Navigating U.S. Campus Resources
MSU Student Ambassadors
This walking tour provides an overview of on-campus facilities and resources general to universities and colleges across the U.S. (including student union, student services, residence halls, libraries, sports facilities, administration offices, community service office, etc.).
Transitional Survival Skills
Dr. David Horner and MSU student panel
This session will include a student panel of undergraduate and graduate students, domestic and international, who will share insights on survival skills abroad. Specific topics will be briefly covered by the presenter and panel, and then the FLTAs will interact with the student panelists in small groups. Topics will include an introduction to the signs and solutions of culture shock, tools for dealing with stress, time management, banking/money management, housing, selecting a meal plan, nutrition, diet, dealing with disabilities, and planning affordable inter-session travel.
Diversity of U.S. Campuses
Mr. Mark Albee
An overview of how campuses vary from one U.S. region to another or as a result of size, location, demographics, etc. (inclusion of HBCUs, HSIs, Community Colleges, rural area institutions, etc. with an explanation of food and an emphasis on transportation challenges and solutions).
Sexual Harassment / Discrimination
Ms. Debra Martinez and Transforming Theatre Ensemble participants
This session will cover Sexual Harassment/Discrimination policies on U.S. campuses and will include visuals to help participants understand the difference between intent and impact. LGBT considerations and dealing with disabilities will be discussed. It will include skits acted out as a discussion starter about key issues related to the topic.
Classroom Management
Mr. Matthew Rynbrandt
This session will include classroom management topics especially relevant in the second language classroom, such as the physical setup of the classroom, promoting specific learning objectives and pedagogical tasks, the value of proper lesson pacing and class management issues, and what student behavior issues to expect in the U.S.
Creating and Using Foreign Language Materials
Ms. Amy Kroesche
This session will include information on identifying, creating, and integrating appropriate material to support learning objectives, choosing suitable pedagogical practices and activities, and adapting materials for a more communicative classroom. The presenter will work with the presenter of “Foreign Language Teaching Methodology and Curriculum Development” to ensure these two sessions complement one another. This session will be offered in two rotations.
Foreign Language Teaching Methodology and Curriculum Development
Dr. Dustin De Felice
This session will cover the basics of foreign language teaching methodology, including communicative methods in a task-based context for the second language classroom, how to promote teacher-student interactions, and how to correct errors. The session will also cover identifying learning objectives, creating and structuring syllabi, and effective lesson planning and pacing of lessons. The presenter will work with the presenter of “Creating and Using Foreign Language Materials” to ensure these two sessions complement one another. This session will be offered in two rotations.
U.S. Academic Evaluation System
Ms. Danielle Steider
This session will explain the U.S. grading system, including taking courses on an audit or credit basis, academic penalties for poor performance, student and cultural expectations regarding grading, and resources such as office hours for students in need of extra help. We will also look at HIPPA and FERPA as well as different examples of grading structures on language class syllabi and discuss some common problems related to evaluation.
Performance Assessment
Dr. Koen Van Gorp
This session will cover types of language testing, grading, formative assessment and feedback, and the value of reflection and student assessment. We will begin with a general session and end in break-out groups.
Technology in the Language Learning Classroom
Mr. Adam Gacs and Mr. Austin Kaufmann
This session will include information on using technology in the language classroom and on computer-assisted language learning. Specific topics will include the use of video, Web resources, digital recording, and an overview of some free tools for authoring computer-assisted language learning exercises. This session will divide participants into two smaller groups.
Microteaching in Small Groups
Dr. Dustin De Felice, Mr. Matt Kanefsky, Mr. Mark Albee, Mr. Francisco Morales, Dr. Galen Sibanda, Ms. Marshael AlGana, Dr. Safoi Babana-Hampton, Ms. Carmen De Lorenzo, Mr. Matthew Kessler, and Dr. Deo Ngonyani
FLTAs will be divided into small groups for this
session. Participants will create and present a short lesson. MSU
teaching faculty and staff will lead feedback sessions in response to
each lesson.
Developing and Maintaining Professional Relationships
Ms. Carol Wilson-Duffy and MSU student panel
This session will identify and address potential points of conflict that FLTAs may experience as it relates to their working relationships with supervisors and other faculty within their department. Scenarios and role-plays will help FLTAs learn some strategies to resolve potential problems with faculty and/or students in and outside the classroom. FLTAs will be divided into small groups during portions of this session.
Goal Setting
Mr. Matt Kanefsky
This session will discuss the objectives of the orientation and goal setting for the FLTA year. It will also serve as a review of the content portion of the orientation.