REFLECTIONS world language teachers’ workshop to attract South Carolina teachers to USC Upstate
February 12, 2018
The University of South Carolina Upstate is proud to present the REFLECTIONS: World Language Teachers’ Workshop on Monday, Feb. 19, 2018. The workshop will be held from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. in the Sansbury Campus Life Center Ballroom.
The workshop, “Ready? Set, Goal! Strategies for Developing Proficiency in the Classroom,” will mark the 20th anniversary of Reflections.
“Throughout these 20 years we have witnessed the transformation of instructional approaches and techniques that have been effective in helping students reach our targeted learning outcomes – language learner proficiency in all four skills at different levels, in addition to a growing appreciation for intercultural skills,” said Dr. June Carter, professor of Spanish and the founder of the Reflections workshop.
Led by facilitator Dr. Karen Tharrington, the workshop will focus on what it means to be proficient. Participants will learn how to connect language assessment with learning, as well as what to focus on with language learners to help them move out of the novice or intermediate level. The workshop will offer practical applications that will help instructors to motivate students to take risk, while also focusing on what proficiencies that students may already possess. Teachers will also have an opportunity to explore what instruction and practice need to be emphasized in the interpersonal, interpretive and presentational modes of communications.
A Cincinnati native, Tharrington has lived in North Carolina since attending North Carolina State University as an undergraduate. She received her master’s degree in Spanish language and literature from N.C. State and later a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction, where she conducted research on the value of Professional Learning Networks on Twitter for Pre-Service Teacher Candidates. She is a Foreign Language Undergraduate Methods Instructor at North Carolina State University, and oversees the Foreign Language Education Program. She is past-president of FLANC (Foreign Language Association of North Carolina), a recipient of a DELTA grant (Distance Education and Learning Technology Applications), FLANC Teacher of the Year for Higher Education, and recipient of Bright Ideas K-12 Grant for International Project (K-12). Her research interests include Foreign Language teacher preparation, support, and retention.
A continental breakfast and lunch are included with the $55 registration fee. Please register and review the workshop schedule at www.uscupstate.edu/reflections
About USC Upstate
The University of South Carolina Upstate is a regional, comprehensive university that offers more than 40 bachelor’s degree programs in the liberal arts and sciences, business administration, nursing, and teacher education, and master’s degrees in education, informatics, and nursing. These degrees help students to transition easily to careers in the Upstate region. USC Upstate is committed to fulfilling regional and state workforce needs and thus the university is a major engine of social and economic development. Comprised of a diverse and dynamic community of approximately 6,000 students from 26 states and 17 countries, USC Upstate is a wonderful blend of traditional and nontraditional students who reflect the Upstate’s rich international character. USC Upstate offers a balance of strengths that, when added up, results in a learning experience that is hard to match. The academic programs are accredited and highly ranked, with amazing research and internship opportunities for students. USC Upstate has its main campus in Spartanburg, the George Dean Johnson, Jr. College of Business and Economics and the UPSTATE Gallery on Main in downtown Spartanburg, a location in Greenville, and a growing number of programs online. The USC Upstate Spartans, which fields 17 varsity sports, compete on the NCAA Division I level as a member of the Atlantic Sun Conference. Nearly 30,000 alumni have earned degrees from USC Upstate and approximately 85 percent choose to remain in the Upstate region to build their lives and careers, making a significant impact of the region’s economy and quality of life. Learn more at www.uscupstate.edu.
