ADDITIONAL SESSIONS ($50)

Presented by Heather Sweetser, 2024 FFLA Keynote Speaker

Curious about AI?  Nervous? Scared? Excited? Are you an absolute pro with AI or a beginner?

No matter where you are with AI or how you feel about it, you will find something useful in this three-hour workshop. We will explore what different AI programs can do for you as a language teacher to help with lesson prep as well as what it can do for your students to help their language acquisition, no matter what language you teach. Time for hands-on work with AI is incorporated into the session, so you will leave with something you can use in class as early as Monday.

Hi-Impact Reading Strategies: How to Accelerate Fluency and Proficiency with Reading

Presented by Bryce Hedstrom, Colorado Congress of Foreign Language Teachers

Based on his book with the same title, this session is for language teachers--world language teachers, heritage teachers, ELL teachers, and EFL teachers. It was born out of over 30 years of teaching in classrooms from middle school to college, and it is meant to be both inspiration and practical--a way to get students engaged with reading and keep them there. The focus is on real application and real understanding of how to teach reading and justification from research and classroom experts. 

Everyone from new teacher to veterans will benefit from the hands-on approach. Research from scholars in second language acquisition will appease curiosity and convince skeptical colleagues and administrators that high-volume reading works. 

The two key precepts are: 1) Reading is an important part of language learning, and 2) only by reading do students become better readers. Neither of these are startling ideas but teachers do not hear enough about the effectiveness of a steady schedule of regular reading in the classroom--and they don't have a plan to make it work. Too often, world language teachers are missing training on this crucial aspect of acquisition in their university methods courses, and even authors and teacher trainers may not spend enough time explaining the day-to-day routines that make reading work.

Learning loss can be compensated by a regular multifaceted reading program. This session will explain the what, why, and how to implement four key reading strategies that will revolutionize your students' acquisition and enjoyment.

Reshaping the Future of Foreign Language Education: Focusing on Making Global Citizens!

Presented by Dr. Geraldine Blattner, Florida Atlantic University

SUMMARY: This presentation initiates participants into the multifaceted concept of global citizenship and its profound relevance within contemporary society, particularly in the context of foreign language education. It emphasizes global citizenship as a robust mindset transcending geographical constraints, recognizing the intricate interconnectedness of our world and the attendant responsibilities.

Moreover, the presentation delves into the pivotal role of intercultural competence within language classrooms. Beyond mere vocabulary and grammar acquisition, language learning is depicted as a conduit for comprehending diverse cultures and fostering meaningful cross-border connections. Through the integration of intercultural competence into language instruction, educators furnish their students with indispensable tools to adeptly navigate cultural variances while concurrently enhancing their knowledge across geographical, historical, political, sociological, psychological, and linguistic domains.

With a strong emphasis on practicality, the presentation also delineates a series of dynamic activities aimed at fostering the development of global citizenship among foreign language students. These activities include interactive discussions, collaborative projects, and experiential learning experiences, all of which expose participants to various cultures, social issues, and global challenges, incorporating the utilization of diverse artificial intelligence platforms. The main goal is to nurture empathy, foster open-mindedness, and encourage a broad perspective on current issues, empowering students to take proactive steps as compassionate global citizens while gaining a deeper understanding of the role of AI in our society.

In conclusion, the presentation underscores that global citizenship transcends mere moral obligation, emerging as an imperative for thriving in the contemporary landscape. Through the embracement of diversity and fostering of connections, individuals embark on a transformative journey, shaping a cohort of globally conscious and socially responsible citizens poised to lead purposeful lives in our interconnected world.

Learning objectives:

• 1.    Understanding the Concept of Global Citizenship: Participants will be able to define the concept of global citizenship and explain its significance in contemporary society and recognize their responsibilities as global citizens.
• 2.    Recognizing the Role of Intercultural Competence in Language Learning: Participants will understand the importance of intercultural competence beyond language acquisition in language classrooms and will appreciate how language learning can facilitate understanding diverse cultures and fostering connections across borders.
• 3.    Application of Intercultural Competence in Education: Participants will be able to identify strategies to incorporate intercultural competence into language teaching and how integrating intercultural competence enhances their ability to navigate cultural differences respectfully and effectively.
• 4.    Engagement in Activities Fostering Global Citizenship: Attendees will participate in dynamic discussions, collaborative projects, and experiential learning activities designed to nurture global citizenship, cultivating empathy and open-mindedness.
• 5.    Embracing Diversity and Connection for Personal Growth and Global Contribution: Participants will recognize global citizenship as a practical necessity for personal and professional success in the modern world and appreciate the transformative potential of embracing diversity and connection and understand their role as proactive and compassionate global citizens in shaping a better world.

Mindfulness and Wellness for Schools

Presented by Lei Cohen, Mindfulness Coach, Yoga Practitioner, Educator, & Social-Emotional Learning Advocate

According to CDC, in 2021, more than 4 in 10 (42%) students felt persistently sad or hopeless and nearly one-third (29%) experienced poor mental health,  more than 1 in 5 (22%) students seriously considered attempting suicide and 1 in 10 (10%) attempted suicide.

The findings indicate that the overall prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among teachers was 35.4%, 43.7%, and 6.6%. It is high time to bring mindfulness to schools.

According to Harvard research, mindfulness helps reduce stress, ease depression and help people become more self-aware and improve general wellbeing. Mindfulness also helps students to unwind, and can help educators practice self-care. Experts say that we can “train” our brains to improve both mental and physical health.