no technical prerequisites, other than basic familiarity with computers. The workshop will be offered in one of MSU's state-of-the-art computer labs. Bring your own portable computer, or use one of our machines. The workshop is hands-on and very dynamic! This workshop is limited to 20 people.
Jul 13th, 2009 (Mon) -- Jul 15th, 2009 (Wed)
  Rich Internet Applications for Language Learning: Introductory Techniques
Workshop Leaders: Dennie Hoopingarner & Vineet Bansal
Workshop Times:
Monday 9:00-4:30
Tuesday 9:00-5:00
Wednesday 9:00-5:00



This workshop is limited to 20 people.

This workshop is for language teachers who want to learn how to use CLEAR's free tools for creating interactive web-based multimedia language materials. The only computer skills that these tools require are point and click, copy and paste, and drag and drop. You get to concentrate on teaching, and don't have to worry about programming, uploading, downloading, or installing. The tools can be used with any language, any textbook, and any level. Learn how to make web pages where your students can record audio files that are automatically uploaded to your virtual dropbox. Make a "mashup" that combines your text, pictures, video, and interactive language exercises into one web page. Create virtual conversations for your students where they listen to questions, and the program captures their responses automatically. All of these functions are available to you from within a web browser, with no special hardware or software needed. Come and experience the next generation of web-based language teaching! This workshop is limited to 20 people.
Jul 16th, 2009 (Thu) -- Jul 18th, 2009 (Sat)
  Rich Internet Applications for Language Learning: Advanced Techniques
Workshop Leaders: Dennie Hoopingarner & Vineet Bansal
Workshop Times:
Thursday 9:00-3:30
Friday 9:00-5:00
Saturday 9:00-5:00



This workshop is limited to 20 people.

This workshop is intended for teachers who are already familiar with and are actively using CLEAR's Rich Internet Applications tools, and are interested in taking the tools to the next level. Participants from this summer's Introductory workshop will also benefit from this workshop. The workshop will focus on integrating RIA materials with CMS tools and other online environments that schools are using, application of the tools for assessment, ideas for creating more complex materials, and constructivist learning projects for students. Participants are encouraged to share their experiences with the tools and their ideas for enhancing language teaching with them. Part of the time will be devoted to consultation with instructors on their individual project ideas or applications of the tools for specific purposes. This workshop is limited to 20 people.
Jul 20th, 2009 (Mon) -- Jul 22nd, 2009 (Wed)
  The Second C: Culture Teaching in the Language Classroom
Workshop Leader: Senta Goertler
Workshop Times: 9:00 - 4:00 each day



This workshop is intended to assist language teachers at all levels in integrating culture into the language classroom. We will discuss pedagogical principles for teaching culture. First, we will lay a theoretical foundation for teaching culture by discussing the constructs of culture, intercultural competence and transcultural competence. In this discussion we will consider historical, linguistics, political, societal, geographical perspectives as well as cultural artifacts. Next we will take a closer look at the cultural expectations as defined by the ACTFL standards and the Common European Framework of Reference. Most of the workshop time will be devoted to practical considerations. Pedagogical techniques for culture teaching will be presented and will include those enhanced by technology (e.g., telecollaboration, discussion boards) as well as more traditional techniques (e.g., mini research projects). Participants will experience sample activities from the perspective of the learner, develop their own activities, and exchange and discuss activities with the other participants. A particular focus will be put on how to teach culture in the target language and emphasize the connections between culture and language.
Jul 23rd, 2009 (Thu) -- Jul 25th, 2009 (Sat)
  CANCELLED - Teaching Writing in the Foreign Language Classroom
Workshop Leader: Charlene Polio
Workshop Times: WORKSHOP CANCELLED

This workshop will begin with a discussion of how writing fits into a general skills foreign language class and the role writing plays in meeting the National Standards for Foreign Language Teaching. We will then try activities that use writing as a tool to promote overall proficiency and that target specific grammatical structures and vocabulary. Next, we will focus on essay writing including how to construct assignments, create prewriting activities, and give feedback on and assess assignments. The activities throughout the workshop will be appropriate for both beginning and advanced students. Participants will try activities and create their own specific to their current teaching situations.
Jul 27th, 2009 (Mon) -- Jul 29th, 2009 (Wed)
  Revisiting, Reinventing, and Restarting a Language Program: A Step by Step Approach
Workshop Leaders: Senta Goertler & Angelika Kraemer
Workshop Times: 9:00 - 4:00 each day



Federal policies and enrollment trends suggest an increased demand for foreign language instruction. However, in times of specialized language requirements and budget cuts, this requires creativity and collaboration. This workshop is intended for teachers, teacher trainers, administrators, parents, community members, faculty members, and staff involved or interested in building or revising a language program. The workshop has five components: (1) presentation of theoretical information, (2) demonstration of practical experiences of workshop leaders, (3) exchange of ideas amongst workshop participants, (4) individual consultations with the workshop leaders, and (5) observations of a language program in progress. Topics covered in the workshop include: state of foreign language instruction (e.g., statistics, attitudes, teaching methods, and second language acquisition theories), program types (e.g., outreach, K-12, FLEX, college level basic language program) and learner types (e.g., heritage vs. foreign language students), professional standards and guidelines (e.g., ACTFL Standards, ACTFL Guidelines, ADFL Guidelines, Common European Framework of Reference), program development and administration steps (e.g., needs analysis, planning, curriculum development, articulation, implementation, evaluation, testing, teacher training, mentoring, action research, budget, recruitment, marketing, funding). The goal of the workshop is to assist participants in starting or revising a language program.