In this three-part workshop, we look at ESOL instruction through the lens of intercultural awareness to identify beliefs about language learning and teaching, the roles of the teacher and student in the classroom, and the cultural backgrounds and educational goals of our learners. The series includes a face-to-face session, an online companion course, and a follow-up webinar. Through participating in all three components, you will have opportunities to try out new ways to integrate intercultural awareness into your teaching practice and receive professional development support while doing so.
This workshop is one of six based on the MA Professional Standards for Teachers of Adult ESOL.
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All ESOL teachers and program directors but particularly those who believe they have learned all there is to learn about intercultural awareness
This professional development activity/course is designed for:
For ESOL teachers, intercultural awareness leads to a deeper understanding of the impact that values, beliefs, perceptions, and behavioral norms can have on language teaching and learning. The activities in the face-to-face session focus on increasing your intercultural awareness so that you are more equipped to facilitate learners transitioning from their home cultures and languages to those of the United States and prepare them for college and careers.
Following the face-to-face workshop, you will apply some strategies and techniques to your teaching practice and will reflect on your experiences by contributing to an online companion course. The companion course will be facilitated by the workshop presenter, who will support you in applying what you have learned.
During the final webinar (about six to eight weeks after the workshop), you will share with one another your challenges and successes working with learners on the components of language, further refine your teaching practice, receive guidance and information from the facilitator, and plan your next steps.
For more information, contact Dori McCormack at dmccormack@hcc.edu
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Distinguish between surface culture and deep culture, and explain how these aspects might arise and be addressed in ESOL classes
Connect learners’ and your cultural beliefs with observable behaviors in classroom interactions to negotiate differences between cultural expectations
Identify and reflect on your personal cultural beliefs and expectations that may influence your instructional decisions as a teacher and impact student learning
Use teaching techniques and activities that integrate learners’ identities as multilingual and multicultural individuals, while using immigrant experiences as a context for language skill development
Plan action steps to apply principles of intercultural awareness in your teaching practice
Upon completion of this professional development activity/course, you will be able to:
Before attending any of the workshops on the ESOL Professional Standards, you are encouraged to watch the online presentation Introduction to the Professional Standards for Teachers of Adult ESOL and attend the workshop on Standard One: Principles of Second Language Acquisition. You can register for both of these presentations through the SABES Calendar.
Date(s) and time(s) of the event:
Part 1: Face-to-face session: 4/7/2017 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Part 2: Practice and online participation: 4/7/2017 - 5/19/2017
Part 3: Webinar: 5/19/2017 9:00–10:00 a.m.
To receive credit for this professional development activity, participation in all three components is required. Professional development hours: 8
Face-to-face session: 5.5 hours
Participation in the online companion course: 1.5 hours
Follow-up webinar: 1 hour
Quinsigamond Community College (QCC)
670 West Boylston St., Room 109B (QCC Library)
Worcester, MA
United States
