The November 2011 edition of The International Journal of Foreign Language Teaching is now available for download.
IJFLT is a free on-line, peer-reviewed journal dedicated to communicating research, articles and helpful information regarding language acquisition to support teachers as they endeavor to create fluent, multilingual students.
http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=tiuxwmeab&et=1108863879675&s=10965&e=001PDysrsekstrFPDsEo3mjYmvk12993qgpS-vqclaYw0oEyC4pn-lU78IcXN5DSVaWYW0Z-DAJt1x-SBGjLJ03xfxPsh3GMEKZwtW5pETH0wU=
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Dual Immersion Video on Youtube
Here is a wonderful video about dual immersion programs--recommended viewing for parents, administrators, and students(who are our future parents, administrators, taxpayers,etc.)
Enjoy at: http://www.youtube.com/UtahPublicEducation/#p/a/u/0/hTG0YFU8vWA
Enjoy at: http://www.youtube.com/UtahPublicEducation/#p/a/u/0/hTG0YFU8vWA
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Forbes Insights Study Outlines the Importance of Multilingualism in Business
Wall Street Journal
MONEY WATCH
press release
Oct. 6, 2011, 10:00 a.m. EDT
Survey shows how language abilities can help companies expand overseas as well as boost productivity, both globally and within the U.S.
NEW YORK, Oct 06, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- In an increasingly global economy, U.S. companies will perform better by hiring individuals who can communicate in foreign languages and by helping current employees develop language skills, according to a new study released by Forbes Insights (available at www.forbes.com/forbesinsights ).
Read complete article at:
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/forbes-insights-study-outlines-the-importance-of-multilingualism-in-business-2011-10-06
MONEY WATCH
press release
Oct. 6, 2011, 10:00 a.m. EDT
Survey shows how language abilities can help companies expand overseas as well as boost productivity, both globally and within the U.S.
NEW YORK, Oct 06, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- In an increasingly global economy, U.S. companies will perform better by hiring individuals who can communicate in foreign languages and by helping current employees develop language skills, according to a new study released by Forbes Insights (available at www.forbes.com/forbesinsights ).
Read complete article at:
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/forbes-insights-study-outlines-the-importance-of-multilingualism-in-business-2011-10-06
4 Companies Winning in the Foreign Language Internet
Christian Arno, October 12, 20114 Comments
For the past year, I’ve been banging on about how the future of ecommerce is multilingual and international, for three simple reasons:
1.Foreign languages are growing rapidly online (Internet World Stats ).
2.People need information in their native language to make a purchase (Common Sense Advisory’s “Can’t Read, Won’t Buy” report).
3.There’s less keyword competition in languages other than English, due to there being less content overall.
Read the complete artical at:
http://searchenginewatch.com/article/2116452/4-Companies-Winning-in-the-Foreign-Language-Internet
For the past year, I’ve been banging on about how the future of ecommerce is multilingual and international, for three simple reasons:
1.Foreign languages are growing rapidly online (Internet World Stats ).
2.People need information in their native language to make a purchase (Common Sense Advisory’s “Can’t Read, Won’t Buy” report).
3.There’s less keyword competition in languages other than English, due to there being less content overall.
Read the complete artical at:
http://searchenginewatch.com/article/2116452/4-Companies-Winning-in-the-Foreign-Language-Internet
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Leaders Speak Out on Foreign Language Education
Languages continue to be on the radar for the President, the Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of State. How well this will translate into federal policies supporting current and future international and foreign language education programs remains to be seen as during the next few months policy makers go from addressing mega-financial concerns to dealing with specifics.
Thanks to Todd Bowen of ICTFL for the following from the President:
At a Town Hall in Atkinson, Illinois, President Obama referred to the importance of learning a language. Here it is:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/08/17/remarks-president-town-hall-meeting-atkinson-illinois
“Q I’m a supply chain management major and a French major. And I’m wondering what you think is one of the best majors to major in, in order to get a job. Our professor seems to think that supply chain you get -- there’s a lot of job opportunities out there, but I wonder what other majors you think that are good for students to study.
THE PRESIDENT: Well, first of all, I can tell you’re going to be good, whatever you do. (Laughter and applause.) So when you finish, you let me know. We’ll talk to LaHood or Vilsack and we may hire you -- because you seem very impressive.
