Michigan State University
B-135 Wells Hall
619 Red Cedar Road
East Lansing, MI 48824-1027
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 2013 Workshops
| July 2013 | ||||||
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| 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
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| August 2013 | ||||||
| S | M | T | W | T | F | S |
| 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
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| Jul 22nd, 2013 (Mon) -- Jul 24th, 2013 (Wed) |
| Writing in the Foreign Language Classroom Workshop leaders: Dr. Charlene Polio Workshop times: TBA This workshop will look at writing from two perspectives: writing to learn and learning to write. First, we will examine activities that facilitate the learning of grammar and vocabulary as well as activities that enhance speaking, listening, and reading. Second, we will examine activities that help students learn to write various genres, from simple to complex, in the target language. Participants will evaluate activities that can be modified for a wide range of levels. |
| Jul 25th, 2013 (Thu) -- Jul 27th, 2013 (Sat) |
| Revisiting the Learning and Teaching of Vocabulary Workshop leaders: Dr. Susanne Rott Workshop times: TBA Many students feel overwhelmed learning vocabulary in another language. The sheer amount of words they need to learn, the necessity to retain words long-term, the importance of pronunciation to comprehend words in speech, the significance of orthography to read fluently, and the understanding of contextual factors to use words effectively in speaking and writing are only some aspects students need to master. While most textbooks and the corresponding on-line learning centers present new vocabulary in semantic sets, with pictures, and meaningful practice activities to enhance learning, they lack a clear program that guides students from learning individual words to develop a functional lexicon of advanced language users. In this workshop we will explore how the different aspects of an advanced lexicon need to be addressed during the course of language studies from beginning to advanced stages. Based on the analysis of what textbooks are currently offering, workshop participants will learn how to develop supplemental vocabulary materials for all four skills. Additionally, we will make a distinction between vocabulary activities best used in class and outside the classroom. For vocabulary activities that can be completed outside the classroom, we will look at effective (and less-effective) computer-based materials available online and have a hands-on session on free, easy-to-use shareware. |
| Jul 29th, 2013 (Mon) -- Jul 31st, 2013 (Wed) |
| RIAs for Language Learning: Introductory Techniques Workshop leaders: Dr. Angelika Kraemer Workshop times: TBA 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. |
| Aug 1st, 2013 (Thu) -- Aug 3rd, 2013 (Sat) |
| Assessing Speaking: For Placement Testing, Classroom-based Assessment, and Midterm and End-of-term Proficiency Exams Workshop leaders: Dr. Paula Winke Workshop times: TBA Advances in technology and developments in the field of oral skills assessment come together in this workshop, which is designed for teachers of all languages. The workshop has three goals. One is for teachers to learn CLEAR technology (Audio Dropbox, Conversations, and Mash-ups) for various types of online, oral skills assessment. Second, teachers will learn how to assess sociocultural skills during peer-to-peer, group interaction during classroom-based tasks. Third, teachers will learn basic statistical concepts (no math prerequisite!) and learn step-by-step how to run the statistics on real test data using Excel. The basic statistics can be used for placing students into classes and/or for evaluating the effectiveness and appropriateness of the given tests. Special emphasis will be placed on aligning oral skills assessments with state and national standards. At the end of the workshop, teachers will be able to conduct online oral assessments and face-to-face group oral assessments (in addition to the more-commonly used OPI-like tests) so that their programs assess multiple components of oral communication skills. This workshop will be particularly helpful for any teachers involved in the creation or maintenance of placement tests for their schools or districts. |