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Getting Started With Project-Based
Language Learning—NEW!

July 29–August 2, 2024
1-week in-person summer institute

NFLRC Logo
This summer institute is co–sponsored by the NFLRC, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa.

Project-based language learning (PBLL) connects the language classroom to the world beyond through learners’ focus on challenging problems or questions as an organizing principle for learning. In the first part of this institute, participants will examine established principles and standards for high-quality project-based learning (HQPBL) as well as issues and concerns specific to PBLL, such as how to apply the concept of “sustained inquiry” at the Novice level. Participants will engage in guided project idea generation and peer critique, exploring how better to connect with community partners and a public audience.

In the second part of the institute, the participants will choose one of their favorite project ideas and flesh it out by aligning to standards, establishing learning outcomes and corresponding assessments, developing one or more assessment rubrics, and designing scaffolding for language, content, interactions, process, product, and use of technology.

Program Schedule (9am–4pm)
Day 1 Transforming Language Learning Through PBLL
  • High-Quality Project-Based Learning
  • From PBL to PBLL: The Challenge for World Languages
  • Generating and Refining Project Ideas
Day 2 Project Design
  • Starting with Goals, Aligning with Standards
  • Negotiating “Languaging” in Projects
  • Community Partners
  • Process & Product
Day 3 Project Assessment & Project Management
  • Weaving Assessment into Your Project
  • Rubrics for Process, Milestones, Public Product
  • 21st-Century Skills & Your Project
Day 4 Scaffolding
  • Scaffolding for Language & Content
  • Scaffolding for Process & Collaboration
Day 5 Mini-Workshop: Collaborative Design
  • The PBLL Design Repository
  • Design Team Challenge
  • Final Reflection and Setting Intentions

After this institute, participants will be able to:

  • Develop and outline a compelling and contextualized project-based language learning project;

  • Foster language proficiency development through appropriate communicative events embedded in project-based language learning experiences;

  • Employ effective scaffolding strategies that contribute toward final achievement of learning outcomes;

  • Design and implement effective assessments based on clear expectations and evaluation criteria; and

  • Use appropriate technology for locating culturally authentic materials, facilitating student collaboration, and connecting with communities of target language speakers.

 

Instructors

Photo of Instructor Hernandez
Rachel Mamiya Hernandez
photo of instructor Scheller
Lauren Scheller

Rachel Mamiya Hernandez serves as specialist faculty at the National Foreign Language Resource Center at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. She holds an MA in Second Language Studies with a concentration in Language Teaching, and a PhD in Learning Design and Technology both from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Her work has focused on language acquisition and teaching, project-based language learning, online intercultural exchanges, social justice, and instructional design.

Lauren Scheller is the Dean of Instruction at Brooklyn Ascend Charter School in New York where she develops and coaches teachers to further their capacity to engage learners and increase achievement. Lauren holds an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Teaching from Teachers College at Columbia University. She has experience implementing performance based assessments and student portfolios as a middle and high school language educator, and has presented nationally on high quality project-based learning (PBL) and World Language instruction.

Target Audience
This institute is open to teachers of all languages at all levels who are interested in project-based language learning.

This summer institute is generously co-sponsored and co-staffed by the National Foreign Language Resource Center at the University of Hawai‘i at​ Mānoa. 

Priority Teacher Professional Development Scholarship Program

Logo - PriorityThe Priority Teacher Professional Development Scholarship program is designed to promote equity and access to affordable professional development for world language educators who are currently teaching at a Community College, Minority Serving Institution, or Historically Black College/University in the United States and/or are currently teaching a Less Commonly Taught Language in the United States. The program provides funding for selected teachers in these categories to attend a CARLA Summer Institute for no charge.

Learn more and apply on the Priority Teacher Professional Development Scholarship website.

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Center for Advanced Research on Language Acquisition (CARLA) • 140 University International Center • 331 - 17th Ave SE • Minneapolis, MN 55414