Oscar 2024

Why did my Italian friend look at me funny when I asked for an espresso with my dinner? Why does the host keep asking me if I want more pasta? How can I refuse dessert without offending the grandparent who baked it? It’s not only what you say, but how you say it. Learning a language doesn’t just mean becoming “fluent” in communication. It also means being proficient in using the language to navigate the cultural norms of various situations. This session explores classroom applications of the current NCSSFL-ACTFL Intercultural Communication benchmarks. We address how learners can use critical thinking skills to explore intercultural perspectives. The ultimate goal is for learners to accurately convey what they mean, all while staying within culturally appropriate norms.

I present ideas on how to teach Guernica (the bombing and the painting) in very interactive classes to intermediate and advanced students of Spanish. Participants will leave with materials and ideas on teaching the topic. The war in Ukraine and many others in our world today make this presentation current. The deep study of art and history makes this unit timeless. No background knowledge is necessary to follow this presentation.

Feeling stressed by dropping enrollments in your programs? Enrollment in World Language courses at community colleges have been dropping over the last 12 years. This presentation describes the importance of the WL certificate as a valuable option for students to document their language and culture skills, and the process of creating such a program. By offering a certificate program, with the option of credentialing through the Global Seal of Biliteracy, more students can be reached in other disciplines as well as attracting students from local businesses who might want to increase their job skills. Participants find out how two different community colleges have created WL certificate programs to boost enrollment and provide students with skills for transfer and workforce.

John Conner, Spanish teacher and author of the acclaimed Breaking the Barrier series, leads participants through ten activities guaranteed to make classes more productive and exciting. The ideas presented can be used in your classroom the very next day.

Discussing meaningful topics with Novice learners in the target language can feel hard. They are able to speak about themselves, but can they really dig deeper into questions of identity with their limited language? Focus on one French teacher's attempt to use existing literature (Everyone's an aliebn when you're an aliebn too by Jonny Sun) to create identity-driven activities for her students. Examples and resources are shared and participant feedback is sought on how this work could continue to be developed and improved.