Showing posts with label LC Staff News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label LC Staff News. Show all posts
Monday, October 2, 2017
Congratulations to Jonathan Prestrud
On September 30, 2017, Language Center Student Support Specialist, Jonathan Prestrud married Yuning Zhang at Cedar Lake, outside of New Prague, Minnesota. Yuning is a graduate of the University of Minnesota CEHD education program, and she is currently a teacher at Yinghua Academy, a K-8 Chinese immersion school. Congratulations and best wishes to Jonathan and Yuning!
Farewell to Anna Olivero-Agney
After working at the Language Center in many capacities for a few years, Anna Olivero-Agney is returning to teaching Italian part-time and exploring other work opportunities. Anna first joined the department in 2010 as part of a Language Proficiency Exam (LPE) development team to create a new Italian LPE. In 2013, she returned to assist with the development of multiple LPEs and other instruments. This led to her involvement in the BOSSA self-assessment protocol as one of the five original developers. In 2014, she joined the PACE project sustainability team, further developing BOSSA and other self-assessment instruments. In 2015, she became the departmental Assessment Specialist, which included supporting not only PACE, but also managing test development projects for many languages, including Korean and Somali. She also was one of the original raters for the Critical Reflection Essays required by the Certificate of Advanced Proficiency programs, and her work was essential to the refinement of this instrument. Because of Anna’s diverse talents, her generosity and her good nature, she has made valuable contributions to countless projects that benefit language students. She will be greatly missed by our staff, and the many language instructors and students who turned to her for guidance and expertise.
Tuesday, September 5, 2017
Farewell to Gabriela Sweet
Few people at the university have had as much direct impact on language students as Gabriela Sweet. Over eight years working at the Language Center, she has led several highly collaborative, grant-funded projects that ultimately served hundreds of language students each year. The most notable of these many projects are probably the Collaborative Language Proficiency Exam (LPE) Development Initiative and the BOSSA self-assessment protocol.
The LPE development project of 2010-2011 brought together a diverse team of instructors from Chinese, Italian, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish to develop LPE tests for reading, listening and writing. Gabriela coordinated this large group of language instructors and shepherded the development, piloting, refinement and implementation of these tests, working with multiple stakeholders, and training and guiding new developers. Today, all of these LPEs are approved and taken by hundreds of students each year. In addition, Gabriela later coordinated or assisted with the development of LPEs for Arabic, Finnish, Korean, Somali, and German. Thanks in large part to Gabriela's leadership, LPEs are now available for most of the languages taught at the University of Minnesota. Gabriela also was part of the team that developed the innovative Individualized Language Assessments, allowing students to fulfil the CLA second language requirement in a language not offered at the University of Minnesota.
In 2013, Gabriela turned her focus from traditional summative assessment to the more student-focused self assessment. She helped create the new Certificate of Advanced Proficiency in Spanish by developing self-assessment instruments for four modalities to allow students to gauge their own level of language proficiency. These instruments served as an integral part in the development of the BOSSA (Basic Outcomes Student Self-Assessment) protocol, which involves students in the assessment of their growing language competence. The protocol aims at engaging students in the development of their language capabilities and cultural awareness as they progress throughout the language curriculum. She was part of a cohesive team of five original developers, which expanded to more than 50 language instructors and Language Center staff, all engaged to one degree or another in developing this protocol. The self assessments developed by Gabriela and others eventually became an essential part of the PACE project, and BOSSA is now integrated into the curriculum for many languages and levels.
The LPEs and self-assessment instruments that Gabriela developed have reached students at the macro level, but perhaps Gabriela's greatest contribution to language education at the University of Minnesota is her direct work with students. The Language Center employs about 25 undergraduate staff per year. Over eight years, Gabriela has developed a relationship with nearly all of them. She gets to know their strengths and interests, and she finds a way to involve them in larger projects. She finds out what language they study or speak at home, and communicates with them in that language. Many student employees have stated that working with Gabriela was the highlight of their time at the Language Center, and their faces light up when they talk about her.
Gabriela's work with self assessment and students eventually led her to the CLA Career Readiness Project, where she has been bringing the development of learner agency to a larger student population. Beginning this week, Gabriela is moving to Johnston Hall, where she will focus exclusively on this important project. Gabriela's collaborative spirit, her generosity, and her desire to guide every student will always be remembered at the Language Center.
The LPE development project of 2010-2011 brought together a diverse team of instructors from Chinese, Italian, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish to develop LPE tests for reading, listening and writing. Gabriela coordinated this large group of language instructors and shepherded the development, piloting, refinement and implementation of these tests, working with multiple stakeholders, and training and guiding new developers. Today, all of these LPEs are approved and taken by hundreds of students each year. In addition, Gabriela later coordinated or assisted with the development of LPEs for Arabic, Finnish, Korean, Somali, and German. Thanks in large part to Gabriela's leadership, LPEs are now available for most of the languages taught at the University of Minnesota. Gabriela also was part of the team that developed the innovative Individualized Language Assessments, allowing students to fulfil the CLA second language requirement in a language not offered at the University of Minnesota.
