Teaching Reflection: How can these modules My Name Is and Oral History Interview projects benefit diverse students, including heritage and non-heritage learners?

“Overall, the My Name Is and Oral History Interview projects benefit non-heritage and heritage language learners by providing opportunities for cultural and linguistic exchange, developing intercultural communication skills, and promoting a more profound understanding and appreciation of linguistic and cultural diversity.

These two projects can benefit non-heritage and heritage learners.

For non-heritage learners, these projects provide opportunities to learn about and engage with their classmates and community members’ cultural and linguistic diversity.

They can better understand their peers’ cultural backgrounds and experiences by exploring the significance of personal names and the importance of oral storytelling in different cultures.

They develop their target language skills in authentic contexts as they communicate with interviewees and present their projects to the class.

For heritage learners, they connect with their cultural and linguistic heritage. Heritage learners can gain an appreciation for their cultural identity and the language and traditions of their family.

They share their cultural and linguistic knowledge with their classmates and the broader community as they present their projects and participate in cultural exchange activities.”