NCLRC Summer Institutes 2012

In its 20th year of operation, the National Capital Language Resource Center (NCLRC) is one of fifteen Language Resource Centers funded by the U.S. Department of Education-Title VI to improve and expand the nation's capacity to teach and learn world languages. The NCLRC's annual summer institutes are designed for world language educators of all levels. They are typically one, two, or multiple days, and focus on a wide range of topics that provide practical applications of research and theory in the classroom.

Welcome

Welcome to the Online Registration Service for the NCLRC 2012 Summer Institutes!
We welcome you to Washington, DC to register for one or more of our workshops designed for second language educators to learn more about the practical applications of research and theory in the world language classroom. Every one of NCLRC's institutes offers participants background in relevant research and theory, opportunities for discussion and collaboration with peers, and hands-on activities and networking with colleagues in the field.

Please contact us with any questions you may have. The NCLRC office can be reached by telephone at (202) 973-1086, or via email to: nclrc@gwu.edu

USING BACKWARD DESIGN AND STANDARDS-BASED INSTRUCTION

Jennifer Eddy, Ph.D., (Queens College)

June 22 - 23
Registration: $270
Level: All

How do I design a curriculum based on the Standards with performance as the goal? What does performance assessment look like? Participants are guided through a model protocol, aligning backward design specifically with the ACTFL Standards (5Cs). This institute is hands-on and interactive with presentation, examples, and discussion.

UNDERSTANDING ASSESSMENT

Margaret E. Malone, Ph.D., Jacky De La Torre, Mackenzie Price (Center for Applied Linguistics)

June 29
Registration: $200
Level: All
This institute will take place at the Center for Applied Linguistics (4646 40th St. NW, Washington, DC)

This institute focuses on differences between assessment and testing, distinguishing between various kinds of tests, learning to interpret results, and becoming familiar with choosing tests to fit a purpose. Topics covered include the differences among proficiency, achievement, and placement tests; the interpretation of results; and the application of information gained from the test to teaching.

DEVELOPING LISTENING COMPREHENSION SKILLS

Joan Rubin, Ph.D. (Joan Rubin & Associates)

June 14 - 15 - NEW DATE!
Registration: $270
Level: All

Listening comprehension is the most important yet most difficult skill that foreign language learners need to develop. After a detailed discussion of the listening process and metacognitive strategies, participants will practice techniques to help their students plan and evaluate their learning as well as problem solve. Participants will also have the opportunity to apply and integrate these techniques by developing a lesson plan.

TEACHING SPANISH TO HERITAGE SPANISH SPEAKERS

Conducted in Spanish by Anna Uhl Chamot, Ph.D. (GWU) and Claudia Bezaka (FL Supervisor, DC Public Schools)

June 28 - 29
Registration: $270
Level: K-12

Secondary heritage Spanish speakers are fluent in oral Spanish, but vary greatly in their level of literacy. Those with educational gaps need help in developing their reading and writing proficiency and also in grammar and academic and literary vocabulary. Practical, research-based activities for high school Hispanic students demonstrate ways to teach literary concepts, language skills, and learning strategies for reading comprehension and writing in Spanish. Ways to differentiate instruction in mixed literacy level classes are suggested.

SPANISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE: EMBASSIES OF SPAIN AND URUGUAY / 3-DAY IMMERSION SUMMER INSTITUTE FOR TEACHERS OF SPANISH

Embassy of Spain staff, Embassy of Uruguay staff, Smithsonian National Gallery of Art, and Sheila Cockey, M.A.

June 24 - 27
Registration: $700 (single room), $600 (shared room)
Includes 3 nights in dormitory and most meals.
Level: K-12 / College / Adult

An enjoyable, informative, immersion experience for teachers on Spanish language and culture, and how to teach it, while taking advantage of the resources and multinational institutions of Washington, DC. All participants and presenters speak only Spanish for the duration of the Institute. In addition to interactive presentation and networking at theEmbassies of Spain and Uruguay, programs will include a special tour of Spanish art in the Smithsonian National Gallery of Art, catered meals from Spanish restaurants in Washington, DC, and hands-on, interactive presentations, discussions, and reflection on language and cultural experiences. Special workshops and activities will focus on the use of technology and social media in the Spanish language classrooms of the 21st century, and participants should be both comfortable and prepared to use and integrate some aspect of current technology throughout the duration of the institute. Most meals will be provided and participants stay in university dorms on the main campus of The George Washington University. Evenings will focus on sharing teaching strategies and discussion among participants.

SUPPORTING THE 5 Cs WITH 21st CENTURY SKILLS

Jill Robbins, Ph.D. (Second Language Testing, Inc.)

June 23
Registration: $270
Level: All

How can technology strengthen your connections to the 5 Cs of language learning? Technology provides a smorgasbord of tools for helping students communicate in the TL, access authentic content, make connections, examine cultures, and take part in the target culture’s community. Strategies for developing critical thinking skills in addition to solving common technology challenges in the foreign language classroom are practiced in a hands-on, supportive environment.