In 2013, Gabriela turned her focus from traditional summative assessment to the more student-focused self assessment. She helped create the new Certificate of Advanced Proficiency in Spanish by developing self-assessment instruments for four modalities to allow students to gauge their own level of language proficiency. These instruments served as an integral part in the development of the BOSSA (Basic Outcomes Student Self-Assessment) protocol, which involves students in the assessment of their growing language competence. The protocol aims at engaging students in the development of their language capabilities and cultural awareness as they progress throughout the language curriculum. She was part of a cohesive team of five original developers, which expanded to more than 50 language instructors and Language Center staff, all engaged to one degree or another in developing this protocol. The self assessments developed by Gabriela and others eventually became an essential part of the PACE project, and BOSSA is now integrated into the curriculum for many languages and levels.
The LPEs and self-assessment instruments that Gabriela developed have reached students at the macro level, but perhaps Gabriela's greatest contribution to language education at the University of Minnesota is her direct work with students. The Language Center employs about 25 undergraduate staff per year. Over eight years, Gabriela has developed a relationship with nearly all of them. She gets to know their strengths and interests, and she finds a way to involve them in larger projects. She finds out what language they study or speak at home, and communicates with them in that language. Many student employees have stated that working with Gabriela was the highlight of their time at the Language Center, and their faces light up when they talk about her.
Gabriela's work with self assessment and students eventually led her to the CLA Career Readiness Project, where she has been bringing the development of learner agency to a larger student population. Beginning this week, Gabriela is moving to Johnston Hall, where she will focus exclusively on this important project. Gabriela's collaborative spirit, her generosity, and her desire to guide every student will always be remembered at the Language Center.
Monday, July 31, 2017
Farewell and Thank You to Ellen Wormwood
The Language Center and the PACE Project would like to thank Ellen Wormwood who is returning to teaching, translating and interpreting after three years as the PACE Assessment Coordinator.
In 2014, Ellen agreed to design and implement a plan to assess between 700 and 900 students per year in seven languages, up to four modalities, and using two assessment instruments. She also accepted the challenging job of explaining the structure and value of these new tests to instructors and students. The first year of testing was sometimes bumpy as we learned more about the tests and how best to administer them. Ellen persevered and stuck with the project through long hours preparing for and administering tests. She worked hard to improve the test experience for students by negotiating with test vendors, improving communication, and constantly refining the testing plan.
PACE Assessment Coordinator was not Ellen's first position at the Language Center; she started as a graduate assistant in 2005. A standout among her roles in our unit was serving as one of the original TandemPlus Coordinators. We are thankful to Ellen for the leadership she brought to new programs and projects.
In 2014, Ellen agreed to design and implement a plan to assess between 700 and 900 students per year in seven languages, up to four modalities, and using two assessment instruments. She also accepted the challenging job of explaining the structure and value of these new tests to instructors and students. The first year of testing was sometimes bumpy as we learned more about the tests and how best to administer them. Ellen persevered and stuck with the project through long hours preparing for and administering tests. She worked hard to improve the test experience for students by negotiating with test vendors, improving communication, and constantly refining the testing plan.
PACE Assessment Coordinator was not Ellen's first position at the Language Center; she started as a graduate assistant in 2005. A standout among her roles in our unit was serving as one of the original TandemPlus Coordinators. We are thankful to Ellen for the leadership she brought to new programs and projects.
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
Bon Voyage to Pablo Viedma!
Pablo Viedma will be on leave beginning June 5, 2017 to work at an international school in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. He will be the technology coordinator and also the soccer assistant coach.
Pablo says: This is a great opportunity to live and work in a very different part of the world, and to learn and enjoy from another culture. Looking forward to new experiences in the three continents I have never visited.
Beginning June 5, Stephanie Treat will serve as the primary Courseshare contact. Please send questions and inquiries about the Courseshare program to elsie@umn.edu.
Pablo says: This is a great opportunity to live and work in a very different part of the world, and to learn and enjoy from another culture. Looking forward to new experiences in the three continents I have never visited.
Beginning June 5, Stephanie Treat will serve as the primary Courseshare contact. Please send questions and inquiries about the Courseshare program to elsie@umn.edu.
Monday, May 15, 2017
Language Center Graduate Staff Graduations May 2017
The Language Center has been fortunate to work with two outstanding graduate assistants who are both completing their degrees within days of each other. They brought a collaborative spirit, and a willingness take on new challenges, and unique skills to our department. Please offer your congratulations to the two graduates!
- Shannon Roach, Graduate Assistant Coordinator is graduating with a Master of Arts in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) for Higher Education. She will be teaching in Wuhan, China again this summer, and is very excited to move to Morocco at the beginning of September to teach at the American Language Center in Fez.
- Carter Griffith, PACE Assistant Coordinator, is graduating with a Master of Arts in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) for Higher Education. Carter will continue to to work at the Language Center through the summer analyzing the Spring 2017 PACE data.
Monday, May 8, 2017
Language Center Undergraduate Staff Graduations
This week six long-term Language Center undergraduate employees will complete their undergraduate programs. All of them held unique positions in our department and made valuable contributions to language education at the University of Minnesota. Please join us in congratulating the following graduates, and wishing them the best in their future endeavors!
- Sorelle Chekam, Multimedia Lab Attendant, will graduate with a Bachelors of Science in Sustainable Systems Management with an emphasis in Building Sciences and Technology. She was also involved in a project on Zero Energy Homes with classmates and faculty of the department of Biosystems and Bioproducts Engineering at the school. She is currently looking for a job in the same discipline. She will be returning to school after gaining some real life experiences for a Master's program in Sustainable Design. Her long-term goal is to bring the design of durable homes to Africa.
