Language teaching and learning has evolved in the last 30 years or so. We no longer emphasize grammar, memorizing vocabulary and learning conjugations. We now focus on communication. We want our students to understand what they hear and read as well as to be able to communicate their own ideas in written or oral form. As part of learning new techniques and tools in what is now called Acquisition Driven Instruction, I have been able to utilize a Thatcher Grant to attend and present at the national Fluency Matters Conference.
I love learning about teaching! I believe that the more we learn about what we do, the more our students will benefit from it. Two summers ago, I attended my first conference to be trained as a language teacher trainer. I also presented for the first time at this conference. My topic was: “Scaffolding, Differentiation and Brain Breaks to Help Every Student Succeed.” I had over 20 teachers attend my presentation to learn how to create a culture of active learning in the classroom. By targeting my questions to the needs, interests and abilities of every student in my class, I can help my students experience success and thus be more interested in learning.
Last summer, I had the opportunity to be a coach or a trainer for other foreign language teachers. I worked on observing them and showing them more strategies to improve their instruction. I was also able to present at this conference. My topic this time was “Motivating the Unmotivated Students through Personalization, Questioning and Classroom Management Techniques.” This time, over 30 teachers attended my presentation! In language classes, we use personalization to make our curriculum relevant to our students. If we are talking about something that is meaningful to students, then we won’t have a problem with student engagement in class and with the content.
Professional growth and development are high priorities for Darlington. Each year, faculty and staff members participate in a professional growth cycle that includes professional learning communities, professional development days, and the ability to apply for professional development grants which fund conferences, travel, workshops, instructional supplies, outside speakers, and more. For the next few weeks, our blog series will highlight some of the opportunities that faculty and staff have participated in since they were awarded 2024-2025 Thatcher Grants last spring.