Look, the -- you’re already ahead of the curve because what you understand is that the economy is changing, and the days when just because you’re willing to work hard, you could automatically find a job -- those days are over. The truth of the matter is, is that everything requires an education. I don’t have to tell the farmers here. You guys are looking at GPS and have all kinds of equipment; you’re studying markets around the world. And it is a complicated piece of business that you’re engaged in. It’s not just a matter of going out with a plow in a field.
And that’s happened to every industry. When I go into factories these days, what’s amazing is how clean and how quiet they are, because what used to take 1,000 folks to do now only takes 100 folks to do. And one of the challenges in terms of rebuilding our economy is businesses have gotten so efficient that -- when was the last time somebody went to a bank teller instead of using the ATM, or used a travel agent instead of just going online? A lot of jobs that used to be out there requiring people now have become automated. And that means us investing in our kids’ education -- nothing’s more important. Nothing is more important. (Applause.)
Now -- but you’re also asking a good question, which is, don’t just go to college without having some idea about what interests you. Now, this supply chain management I think is a great field, because the world is shrinking and products from Atkinson end up on a dinner table in China somewhere, and that means that people who understand how to move products and services and people in efficient ways, there’s going to be high demand for them. So I don’t think your professor is just trying to keep you in class; I think he actually is onto something here.
One of the things I’m worried about and we’re trying to put a lot of emphasis on in the Department of Education is, can we do more to encourage math, science, engineering, technology learning -- (applause) -- because I can guarantee you, if you are a skilled engineer, if you are a skilled computer scientist, if you’ve got strong math skills and technical skills, you are going to be very employable in today’s economy. And that has to start even before young people get to college. So we’re trying to institute a whole -- what’s called a STEM program -- science, technology, engineering and math -- in the lower schools so that kids start getting oriented towards those fields. That’s where we traditionally have had a comparative advantage, but we’re losing ground to China and India and places like that where those kids are just focused on those subjects. And we need more of those, so you keep on studying the supply chain management.
I will tell you, though, just in case there are any French teachers here or foreign language teachers, having a foreign language, that’s important, too. That makes you so much more employable -- (applause) -- because if you go to a company and they’re doing business in France or Belgium or Switzerland or Europe somewhere, and they find out you’ve got that language skill, that’s going to be important as well. And we don’t do that as much as we should; we don’t emphasize that as much as we should here in the United States. So congratulations -- proud of you. (Applause.)”
_______________________________________________________
Transcript on the State Department's website of a colloquy between the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of State
Foreign language and culture training is essential to our ability not only to protect our security, but frankly to be a nation that is well educated, Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta said yesterday during a wide-ranging conversation with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at the National Defense University. (See http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2011/08/170611.htm)
Panetta s remark came in response to the first audience question of the event, from a foreign area officer (Army Colonel) about the dearth of foreign language and culture training for military and intelligence services. Both Secretary Panetta and Secretary Clinton noted their views that such language and culture training is essential to U.S. security. Said Secretary Panetta:
Secretary Clinton followed up with her agreement:
I certainly think we ve got to look at creative ways to be able to deal with it. I m a believer in foreign language training. I think, unfortunately, this country hasn t devoted enough resources really to foreign language training. We ve looked at the three Rs reading, writing, and arithmetic but we haven t looked at reality of the world that we deal with. And in order for I mean, when I was CIA director, I did not think you could be a good intelligence analyst or operations guy without knowing languages. And I believe that for the Defense Department and I think for the State Department, there s a recognition that you need to have language in order to be able to relate to the world that we live in. So my goal would be, as we go through the budget, as we develop the restraints that we have to develop, that we are creative and not undermine the kind of teaching and language training that I think is essential to our ability not only to protect our security, but frankly to be a nation that is well educated.
Well, I certainly say amen to that, and I think your suggestion that we look for ways that we can better coordinate our language and culture education programs is a very good one.
Panetta also stated early on in his remarks:
"But more importantly, when we think about national security, I think we also have to think about the domestic discretionary budget as well, because education plays a role, other elements of the discretionary budget in terms of the quality of life in this country play a role in terms of our national security. More importantly, and I ve made the point based on my own budget experience, that if you re serious about dealing with budget deficits, you can t just keep going back to the discretionary part of the budget."