- Maya Christensen, Lead Main Office Assistant, will graduate with a Bachelors of Arts in Urban Studies, Youth Studies, and Sustainability. Directly after graduation she will work as part of the University of Minnesota Youth Programs staff. Her long-term goal is outdoor education-based community and nonprofit work.
- Rachael Falade, Main Office Assistant, will graduate with a Bachelors of Arts in Biology, Society and Environment with a double minor in Public Health and Cultural Studies and Comparative Literature. She is currently interested in biology research and public health work. She will be continuing her education in 2018 when she begins a Master's program in Public Health. Her long-term goal is to work in the health field impacting as many people as possible everyday. She wants to love her job and look back on her career with a smile on her face.
- Chris Michaels, Lead Main Office Assistant, will graduate with a Bachelors of Arts in Asian Languages & Literatures with a minor in Mass Communications. After graduation, he will work in expense management at Plus Relocation in St. Louis Park.
- Nick Ott, Tandem Assistant, will graduate with both a Bachelors of Science in Business and a Bachelor of the Arts, majoring in Marketing, and German, Scandinavian, and Dutch Studies along with a Spanish minor. He has recently accepted a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship grant for the coming academic year, and will move to Hessen, Germany in early September. After assistant teaching English in Europe, he hopes to teach English full-time through the Peace Corps, attend graduate school (abroad or in the US), and ultimately become a foreign language professor at the university level.
- Anna Sisombat, Classroom Support Student Lead, Testing Assistant, PACE Assistant, and BOSSA Scheduling Assistant, will graduate with both a Bachelors of Arts in French and a Bachelors of Arts in Art with an emphasis on drawing and painting. Anna has recently accepted a full-time position in the Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy here at the university where she will be working as an Executive Accounts Specialist.
Monday, October 17, 2016
CARLA and Language Center Presentation at the 2016 CLAC Conference
Consortium for Cultures and Languages Across the Curriculum (CLAC) 2016 Conference
Friday, October 21, 2016
Drake University, Des Moines, IA
Register online
Introducing the CLAC Materials Clearinghouse
Over the past several years there has been a repeated call for access to current CLAC-oriented syllabus materials. Through discussions at the CLAC conference in 2016 and through an online survey of CLAC members, the scope of the project was broadened to include other supporting materials, such as training materials for instructors, specific activities for students, descriptions of CLAC programs and implemented models. In addition, to encourage a living presence, the Clearinghouse will provide a means of ongoing conversation, both in general as well as specifically tied to each resource in the collection. A board of volunteers screens submissions to ensure compliance with CLAC principles and appropriateness for the collection. This session will present the finished product, developed with support from CARLA. It will include a demonstration of how to navigate the site and a presentation of the process of materials submission.
Presenters: Dan Soneson and Caleb Zilmer, CLA Language Center at the University of Minnesota
Friday, October 21, 2016
Drake University, Des Moines, IA
Register online
Introducing the CLAC Materials Clearinghouse
Over the past several years there has been a repeated call for access to current CLAC-oriented syllabus materials. Through discussions at the CLAC conference in 2016 and through an online survey of CLAC members, the scope of the project was broadened to include other supporting materials, such as training materials for instructors, specific activities for students, descriptions of CLAC programs and implemented models. In addition, to encourage a living presence, the Clearinghouse will provide a means of ongoing conversation, both in general as well as specifically tied to each resource in the collection. A board of volunteers screens submissions to ensure compliance with CLAC principles and appropriateness for the collection. This session will present the finished product, developed with support from CARLA. It will include a demonstration of how to navigate the site and a presentation of the process of materials submission.
Presenters: Dan Soneson and Caleb Zilmer, CLA Language Center at the University of Minnesota
Monday, August 15, 2016
Welcome Open House for Kate Paesani
Thursday, September 1, 2016
3:00-4:30 p.m.
University Int’l Center Room 101
CARLA and the Language Center invite you to meet and welcome CARLA’s incoming director Kate Paesani. While Kate’s primary position will be in CARLA, she will also work 25%-time to support CLA language programs. Join us for some cake and lemonade/coffee to welcome Kate to the U at this informal open house.
Kate Paesani comes to the University of Minnesota from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, where she was an associate professor and director of basic French courses. Dr. Paesani earned her Ph.D. in French linguistics from Indiana University. Her research focuses on literacy-based curriculum and instruction and foreign language teacher development. We are thrilled to have her join our team!
Learn more about Kate on her new CARLA staff page.
3:00-4:30 p.m.
University Int’l Center Room 101
CARLA and the Language Center invite you to meet and welcome CARLA’s incoming director Kate Paesani. While Kate’s primary position will be in CARLA, she will also work 25%-time to support CLA language programs. Join us for some cake and lemonade/coffee to welcome Kate to the U at this informal open house.
Kate Paesani comes to the University of Minnesota from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, where she was an associate professor and director of basic French courses. Dr. Paesani earned her Ph.D. in French linguistics from Indiana University. Her research focuses on literacy-based curriculum and instruction and foreign language teacher development. We are thrilled to have her join our team!
Learn more about Kate on her new CARLA staff page.
Monday, August 1, 2016
CARLA Director—Goodbye and Hello!
The Center for Advanced Research on Language Acquisition (CARLA) is preparing for a big change as the current director Elaine Tarone retires from the University, and they welcome the new director, Kate Paesani.
