Grade K-8 Arabic, Chinese, Hebrew, and Japanese: Teacher Preparation
June 27-July 3, 2002

Participants:
Experienced and practicing native and non- native speakers: 1) Teacher Educators at institutions of higher education who prepare pre- and in-service teachers of Arabic, Chinese, Hebrew, and Japanese; 2) Grade K-8 Arabic, Chinese, Hebrew, and Japanese Teachers. (Educators of other less commonly taught languages are welcome although intensive language immersion sessions may not be available for them.)

Institute Leader:
Helena Curtain, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin;
Carol Ann Dahlberg,Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota;
Lynn Sessler Schmalling, Children's Demonstration Classroom Teacher.

Language Specialists:
Intissar Harajli- Arabic
Aviva Kadosh- Hebrew
Hiroko Kataoka- Japanese

Institute Description:
There is a critical need for well-prepared teachers of less commonly taught languages in the growing number of elementary school foreign language programs in the nation. This institute enhanced the skills of teacher educators and supervisors who prepare pre-service and in-service Arabic, Chinese, Hebrew, and Japanese teachers for the K-8 level, especially those who have little or no personal experience with elementary school students.

Experienced and practicing K-8 Arabic, Chinese, Hebrew, and Japanese teachers provided a valuable experience base for the institute. These teachers enriched their professional knowledge and skills and gained renewed appreciation for their own classroom teaching.

Participants observed a daily Japanese demonstration class for young children taught by Jessica Haxhi, who facilitated daily discussions that helped to clarify understanding of similiarities and differences between K-8 students and those in secondary school programs. Language specialists lead intensive language immersion sessions in which participants reflected on the concepts addressed for the language they teach and designed lessons to be shared in a national database.  These lessons reflected the goals of the national student standards and incorporated K-8 assessment strategies. Topics addressed in the institute included: the growth and development of the K-8 child, K-8 curriculum, effective K-8 classroom teaching strategies, development of literacy in character-based languages, standards in foreign language education, authentic assessment and national trends.

Activity Photos