A Virtual Immersion Experience in Nashville, TN Elena Olazagasti-Segovia Vanderbilt University...
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A Virtual Immersion Experience in Nashville, TN Elena Olazagasti-Segovia Vanderbilt University Center for Teaching - 14 November 2011
A Virtual Immersion Experience in Nashville, TN Elena Olazagasti-Segovia Vanderbilt University Center for Teaching - 14 November 2011 A Virtual Immersion
A Virtual Immersion Experience in Nashville, TN Elena
Olazagasti-Segovia Vanderbilt University Center for Teaching - 14
November 2011 A Virtual Immersion Experience in Nashville, TN Elena
Olazagasti-Segovia Vanderbilt University Center for Teaching - 14
November 2011
Slide 2
Rationale Teaching/learning styles can and must be enhanced and
updated whenever possible Experiential learning results in a more
personal, deeper, and long-lasting knowledge People learn a foreign
language to speak with native- speakers
Slide 3
Matching resources and needs VU students need to practice their
language skills Community partners need bilingual services
Slide 4
How did I get started? Faculty Seminar (Corporation for
National and Community Service) 2000 Re-designed an existing course
Spanish 202 every semester since 2001 Designed 2 new courses
Spanish 243 every Spring since 2002 Spanish 294 Spring 2008
Slide 5
Spanish for Oral Communication (202) SLA; intermediate level;
majors/minors Goals Achieve advanced oral proficiency Improve
listening comprehension Increase cultural awareness Movies, tv
news, web-based assignments Oral evaluations, research paper
Slide 6
Service-Learning Component 20 hours (2 hours every week)
Critical reflection activities 2 roundtables Research paper Exit
interview Reflection paper
Slide 7
Latino/a Immigration Experience (243) Content-based course,
advanced level Elective course: literature track 4 immigrant
experiences: Mexican-American, Puerto Rican, Cuban-American,
Dominican- American Literary readings, movies, and documentaries 2
exams, 2 research papers, journal, reflection paper
Slide 8
Service-Learning Component 20 hours (2 hours every week)
Critical reflection activities 3 roundtables Detailed journal 2
research papers Reflection paper
Slide 9
General Guidelines Students know during pre-registration [YES]
Welcome/Warning e-mail Organizational meeting Task-oriented
students = challenging, relevant, and meaningful tasks
Slide 10
Community Needs Education Tutoring ELL classes Mentoring
Cultural exchange Translation and interpretation
Slide 11
Community Partners -Education Pencil Foundation Nashville Adult
Literacy Council Conexin Amricas The Bridge & Rosetta Stone (at
St. Edwards) Hermanitas Project S.H.A.R.E. (Haywood Elementary
School) Caring for Children (DCS) Hispanic Salvation Army
Slide 12
Community Partners (cont.) St. Lukes Community House ELL
Program Books from Birth Catholic Charities (ELL & Plaza
Comunitaria) Croft Middle School McMurray Middle School Overton
High School Glencliff High School
Slide 13
Community Partners - Translation/Interpretation Siloam Family
Health Center St. Thomas Clinic VU Midwifery Clinic VU Childrens
Hospital (Clinic; Developmental Screening) Catholic Charities
Correctional Work Center Nashville Pro Bono Program Caring for
Children
Slide 14
Community Partners (cont.) The YWCA (at the shelter) Room in
the Inn The Campus for Human Development Woodbine Community
Center
Slide 15
Challenges Logistics = transportation Safety Driving to and
from the sites Location Academic issues = integrating the service
into the class Relevant and meaningful tasks Time to make
connections = the hyphen in service-learning (J. Eyler)
Slide 16
Securing placements = relevant and meaningful tasks Site
coordinator Achievement scores Referrals from teachers Requests
from parents Interview prospective tutees Survey locations Call the
parents Parents and tutors meeting Expect to be on call 24/7!!
Slide 17
Outcomes - VU students Class participation (quantity and
quality) Self-awareness of the process of SLA Application of
communication strategies to negotiate meaning Real sink or swim
immersion experience Cultural learning (William Tierney: the
development of, and engagement in dialogues of support and
understanding across differences)
Slide 18
Outcomes Personal growth: confidence and self-esteem; sense of
co-accountability; problem-solving skills; bonding with fellow
classmates Career-changing experience Study-abroad options
Slide 19
Outcomes - Partners Academic level: grades and attitude
long-term goals social behavior Non-academic level: new braces;
glasses visit to an audiologist set up computer equipment cultural
exchange (VU games ~ quinceaera)
More comments - 202 Eye-opening, useful and rewarding
Gratifying, unique, impactful Engaging, thought-provoking,
challenging/ uncomfortable (in a good way, stretching the limits of
your comfort zone in Spanish)