We invite our colleagues in the language education community to two open house events in celebration of these important passages.
Farewell Open House for Elaine Tarone
Thursday, August 11, 2016
3:30-4:30 p.m.
University Int’l Center Room 101
You are invited to come have some cake and goodies with Elaine Tarone on her second-to-last day in the CARLA office. While we had a great time celebrating her illustrious career at a formal retirement party back in April, Elaine continued her work as CARLA director throughout the summer and even taught a CARLA summer institute. This informal event offers another opportunity to share your good wishes with Elaine as she heads off to the wonderful world of retirement!
See pictures from Elaine’s retirement party on the CARLA photo archive page.
Welcome Open House for Kate Paesani
Thursday, September 1, 2016
3:00-4:30 p.m.
University Int’l Center Room 101
CARLA and the Language Center invite you to meet and welcome CARLA’s incoming director Kate Paesani. While Kate’s primary position will be in CARLA, she will also work 25%-time to support CLA language programs. Join us for some cake and lemonade/coffee to welcome Kate to the U at this informal open house.
Kate Paesani comes to the University of Minnesota from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, where she was an associate professor and director of basic French courses. Dr. Paesani earned her Ph.D. in French linguistics from Indiana University. Her research focuses on literacy-based curriculum and instruction and foreign language teacher development. We are thrilled to have her join our team!
Learn more about Kate on her new CARLA staff page.
We invite our colleagues in the language education community to two open house events in celebration of these important passages.
Farewell Open House for Elaine Tarone
Thursday, August 11, 2016
3:30-4:30 p.m.
University Int’l Center Room 101
You are invited to come have some cake and goodies with Elaine Tarone on her second-to-last day in the CARLA office. While we had a great time celebrating her illustrious career at a formal retirement party back in April, Elaine continued her work as CARLA director throughout the summer and even taught a CARLA summer institute. This informal event offers another opportunity to share your good wishes with Elaine as she heads off to the wonderful world of retirement!
See pictures from Elaine’s retirement party on the CARLA photo archive page.
Welcome Open House for Kate Paesani
Thursday, September 1, 2016
3:00-4:30 p.m.
University Int’l Center Room 101
CARLA and the Language Center invite you to meet and welcome CARLA’s incoming director Kate Paesani. While Kate’s primary position will be in CARLA, she will also work 25%-time to support CLA language programs. Join us for some cake and lemonade/coffee to welcome Kate to the U at this informal open house.
Kate Paesani comes to the University of Minnesota from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, where she was an associate professor and director of basic French courses. Dr. Paesani earned her Ph.D. in French linguistics from Indiana University. Her research focuses on literacy-based curriculum and instruction and foreign language teacher development. We are thrilled to have her join our team!
Learn more about Kate on her new CARLA staff page.
Monday, June 13, 2016
Congratulations Diane Rackowski!
This week, the University of Minnesota will honor Civil Service and Labor Represented employees from all campuses celebrating milestone work anniversaries, between 20 and 50 years. Honorees include Technical Coordinator, Diane Rackowski, who is celebrating 20+ years at the Language Center!
Much has changed since 1995, when Diane – who had already installed the department’s two Sony Language Labs and an extension to the intercom system while working for what was then known as University Media Resources - was hired as a Senior Electronics Technician. The Language Center was located in Folwell Hall, and the department’s technology consisted mostly of monitors and VCRs on carts, VHS camcorders and cassette tape recorders. Today, Diane is responsible for a wide range of technology at the Language Center, from computer classrooms, classroom video recording systems, digital audio recorders, and the Language Center website. One thing has not changed: Diane remains an excellent technology resource and the go-to person for instructors and staff looking to realize their innovative technology ideas.
Diane will be honored on Thursday, June 16, 2016 with a reception at Eastcliff. Please join the Language Center in congratulating Diane and thanking her for all she has accomplished on behalf of language instructors and students.
Much has changed since 1995, when Diane – who had already installed the department’s two Sony Language Labs and an extension to the intercom system while working for what was then known as University Media Resources - was hired as a Senior Electronics Technician. The Language Center was located in Folwell Hall, and the department’s technology consisted mostly of monitors and VCRs on carts, VHS camcorders and cassette tape recorders. Today, Diane is responsible for a wide range of technology at the Language Center, from computer classrooms, classroom video recording systems, digital audio recorders, and the Language Center website. One thing has not changed: Diane remains an excellent technology resource and the go-to person for instructors and staff looking to realize their innovative technology ideas.
Diane will be honored on Thursday, June 16, 2016 with a reception at Eastcliff. Please join the Language Center in congratulating Diane and thanking her for all she has accomplished on behalf of language instructors and students.
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Welcome Sanaz Jabbari to TandemPlus
TandemPlus is happy to welcome Sanaz Jabbari as the new TandemPlus Assistant. She takes over from outgoing TandemPlus Assistant Salma Bile, who has graduated and will attend nursing school.
Sanaz immigrated from Iran to the United States about eight years ago with the dream of furthering her education. She started at Normandale Community College, then transferred to the University of Minnesota to pursue a bachelor’s degree in biology. Her long term goals are to apply to and complete chiropractic school and open her own clinic.
Sanaz says, “I am a big foodie and love many types of foods, namely sushi. I also love the outdoors and nature as well as all types of animals.” We are delighted to have her on our team! You can reach her at tandem@umn.edu.
Registration for the summer TandemPlus program will begin on June 13, 2016.