Thanks to Todd Bowen of ICTFL for the following from the President:
At a Town Hall in Atkinson, Illinois, President Obama referred to the importance of learning a language. Here it is:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/08/17/remarks-president-town-hall-meeting-atkinson-illinois
“Q I’m a supply chain management major and a French major. And I’m wondering what you think is one of the best majors to major in, in order to get a job. Our professor seems to think that supply chain you get -- there’s a lot of job opportunities out there, but I wonder what other majors you think that are good for students to study.
THE PRESIDENT: Well, first of all, I can tell you’re going to be good, whatever you do. (Laughter and applause.) So when you finish, you let me know. We’ll talk to LaHood or Vilsack and we may hire you -- because you seem very impressive.
Look, the -- you’re already ahead of the curve because what you understand is that the economy is changing, and the days when just because you’re willing to work hard, you could automatically find a job -- those days are over. The truth of the matter is, is that everything requires an education. I don’t have to tell the farmers here. You guys are looking at GPS and have all kinds of equipment; you’re studying markets around the world. And it is a complicated piece of business that you’re engaged in. It’s not just a matter of going out with a plow in a field.
And that’s happened to every industry. When I go into factories these days, what’s amazing is how clean and how quiet they are, because what used to take 1,000 folks to do now only takes 100 folks to do. And one of the challenges in terms of rebuilding our economy is businesses have gotten so efficient that -- when was the last time somebody went to a bank teller instead of using the ATM, or used a travel agent instead of just going online? A lot of jobs that used to be out there requiring people now have become automated. And that means us investing in our kids’ education -- nothing’s more important. Nothing is more important. (Applause.)
Now -- but you’re also asking a good question, which is, don’t just go to college without having some idea about what interests you. Now, this supply chain management I think is a great field, because the world is shrinking and products from Atkinson end up on a dinner table in China somewhere, and that means that people who understand how to move products and services and people in efficient ways, there’s going to be high demand for them. So I don’t think your professor is just trying to keep you in class; I think he actually is onto something here.
One of the things I’m worried about and we’re trying to put a lot of emphasis on in the Department of Education is, can we do more to encourage math, science, engineering, technology learning -- (applause) -- because I can guarantee you, if you are a skilled engineer, if you are a skilled computer scientist, if you’ve got strong math skills and technical skills, you are going to be very employable in today’s economy. And that has to start even before young people get to college. So we’re trying to institute a whole -- what’s called a STEM program -- science, technology, engineering and math -- in the lower schools so that kids start getting oriented towards those fields. That’s where we traditionally have had a comparative advantage, but we’re losing ground to China and India and places like that where those kids are just focused on those subjects. And we need more of those, so you keep on studying the supply chain management.
I will tell you, though, just in case there are any French teachers here or foreign language teachers, having a foreign language, that’s important, too. That makes you so much more employable -- (applause) -- because if you go to a company and they’re doing business in France or Belgium or Switzerland or Europe somewhere, and they find out you’ve got that language skill, that’s going to be important as well. And we don’t do that as much as we should; we don’t emphasize that as much as we should here in the United States. So congratulations -- proud of you. (Applause.)”
_______________________________________________________
Transcript on the State Department's website of a colloquy between the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of State
Foreign language and culture training is essential to our ability not only to protect our security, but frankly to be a nation that is well educated, Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta said yesterday during a wide-ranging conversation with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at the National Defense University. (See http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2011/08/170611.htm)
Panetta s remark came in response to the first audience question of the event, from a foreign area officer (Army Colonel) about the dearth of foreign language and culture training for military and intelligence services. Both Secretary Panetta and Secretary Clinton noted their views that such language and culture training is essential to U.S. security. Said Secretary Panetta:
Secretary Clinton followed up with her agreement:
I certainly think we ve got to look at creative ways to be able to deal with it. I m a believer in foreign language training. I think, unfortunately, this country hasn t devoted enough resources really to foreign language training. We ve looked at the three Rs reading, writing, and arithmetic but we haven t looked at reality of the world that we deal with. And in order for I mean, when I was CIA director, I did not think you could be a good intelligence analyst or operations guy without knowing languages. And I believe that for the Defense Department and I think for the State Department, there s a recognition that you need to have language in order to be able to relate to the world that we live in. So my goal would be, as we go through the budget, as we develop the restraints that we have to develop, that we are creative and not undermine the kind of teaching and language training that I think is essential to our ability not only to protect our security, but frankly to be a nation that is well educated.
