Professional Development

Methodology Coursework:

Fall 2012      LING564: Principles of Language Teaching and Learning; Prof. Nelleke Van Deusen-Scholl

Introduction to the basic principles of Second Language Acquisition theory, focusing on current perspectives from applied linguistics, sociolinguistics, and psycholinguistics. Topics included language teaching methodology, communicative and task-based approaches, learner variables, intercultural competence, and models of assessment.  I especially found interesting discussions about effective error correction, theories of inter-language development, using technology in the classroom, accessing authentic materials, and ideas for connecting students with language outside the classroom

Spring 2011  SPAN790: Methodologies of Modern Language Teaching; Prof. Sonia Valle

Preparation for a teaching career through readings, lectures, classroom discussions, and presentations on current issues in foreign/second-language acquisition theory and teaching methodology. Classroom techniques at all levels were utilized in practicum lessons and observations.  This class was very useful in preparing for issues in teaching Spanish language, particularly strategies for approaching culture with an emphasis on diversity, avoiding regionalism, and approaches to teaching grammar topics that are frequent problem areas for students.

Continued training:

Spring 2012   Fundamentals of Teaching Humanities, facilitated by Damian Blattler and Jeff Gonda (Yale Teaching Center)

A four-week series on how to present texts and lead discussion groups in the humanities.  Discussion of common errors of first-time lecturers, including tips on leading a student-centered classroom and encouraging student participation.  Introduction to Bloom’s Taxonomy and methods for building class discussions with a progression from concrete questions to critical thinking and analysis on abstract topics.

Fall 2011      Yale Center for Language Study Pedagogy Workshop, coordinated by Suzanne E. Young

Week-long training in topics of second-language teaching, including communicative method, task-based activity design, teaching writing, technology-based activities, and students with disabilities.

Specialized Workshops

Topic of Workshop / Title of Talk Presenter/Organizer Date
Effective Error Correction Jaime Renkin Sept. 30, 2012
Using Art in the Language Classroom David Odo
(Yale University Art Gallery)
Oct. 4, 2012
Rethinking the Language Center,
Consortium of the Yale Center for Language Study
Claire Kramsch
(keynote speaker)
Nov. 9, 2012
Teaching Writing Yale Teaching Center Nov. 15, 2012
Advanced Fundamentals  Workshop in Language and Literature Suzanne Young and Dustin Hooten Jan 31, Feb. 7,
and Feb. 14, 2013
Preparing to Lecture/ Delivering a Lecture
(Two-part series)
Yale Teaching Center Jan. 23 and 30, 2013
Syllabus Design Nelleke Van Deusen-Scholl Mar. 26, 2013
Technology in the Language Classroom
(Three-part series)
Theresa Schenker Mar. 29, Apr. 5,
and Apr. 12, 2013
Film in the Language Classroom Suzanne Young Mar. 29, 2013
Heritage Learners Nelleke Van Deusen-Scholl Apr. 5, 2013
Preparing a Literature Syllabus Nelleke Van Deusen-Scholl Apr. 9, 2013
Pragmatics Suzanne Young Apr. 11, 2013
Syllabus Design
(Two-part Series)
Sara Ronin
(Yale Teaching Center)
Apr. 10 and 17, 2013
Preparing a Portfolio Bill Rando Apr. 23, 2013
Online Teaching, Student Learning,
Spring Teaching Forum
Yale Teaching Center and
Center for Language Study
Apr. 26, 2013
Language Use During Study Abroad and in the Classroom Glenn Levine (UC Irvine) Sept. 13, 2013