Sanaz immigrated from Iran to the United States about eight years ago with the dream of furthering her education. She started at Normandale Community College, then transferred to the University of Minnesota to pursue a bachelor’s degree in biology. Her long term goals are to apply to and complete chiropractic school and open her own clinic.
Sanaz says, “I am a big foodie and love many types of foods, namely sushi. I also love the outdoors and nature as well as all types of animals.” We are delighted to have her on our team! You can reach her at tandem@umn.edu.
Registration for the summer TandemPlus program will begin on June 13, 2016.
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
New CARLA Director
We are excited to welcome Kate Paesani as director of the Center for Advanced Research and Language Acquisition and affiliate Associate Professor in the College of Liberal Arts. She will join us in the fall semester with a split appointment between CARLA (75%) and the CLA Language Center (25%). The Language Center component will involve her working directly with CLA language instructors to provide leadership and support to research and curriculum development initiatives.
Kate comes to CARLA and the University of Minnesota from Wayne State University, where she was Associate Professor and Director of Basic French Courses. Her research focuses on literacy-based curriculum and instruction and foreign language teacher development, couched within the frameworks of multiliteracies pedagogy and sociocultural theory. She has published on applications of multiliteracies pedagogy in collegiate foreign language programs, integrated language and literature instruction, foreign language program articulation, teacher conceptual development, and high-leverage teaching practices. She has also served as President of the American Association of University Supervisors and Coordinators (AAUSC), and is a 2016 recipient of Wayne State University’s Board of Governors Faculty Recognition Award for her co-authored book, A Multiliteracies Framework for Collegiate Foreign Language Teaching.
Kate's first day at the University will be August 29, 2016. We look forward to working with her in the new academic year!
Kate comes to CARLA and the University of Minnesota from Wayne State University, where she was Associate Professor and Director of Basic French Courses. Her research focuses on literacy-based curriculum and instruction and foreign language teacher development, couched within the frameworks of multiliteracies pedagogy and sociocultural theory. She has published on applications of multiliteracies pedagogy in collegiate foreign language programs, integrated language and literature instruction, foreign language program articulation, teacher conceptual development, and high-leverage teaching practices. She has also served as President of the American Association of University Supervisors and Coordinators (AAUSC), and is a 2016 recipient of Wayne State University’s Board of Governors Faculty Recognition Award for her co-authored book, A Multiliteracies Framework for Collegiate Foreign Language Teaching.
Kate's first day at the University will be August 29, 2016. We look forward to working with her in the new academic year!
Monday, May 9, 2016
Language Center Graduate Staff Graduations
The Language Center has been fortunate to work with Beth Dillard, Rachel Sherman Johnson and Fang (Andie) Wang for several years. These three graduate students have held multiple positions and worked on multiple projects. Andie brought expertise in traditional and non-traditional assessment, Rachel, expertise with statistics and learning abroad, and Beth, expertise with professional development and project management. They all brought a collaborative spirit, and a willingness take on new challenges. Whenever a need arose, they were always among the first we would contact, just hoping they might be available for a new project. Fortunately, they often said yes!
Please offer your congratulations to the following graduates!
Beth Dillard, PACE Communications Coordinator, will defend her dissertation this summer. She looked at instructor learning in inquiry groups, with a special focus on how “lesson study” might be modified for the needs of language instructors in higher education. In Fall 2016 she heads out to the West Coast as Assistant Professor of Second Language Acquisition in the College of Education at Western Washington University. As a language teacher educator, she will be working with graduate and undergraduate K-12 education students, preparing them to work with linguistically and culturally diverse students.
Rachel Sherman Johnson, former Assistant Coordinator and current PACE Project Researcher, is graduating this spring with a PhD in Comparative and International Development Education. She defended her dissertation, "Creative Minds Abroad: How Design Students Make Meaning of Their International Education Experiences" on April 27. She plans to pursue a career in higher education administration.
Fang (Andie) Wang, former Intercultural Competence Specialist and LPE Developer, will defend her dissertation on Chinese international graduate students' cross-cultural experiences of learning to teach using the theoretical framework of teacher identity in summer for the PhD program in Second Languages Education in the Dept. of Curriculum and Instruction. Afterwards, she will start her assistant professor (non-tenure track) position in the Department of East Asian Studies at Colby College, Maine. She will be teaching Chinese language courses and foreign language education courses in the department.
Please offer your congratulations to the following graduates!
Beth Dillard, PACE Communications Coordinator, will defend her dissertation this summer. She looked at instructor learning in inquiry groups, with a special focus on how “lesson study” might be modified for the needs of language instructors in higher education. In Fall 2016 she heads out to the West Coast as Assistant Professor of Second Language Acquisition in the College of Education at Western Washington University. As a language teacher educator, she will be working with graduate and undergraduate K-12 education students, preparing them to work with linguistically and culturally diverse students.
Rachel Sherman Johnson, former Assistant Coordinator and current PACE Project Researcher, is graduating this spring with a PhD in Comparative and International Development Education. She defended her dissertation, "Creative Minds Abroad: How Design Students Make Meaning of Their International Education Experiences" on April 27. She plans to pursue a career in higher education administration.