Well, I certainly say amen to that, and I think your suggestion that we look for ways that we can better coordinate our language and culture education programs is a very good one.
Panetta also stated early on in his remarks:
"But more importantly, when we think about national security, I think we also have to think about the domestic discretionary budget as well, because education plays a role, other elements of the discretionary budget in terms of the quality of life in this country play a role in terms of our national security. More importantly, and I ve made the point based on my own budget experience, that if you re serious about dealing with budget deficits, you can t just keep going back to the discretionary part of the budget."
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Let's Get a "Seal of Biliteracy" for PA students!!
A great idea-- let's do this in PA.
San Mateo County joins school biliteracy effort
San Jose Mercury News
By Neil Gonzales
Last month, the county Office of Education board approved launching the "Seal of Biliteracy" program to recognize local students who have achieved mastery in English and one or more foreign language. "The beauty of this is it's ...
http://www.mercurynews.com/san-mateo-county/ci_18527867
San Mateo County joins school biliteracy effort
San Jose Mercury News
By Neil Gonzales
Last month, the county Office of Education board approved launching the "Seal of Biliteracy" program to recognize local students who have achieved mastery in English and one or more foreign language. "The beauty of this is it's ...
http://www.mercurynews.com/san-mateo-county/ci_18527867
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Expanding Language by (Online) Degree
April 25, 2011
Arabic is not a universal language, least of all in Pennsylvania. But by developing a fully online undergraduate degree in Arabic language and culture, the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) will soon make Arabic universally available across its 14 colleges and universities — with other online language programs to follow...
Read the complete article at: http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2011/04/25/pennsylvania_public_higher_education_system_will_offer_fully_online_degrees_in_arabic_and_other_languages
Arabic is not a universal language, least of all in Pennsylvania. But by developing a fully online undergraduate degree in Arabic language and culture, the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) will soon make Arabic universally available across its 14 colleges and universities — with other online language programs to follow...
Read the complete article at: http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2011/04/25/pennsylvania_public_higher_education_system_will_offer_fully_online_degrees_in_arabic_and_other_languages
Friday, April 8, 2011
Being Bilingual May Boost Your Brain Power
Listen to or read this interest article by Gretchen Cuda-Kroen that was played on NPR.
...Research suggests that the growing numbers of bilingual speakers may have an advantage that goes beyond communication: It turns out that being bilingual is also good for your brain...
See complete article at:
http://www.npr.org/2011/04/04/135043787/being-bilingual-may-boost-your-brain-power
...Research suggests that the growing numbers of bilingual speakers may have an advantage that goes beyond communication: It turns out that being bilingual is also good for your brain...
See complete article at:
http://www.npr.org/2011/04/04/135043787/being-bilingual-may-boost-your-brain-power
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Is your program safe from cuts?
Superintendent (and former foreign language teacher)Dr. Dawn Santiago-Marullo shared ideas at a NECTFL session today about how to "make it impossible for superintendents to cut your program"!
One example: some teachers might like having small upper level classes -- until they become a cause for position cuts. As long as a district supports small classes, it is easy to become complacent. Don't wait... start now and work with colleagues to find ways to increase upper level class enrollments.
Conference is great so far... love the hotel and view of the Inner Harbor.
One example: some teachers might like having small upper level classes -- until they become a cause for position cuts. As long as a district supports small classes, it is easy to become complacent. Don't wait... start now and work with colleagues to find ways to increase upper level class enrollments.
Conference is great so far... love the hotel and view of the Inner Harbor.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
WILL YOU NECTFL NEXT WEEKEND?
It's that time of year again and an easy commute to Baltimore!!
NECTFL always puts on a great conference.
See colleagues and friends and get ACT 48 credit!!http://www2.dickinson.edu/prorg/nectfl/Conference/Conference2011.html
Hope to see you there!
