Oscar 2024

Photographs from the target culture can be a great way even for beginning language learners to advance their cultural awareness. Have you ever wanted to connect your learners with native speakers abroad? This session showcases a fun project to connect language learners for the purpose of exchanging and discussing their own photos. The presentation summarizes a telecollaborative exchange between learners of German in the US and learners of English in Germany that focuses on the exchange and discussion of photographs taken by students based on assigned topics. The app used for the photo exchange is presented and other possible tools for conducting photo exchanges will be presented and students’ feedback on the exchange will be summarized.

Looking to strengthen your German program, to add depth and attract eager learners? Join us to learn about SPARK for German. We found success in our first year and are excited to share the building blocks that lead to success. We provide step-by-step action plans and share our actual experiences initiating this program to inspire participants to start their own SPARK lab. The SPARK program offers organic opportunities that support inclusion among student facilitators and student participants.

Participants learn and apply best practices for establishing an LGBTQIA+-affirming German classroom environment. First, participants receive a foundation in orientation, gender identity, and expression, as well as a crosswalk between the ACTFL World Readiness and Learning for Justice Social Justice standards. Next, suggestions for using inclusive/affirming language and representative authentic resources, such as web shows and children's books, are shared. Following these examples, in small groups, participants workshop common lesson themes to be more inclusive. Finally, participants discuss challenges they still face in being inclusive. While examples are from the middle school German classroom, other languages and levels are welcome.

How do we get students to engage with content so that meaningful learning happens? How can educators gradually release responsibility for learning over to students, so that students do more of the work? Join this ACTFL Teacher of the Year and experience hands-on learning of activities that engage students in communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem solving. Most activities are low or no-prep and can be reused at various levels and with varied content. They hit multiple modes of communication, use authentic resources, support social justice themes, and require students to speak interpersonally. The learning routines require students show what they are thinking and learning decreasing grading. Step away from the copy machine and say good-bye to your turn in work bin!