Fang (Andie) Wang, former Intercultural Competence Specialist and LPE Developer, will defend her dissertation on Chinese international graduate students' cross-cultural experiences of learning to teach using the theoretical framework of teacher identity in summer for the PhD program in Second Languages Education in the Dept. of Curriculum and Instruction. Afterwards, she will start her assistant professor (non-tenure track) position in the Department of East Asian Studies at Colby College, Maine. She will be teaching Chinese language courses and foreign language education courses in the department.
Monday, May 2, 2016
Congratulations 2016 SELP Honorees!
Did you know that the Language Center employs approximately twice as many undergraduate student staff as continuing non-student staff? Our undergraduate student staff provide primary assistance to students and instructors in public areas like the Main Office and Multimedia Lab, and provide Classroom Support for our four classrooms. In addition, undergraduate students play a vital role on the following teams: Dev Studio, TandemPlus, Technical Support, Testing and Instructional and more. The Language Center could not run without our dedicated and skilled undergraduate team members.
The Student Employee Leadership Program (SELP) provides an opportunity to recognize student employees who go above and beyond expectations in their work at the university through the annual SELPie awards for Outstanding Student Employees and graduates of the SELP program. Award winners will be honored May 2, 2016 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in McNamara Alumni Center.
The 2016 winners from the Language Center are:
The Student Employee Leadership Program (SELP) provides an opportunity to recognize student employees who go above and beyond expectations in their work at the university through the annual SELPie awards for Outstanding Student Employees and graduates of the SELP program. Award winners will be honored May 2, 2016 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in McNamara Alumni Center.
The 2016 winners from the Language Center are:
- Salma Bile: Outstanding Student Employee Award
- Keerthana Shankar: Outstanding Student Employee Award
- Anna Sisombat: Outstanding Student Employee Award
- Hunter Slack: Outstanding Student Employee Award
Language Center Undergraduate Staff Graduations
After this spring semester, five long-term Language Center undergraduate employees will complete their undergraduate programs. All of them held unique positions in our department and made valuable contributions to language education at the University of Minnesota. Please join us in congratulating the following graduates, and wishing them the best in their future endeavors!
Dimitra Andreadaki, Main Office Assistant, is graduating with a BA in Biology, Society, and the Environment with a minor in Public Health. She is currently working as a nursing assistant and will be starting a year of service with the Minnesota College Health Corps working to increase healthcare access to low-income students in the Alternative Learning Center in Rochester. Afterwards she will apply to graduate school in physician assistant studies.
Salma Bile, TandemPlus Assistant and previous Multimedia Lab Lead Student, is graduating with a degree in Biology. After graduation she will pursue a master’s degree in Nursing at the University of DePaul. After graduate school, she hopes to work abroad as a nurse to help spread health literacy and work as an advocate for the rights of children and women around the world.
Keerthana Shankar, Classroom Support Assistant, is graduating with a degree in Asian Languages and Literature with a focus in Korean. Her plan for after graduation is to find employment at Sejong Academy or a Pet Hotel and then apply for Teach For America next year. Her other goal is to create comics that has plots related to social justice and make an impact in people's lives.
Hunter Slack, Main Office and Moodle Course Assistant, will be graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Business, majoring in Marketing and minoring in Design. While the short term has yet to be decided, his long term career goals are to be working in brand management for exciting consumer brands.
Shoua Thao, Main Office Assistant, will graduate with a Bachelors of Individualized Studies Degree in Mass Communication, Political Science, and Interdisciplinary Design Minor. She is currently finding more opportunities to advance in her marketing and design skills with more internship experience, or FT job in any business marketing department. After a few years of working, she plans to attend graduate school once she narrows down her interests. Her long-term goal is to achieve a position in a PR or advertising agency, working specifically in the creative services department, and possibly become a creative director one day. As for now, she needs a break from school.
Dimitra Andreadaki, Main Office Assistant, is graduating with a BA in Biology, Society, and the Environment with a minor in Public Health. She is currently working as a nursing assistant and will be starting a year of service with the Minnesota College Health Corps working to increase healthcare access to low-income students in the Alternative Learning Center in Rochester. Afterwards she will apply to graduate school in physician assistant studies.
Salma Bile, TandemPlus Assistant and previous Multimedia Lab Lead Student, is graduating with a degree in Biology. After graduation she will pursue a master’s degree in Nursing at the University of DePaul. After graduate school, she hopes to work abroad as a nurse to help spread health literacy and work as an advocate for the rights of children and women around the world.
Keerthana Shankar, Classroom Support Assistant, is graduating with a degree in Asian Languages and Literature with a focus in Korean. Her plan for after graduation is to find employment at Sejong Academy or a Pet Hotel and then apply for Teach For America next year. Her other goal is to create comics that has plots related to social justice and make an impact in people's lives.
Hunter Slack, Main Office and Moodle Course Assistant, will be graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Business, majoring in Marketing and minoring in Design. While the short term has yet to be decided, his long term career goals are to be working in brand management for exciting consumer brands.
Shoua Thao, Main Office Assistant, will graduate with a Bachelors of Individualized Studies Degree in Mass Communication, Political Science, and Interdisciplinary Design Minor. She is currently finding more opportunities to advance in her marketing and design skills with more internship experience, or FT job in any business marketing department. After a few years of working, she plans to attend graduate school once she narrows down her interests. Her long-term goal is to achieve a position in a PR or advertising agency, working specifically in the creative services department, and possibly become a creative director one day. As for now, she needs a break from school.
