View samples of a wide variety of successful uses of computers in the FL classroom - from simple word processing, use of desktop publishing to create newsletters in the target language, to the use of presentation software to teach, learn and demonstrate learning, to the more sophisticated uses of the Internet and the Web.  Learn powerful reasons for integrating technology in the FL classroom and for using it as a professional resource for the teacher.

This series can be modified to serve the time and equipment constraints and interests of the participants.  It can be a demonstration - sharing session, or more hands-on.  Participants can share their successes and frustrations and learn from each other as they implement the ideas in a variety of classroom/computer settings.  Participants may even be helped to create and publish their own Internet-enhanced lessons on the Teacher Center's web page.
 

Beyond the Portfolio: Alternative Assessments for the Foreign Language
Classroom

This highly-rated interactive, hands-on workshop for language teachers K-12, offers  assessment tools for the foreign language classroom teacher beyond the use of portfolios. Participants will develop project criteria and identify student outcomes for foreign language projects such as creating newspapers, invitations, and cartoons. Develop criteria for rubrics as alternative assessment tools. Discussion will include determining rating reliability for projects and the instructor will provide examples from her own work. Participants should bring in a rubric or a project to work with from their own classroom.

This course has typically been organized as a 3-6 hour workshop.  It can be developed to suit the needs of teachers attending and can be held as an ongoing, facilitated Study Group.

Instructor:  Susan Lafond is a foreign language teacher in the Guilderland CSD. She has taught numerous courses and workshops through NYSUT’s Effective Teaching Program.
 
 

Methods of Teaching Foreign Languages in the Elementary Classroom

This course follows recommendations of the State Education Department for preparation for secondary teachers to teach foreign languages in the elementary grades. The course includes: a complete overview of child development (cognitive, moral and linguistic): investigations of models for foreign language instruction in the elementary grades (exploratory, immersion, bilingual, interdisciplinary, and multicultural), and practice in developing and using communicative and culturally-based materials for teaching. A brief field component for practice teaching will be arranged. Graduates of this course will be eligible to apply for
a K-6 extension of secondary foreign language certification.

Fee: $375/45 hrs - 3 SUNYA graduate credits
Instructor: Michelle Pollard teaches foreign languages at the Academy of the Holy Names.
She is an instructor/lecturer in the University at Albany Department of Educational Theory and practice on foreign language teaching methodology, has presented at NYSAFLT conferences, and has taught highly-rated Teacher Center programs.
 

Magic in the Foreign Language Classroom

Participants engage in hands-on activities to develop creativity and motivation in foreign language classrooms.  Powerful student-centered lessons that engage multiple intelligences will be shared.  Participants will learn to design activities that address curriculum, the four skills areas in the target language, and diverse learning styles. 

Instructor:  Susan Lafond is a foreign language teacher in the Guilderland CSD. She has taught numerous courses and workshops through NYSUT’s Effective Teaching Program.