2019 SCOLT Conference

World Languages Methodology is arguably the most important course in the World Languages Education major. While it is important for future teachers to learn the pedagogy that guides world language instruction, it is equally important that they enter the profession equipped with practical strategies that they can actually use in their classrooms to motivate students to learn and that are based on best practices. During this session, we will discuss how to make this course relevant both theoretically and practically.

Teacher candidates in an M.A.T. program in Foreign Language Education (Spanish) participated in a 5-week summer study abroad program where they took methods courses alongside native Spaniards who were training to teach Spanish as a foreign language abroad (similar to TESOL courses in the U.S.). The presenters will describe the study abroad program/coursework, they will share instructional techniques and strategies that are commonly used in Spain, and they will discuss how this experience impacted their perspective on language teaching.

This presentation will describe the thought process & results behind the redesign of a Methods Course for graduate students in their first year teaching language. This course often receives split reviews: those who love it, & those who completely misunderstand its goals & intent. In order to increase student satisfaction & help graduate students not just survive but fall in love with teaching, a complete redesign was needed. Two ACTFL publications & an open online resource are used as texts.

This session will provide an introduction and review of the ACTFL/CAEP accreditation report. Participants will learn about the purpose and benefits of accreditation and will gain an overview of writing and reviewing the report.