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
New LC Professional Development & Classroom Support Specialist
Please welcome Adolfo Carrillo Cabello as the new Language Center Professional Development and Classroom Support Specialist. A native of Mexico, Adolfo holds a Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics and Technology from Iowa State University. Adolfo has extensive experience teaching languages in different formats (e.g., hybrid, online) at all proficiency levels and has developed and taught courses in translation, linguistics, and Spanish. His professional experiences include developing, integrating, and investigating multimedia materials for language teaching, learning, and assessment. His research interests include intercultural communicative competence, computer assisted language learning and teaching, and curriculum and program assessment. Adolfo has presented his research at regional, national and international conferences such as ACTFL, MLA, CALICO, TESOL, and AAAL. He looks forward to sharing his experience with faculty and staff at the university and collaborating in multiple projects.
Monday, January 4, 2016
Welcome Jonathan Prestrud, New Office and Communications Specialist
The Language Center is pleased to announce that Jonathan Prestrud, the interim Classroom Support Coordinator has been hired in a new 100% position as the Office and Communications Specialist. He will work with the PACE team to document professional development and sustainability activity, and will also assist with the management of the Main Office.
Jonathan has worked in many positions at the Language Center since he started in 2013 as an undergraduate: Classroom Support, TandemPlus, the Multimedia Lab, Testing and more. He has studied languages for many years, earned a B.A. in Linguistics, German and History from the University of Minnesota, and has also a TEFL certification. Already having worked alongside the majority of the LC staff, Jonathan is excited to bring his experience to this new role.
Jonathan has worked in many positions at the Language Center since he started in 2013 as an undergraduate: Classroom Support, TandemPlus, the Multimedia Lab, Testing and more. He has studied languages for many years, earned a B.A. in Linguistics, German and History from the University of Minnesota, and has also a TEFL certification. Already having worked alongside the majority of the LC staff, Jonathan is excited to bring his experience to this new role.
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Getting to Know the Multimedia Lab and Development Studio Staff, Fall 2015
Who are the students working in the Multimedia Lab and the Development Studio this semester? Here are some short bios of new and returning staff!
Bryce Heller
Dathan Cook
David Hagberg
Hodan Jama
Ibsitue Kadir
Hey everyone! My name is Ibsitue Kadir, and I am working in both the main office as well as the lab a few days a week. I am currently a senior hoping to graduate this spring. I am studying family social science, and I hope to be an elementary school teacher. I was born in Las Vegas, but my family currently lives in Saint Paul. I love to volunteer, especially when it's with children. This is my first semester here in the Language Center.
Emma Hage
Hallå! My name is Emma, and I'm a sophomore studying linguistics. This is my second year working at the Language Center; I also work as a writing consultant in Nicholson and keep busy as an editor for the U of M's literary magazine, Ivory Tower. My perfect day involves a curling up with my four cats and a good piece of nonfiction. I also love learning languages and eating French toast.
Multimedia Lab
Bryce Heller
My name is Bryce, and I am from St. Louis Park Minnesota. I am a sophomore in Civil Engineering. This is my second semester working as a lab attendant. I enjoy working with computers, playing games, and programming.
Dathan Cook
Hello. My name is Dathan Cook. I'm from Eagan, Minnesota and currently commute from there everyday. I'm a junior in the process of changing my major from Computer Science to Ecology, Environment, and Behavior with two minors in both Environment Policy and Conservation Biology. I hope to become a field ecologist working primary with larger cats, but all animals are fascinating to me and getting the chance to work with them everyday is the ultimate goal. Aside from animals I'm also interested in a large variety of things ranging from MMA to HGTV—it's a guilty pleasure—and I've been more open to trying and experiencing new things. This will be my third year working as a lab attendant.
David Hagberg
I'm David Hagberg—you can call me either Dave or David. I'm a Sociology senior who is graduating this fall, unless I decide to take on another degree. I started working for the lab during the summer term. I'm a massive soccer fan—so much so that I even went to live in Madrid for a semester under the guise of study abroad just to watch a lot of Real Madrid, my favorite team, games. (I know there are a few Barça fans around, but I think if even the Spanish national team can get along we should be able to as well.) I also really like cooking and watch food network in most of my free time.
Hello, my name is Hodan Jama, and I am senior here at the U studying Nutrition. This is my second year in the Multimedia Lab as a lab attendant. I have lived in three different countries, and I currently reside in Burnsville, MN. I love watching true crime shows that usually come on Investigation Discovery. I have two brothers, and I plan to work as a Nutrition Consultant in the near future.
Development Studio
Hallå! My name is Emma, and I'm a sophomore studying linguistics. This is my second year working at the Language Center; I also work as a writing consultant in Nicholson and keep busy as an editor for the U of M's literary magazine, Ivory Tower. My perfect day involves a curling up with my four cats and a good piece of nonfiction. I also love learning languages and eating French toast.
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Getting the Know the Classroom Support Staff, Fall 2015
Who are the students working in Classroom Support this fall? Here are some short bios of new and returning staff!
Alli Shaw
Hello! My name is Alli and this is my 4th year here at the Language Center. I am a senior majoring in Psychology and will go on to master in Occupational Therapy. I studied Spanish for several years and am currently in my final semester of learning American Sign Language. I was abroad in Argentina for a semester but I am excited to be back working CS. In my free time I enjoy playing soccer, piano, going camping, and anything that includes the outdoors!