The Northeast Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages
Join us April 1 - 4, 2011 at the
Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel, Baltimore MD
"Strengthening Connections: Colleagues, Content, and Curriculum"
Charlotte Gifford, Greenfield (MA) Community College, Chair
NECTFL always puts on a great conference.
See colleagues and friends and get ACT 48 credit!!http://www2.dickinson.edu/prorg/nectfl/Conference/Conference2011.html
Hope to see you there!
The Northeast Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages
Join us April 1 - 4, 2011 at the
Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel, Baltimore MD
"Strengthening Connections: Colleagues, Content, and Curriculum"
Charlotte Gifford, Greenfield (MA) Community College, Chair
Thursday, February 10, 2011
The Ideal Technology Device for Students and Teachers
Great article from Education Week on the direction educators should go when it comes to technology...
School tech specialist Patrick Ledesma and a high school blogger share ideas on the next big thing in education technology—and how it could work for both teachers and students. (Leading from the Classroom)
http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/leading_from_the_classroom/2011/02/teacher_and_student_insights_on_using_technology_in_the_classroom.html?cmp=ENL-TU-MICHED
School tech specialist Patrick Ledesma and a high school blogger share ideas on the next big thing in education technology—and how it could work for both teachers and students. (Leading from the Classroom)
http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/leading_from_the_classroom/2011/02/teacher_and_student_insights_on_using_technology_in_the_classroom.html?cmp=ENL-TU-MICHED
Friday, February 4, 2011
A Super Opportunity for Language Students
The wide range of available foreign language broadcasts of the Super Bowl--many of which will be readily accessible via the Internet or shortwave radio--provides a great opportunity for language students.
Instructors can access a number of Super Bowl-themed listening activities for students or those learning new languages may simply prefer to follow the game’s broadcast from a non-English source.
SiriusXM alone will broadcast in 9 non-English languages including: Spanish, Chinese, Russian, French, Japanese, German, Hungarian, Dutch and Danish. Chello Sport 1 will announce the game in Hungarian, W9 will have French announcers in place, NHK Plus will handle the Russian broadcast and RAI will be there to let its audience know which team will become the NFL’s reigning campione.
Many foreign broadcasters assume that their listeners don’t have an extensive understanding of American football. Their commentaries often contain explanations of the game’s rules and basics. This creates a great listening opportunity for those who might not be serious fans with a pre-existing knowledge of the NFL’s minutiae. You don’t need to be a “super fan” to experience the benefits of a foreign language Super Bowl broadcast!
Instructors can access a number of Super Bowl-themed listening activities for students or those learning new languages may simply prefer to follow the game’s broadcast from a non-English source.
SiriusXM alone will broadcast in 9 non-English languages including: Spanish, Chinese, Russian, French, Japanese, German, Hungarian, Dutch and Danish. Chello Sport 1 will announce the game in Hungarian, W9 will have French announcers in place, NHK Plus will handle the Russian broadcast and RAI will be there to let its audience know which team will become the NFL’s reigning campione.
Many foreign broadcasters assume that their listeners don’t have an extensive understanding of American football. Their commentaries often contain explanations of the game’s rules and basics. This creates a great listening opportunity for those who might not be serious fans with a pre-existing knowledge of the NFL’s minutiae. You don’t need to be a “super fan” to experience the benefits of a foreign language Super Bowl broadcast!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
To Really Learn, Testing Beats More Study
By RICK NAUERT PHD Senior News Editor
....“We continue to show that practicing retrieval, or testing yourself, is a powerful, robust tool for learning,” said Dr. Jeffrey D. Karpicke, an assistant professor of psychological sciences at Purdue University....
See the complete article at: http://psychcentral.com/news/2011/01/25/to-really-learn-testing-beats-more-study/22891.html Check out OWL's PALS program which is designed to help students to practice vocabulary in a fun way that tests their memory and their ability to retrieve information.
....“We continue to show that practicing retrieval, or testing yourself, is a powerful, robust tool for learning,” said Dr. Jeffrey D. Karpicke, an assistant professor of psychological sciences at Purdue University....
See the complete article at: http://psychcentral.com/news/2011/01/25/to-really-learn-testing-beats-more-study/22891.html Check out OWL's PALS program which is designed to help students to practice vocabulary in a fun way that tests their memory and their ability to retrieve information.
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