The Language Collaboratory is a partnership for the advancement of intercollegiate dialogue on the teaching of languages and cultures, driven by language centers and institutes at the University of Iowa, the University of Michigan, the University of Minnesota, Michigan State University, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
The purpose of this initiative is to provide collaborative professional learning opportunities for educators of language, culture, and literature at the five institutions.
About this series
The Spring series of the Language Collaboratory will continue the umbrella theme of postgraduate success. It aims to focus on three sub themes:
- Formal recognition of proficiency levels
- Marketing competencies vs degrees
- Students’ career-driven agendas for their studies
The sessions in the series will focus on programmatic and strategic collaborations and partnerships with outside partners and industry. In addition, sessions will address competencies sought-after and valued in industry-jobs.
The first session of the series explores a look within by examining the success rates of proficiency programs, and discusses implications for language programs.
Guiding questions
- How do you forge connections with life and work skills in your teaching?
- How can the language curriculum better equip students with global competencies for the job market?
- How do you prepare students for career exploration?
- How can the language classroom better connect students with career and community networks?
- How can language programs remain competitive to recruit and retain students in a changing job market?
- What role and responsibilities do language faculty have in career readiness approaches?
About the Sessions
All sessions are held synchronously via Zoom. Sessions are scheduled for Mondays or Thursdays, 3:30-4:00 (4:15) pm central, 4:30-5:00 (5:15) pm eastern. Sessions are 30 minutes in length, with additional 15 minutes of optional discussion for those interested in digging deeper into the topic.
Target Audience
While we welcome any educator to join our professional development sessions, it may be helpful to know that these discussions are specifically oriented to language research and practice in the context of higher education in the USA. As such, K-12 instructors and international participants may find the parameters of our discussions less relevant to their teaching and learning contexts.
Accommodations
We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully. Automated live-captions are available for every session. To request accommodations or discuss access needs please contact Adolfo Carrillo Cabello ([email protected]) from the University of Minnesota, at least a week in advance prior to the event. Requests made after that point cannot be guaranteed.
All sessions are recorded and can be viewed on the Language Collaboratory YouTube channel.
Monday, February 20: Understanding success in undergraduate language certificates: Success rates and their implications. Amanda Dalola, Adolfo Carrillo Cabello, University of Minnesota. Register Online.
Thursday, April 20: From language students to Duolinguists. Parker Henry & Elisa Camps Troncoso, Duolingo. Register Online.
Monday, April 24: Language Beyond the Classroom : Engaging with Communities of Migrant Workers and Asylum Seekers. Dominique Butler-Borruat & Mabel Rodríguez, University of Michigan Residential College. Register Online.