Anna Sisombat
Sabaidee! My name is Anna, and I’m from Marshall, MN. This is my fourth year of college but second year here at the U and at the Language Center. I’m currently a French major, and I had the opportunity to travel to France for three and a half weeks with my previous college. I speak English, Laotian, and French. In my free time, I play video games, disc golf, eat delicious food, and take road trips to visit family members! À bientôt!
Chris Michaels
Hello! My name is Chris Michaels, and I am from Monticello, MN. I’m a senior majoring in journalism, and I have been studying Japanese for about four years now. Most of my free time is spent watching or playing sports and hanging out with friends.
Keerthana Shankar
Hello, there! My name is Keerthana Shankar and I am in my fifth year majoring in Asian Language and Literature with a focus in Korean. I was born in Saudi Arabia to two Indian parents, so I am technically still considered Indian. My native tongue is called Tamil, a South Indian language. In my free time, I am usually drawing or watching youtubers play video/PC games. I am on the board of the Minnesota International Student Association (MISA) and am really passionate about benefitting the international student population. I would love to see you at our events!
Lauren Otto
Maxine Kobinski
Mohamed Abulyusr
Hey, my name is Mohamed and I’m a junior studying Economics, Mathematics, and Business Management. I’m from Orange County, California. I speak Arabic fluently. I can also keep a decent conversation in both French and German. I do a lot of things in my free time such as: swimming, playing soccer, watching TV shows, video games, and going out with friends. I love working here, and I think that everybody is awesome!
Shoua Thao
Nyob zoo! Hi, my name is Shoua Thao and I am a senior this year at the University of Minnesota pursuing a Bachelors of Individualized Studies in Mass Communication, Political Science, and Design minor. As you might have guessed, I am a native Hmong-speaker, and I learned two years of Korean during my first two years here at the UMN. In my free time, I love to play flag football and volleyball and hang out with friends.
Taylor Miller
안녕하세요! My name is Taylor and I’m a Minnesotan, born and raised. I’m a junior at the U majoring in Youth Studies with a minor in Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL). I’m hoping to teach in South Korea one day, and I’m learning Korean to prepare for that. I also know a little Spanish and went to Costa Rica with my high school class in 2011. In my free time I enjoy watching movies, drinking bubble tea, and playing board games.
Alli ShawHello! My name is Alli and this is my 4th year here at the Language Center. I am a senior majoring in Psychology and will go on to master in Occupational Therapy. I studied Spanish for several years and am currently in my final semester of learning American Sign Language. I was abroad in Argentina for a semester but I am excited to be back working CS. In my free time I enjoy playing soccer, piano, going camping, and anything that includes the outdoors!
Anna Sisombat
Sabaidee! My name is Anna, and I’m from Marshall, MN. This is my fourth year of college but second year here at the U and at the Language Center. I’m currently a French major, and I had the opportunity to travel to France for three and a half weeks with my previous college. I speak English, Laotian, and French. In my free time, I play video games, disc golf, eat delicious food, and take road trips to visit family members! À bientôt!
Chris MichaelsHello! My name is Chris Michaels, and I am from Monticello, MN. I’m a senior majoring in journalism, and I have been studying Japanese for about four years now. Most of my free time is spent watching or playing sports and hanging out with friends.
Keerthana ShankarHello, there! My name is Keerthana Shankar and I am in my fifth year majoring in Asian Language and Literature with a focus in Korean. I was born in Saudi Arabia to two Indian parents, so I am technically still considered Indian. My native tongue is called Tamil, a South Indian language. In my free time, I am usually drawing or watching youtubers play video/PC games. I am on the board of the Minnesota International Student Association (MISA) and am really passionate about benefitting the international student population. I would love to see you at our events!
Lauren Otto
Hello! My name is Lauren, and I am a sophomore here at the U studying English and Journalism. This is my second year in Classroom Support at the Language Center. I am interested in travel writing, blogging, international news, and nonprofit work. I enjoy reading, writing, adventures, food, and being outside.
Maxine Kobinski
Hello! My name is Maxine and I am currently finishing out my last semester here at the university. I have worked in the Language Center in some way, shape, or form for about three years now. I am a German and Linguistics double major with a TESL minor, and I hope to go to grad school in the future to take courses in becoming a speech-language pathologist (AKA speech therapist). I like kayaking, reading, and going on travel adventures!
Mohamed Abulyusr
Hey, my name is Mohamed and I’m a junior studying Economics, Mathematics, and Business Management. I’m from Orange County, California. I speak Arabic fluently. I can also keep a decent conversation in both French and German. I do a lot of things in my free time such as: swimming, playing soccer, watching TV shows, video games, and going out with friends. I love working here, and I think that everybody is awesome!
Shoua ThaoNyob zoo! Hi, my name is Shoua Thao and I am a senior this year at the University of Minnesota pursuing a Bachelors of Individualized Studies in Mass Communication, Political Science, and Design minor. As you might have guessed, I am a native Hmong-speaker, and I learned two years of Korean during my first two years here at the UMN. In my free time, I love to play flag football and volleyball and hang out with friends.
Taylor Miller안녕하세요! My name is Taylor and I’m a Minnesotan, born and raised. I’m a junior at the U majoring in Youth Studies with a minor in Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL). I’m hoping to teach in South Korea one day, and I’m learning Korean to prepare for that. I also know a little Spanish and went to Costa Rica with my high school class in 2011. In my free time I enjoy watching movies, drinking bubble tea, and playing board games.
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