Envision Interdisciplinary Projects that Promote Your Program
Michigan World Language Association | October 2023
Description
Language programs in Michigan and other parts of the U.S. are under threat. If enrollments drop, if a teacher leaves, if a budget is cut, or if policy changes, world languages could be considered expendable. This workshop will encourage teachers to find a synergy between good pedagogy and advocacy by designing interdisciplinary projects that emphasize proficiency but also connect world languages to other content areas and yield highly visible outcomes. The ACTFL World Readiness Standards include Communication, Connections, and Communities among the 5 C’s, but other C’s also serve learners and teachers well: Collaboration with content area teachers and Creation of websites, displays, and events can help to motivate learners and also raise awareness among administrators, parents, and other potential allies. Teachers will explore strategies and real examples and develop ways to draw attention and support to their efforts without adding huge amounts of work to their already demanding jobs.
Slides
Project Inspiration
https://padlet.com/LanierPedPad/interdisciplinary-project-ideas-i1z1rk8524el7zqb
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Advocacy for World Language Programs
Also published on the MAFLT blog: https://maflt.cal.msu.edu/program-news. Advocacy has been a prevalent theme for world language teachers and programs in the U.S. recently. Teachers are overworked, programs are closing, funding is drying up, new programs are not getting off the ground, and less-commonly-taught languages remain less common unless they are important for national security reasons.…