Upcoming Workshops

The LCTL and Indigenous Languages Partnership at Michigan State University is excited to offer a two-day, in-person workshop for teachers of less commonly taught languages (LCTLs). 

In this workshop, LCTL teachers will learn about the principles and benefits of task-based language teaching, and how it can enhance students’ communicative competence. Additionally, LCTL teachers will be introduced to generative AI tools, to be applied within the TBLT framework, that can help them quickly and easily create customized materials and lesson plans tailored to their specific language and proficiency levels. 

Participants will be able to:

1. Explain the principles and benefits of task-based language teaching (TBLT) for language instruction.
2. Utilize generative AI tools to design and develop customized TBLT materials and lessons.
3. Build a collaborative website using AI tools as a repository for sharing TBLT materials and resources.
4. Develop a plan for continued collaboration and expertise sharing among language teachers after the workshop.

• Where/when: The workshop will take place in person at Michigan State University on Monday, May 13 and Tuesday, May 14, 2024. 
• Who can apply: Instructors of LCTLs in the United States.
  • Preference will be given to first-time attendees and instructors in the Big Ten Academic Alliance. 
  • Graduate students who teach a LCTL may apply, but must address their plans to continue teaching their language in their application materials.
• Cost: Workshop costs are generously covered by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Attendees are allocated up to $700 reimbursement of travel and lodging expenses (but depending on overall costs of all attendees, the grant may be able to reimburse more travel/lodging costs). Details will be sent to attendees on policies and procedures about this.
  • There will be an option to participate in a research project (survey and interviews) for an additional stipend.

Application

Applications are due by January 31, 2024, and selected applicants should anticipate receiving an email regarding their status by February 14th. (The application portal will open December 15, 2023.)