Session Information
May 8, 2024
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. EDT
Bilingual
CASLT Event Description
CASLT FSL Research Exchange
Welcome to the next installment of the CASLT FSL Research Exchange – an engaging virtual platform dedicated to pushing our thinking related to key areas in French as a Second Language (FSL) research. Building on the rich discussion and engagement in our exchanges to date, we will continue exploring the pivotal challenges facing FSL educators.
Our fourth event in the series promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of the relational dynamics within FSL education.
Join us as we navigate Gap #4: Teaching as an Individual vs. Relational Process from our recently published report, Identifying Requirements and Gaps in French as a Second Language (FSL) Teacher Education: Recommendations and Guidelines.
Forging Connections: Balancing Individual and Collaborative Practices in FSL Education
Featured Presenter: Dr. Sarah Mercer (Professor and Department Head, University of Graz)
In this session, Dr. Sarah Mercer will join us as we explore the individual and relational aspects of FSL teaching. Leveraging her expertise in teacher psychology, pre-service teacher identity development, socio-emotional intelligence, and well-being, Sarah will delve into the complexities of this issue, offering fresh perspectives on the challenges and opportunities arising from attempts to balance individualized teaching approaches with the need for collaborative, relational practices in FSL education. Sarah will also highlight key questions for researchers, aiming to inspire new insights and innovative solutions for addressing this challenge in FSL education.
Research Exchange Agenda
Welcome and Introductions
A warm welcome and introductions will help us set the tone for an enriching exchange of ideas.
Featured Presenter
Delve into this theme with a distinguished presenter who will share their insights and make connections to relevant research and experiences. Our goal is to push our thinking beyond the “usual” questions/issues linked to the theme. Our featured presenters bring significant wisdom and experience from extensive work in FSL/L+ education.
Guided Discussion: Opportunities for Collaboration and Building Bridges in Research
Following our opening discussion with Dr. Mercer, we invite attendees to engage in a vibrant conversation. We will explore guiding questions that encourage participants to share their thoughts, experiences, and ideas.
Why Attend?
Connect With Peers: Engage with fellow researchers who share your passion for FSL education and are dedicated to advancing the field in meaningful ways.
Inspiring Insights: Explore ways of shifting the conversation about FSL education in Canada beyond our usual thinking.
Interactive Dialogue: Participate in lively discussions, sharing your thoughts and learning from others.
Opportunities for Collaboration: Discover potential research partners and avenues for impactful projects.
Location
Zoom
Featured Presenter
Professor of Foreign Language Teaching, University of Graz
Sarah Mercer
Sarah Mercer is a professor of foreign language teaching at the University of Graz, Austria, where she is Head of English Language Teaching (ELT) methodology. Her research interests include all aspects of the psychology surrounding the foreign language learning experience. She is the author, co-author, and co-editor of several books in this area. Sarah has served as principal investigator on several funded research projects, has worked on the editorial board of various journals, and is co-editor of Multilingual Matters’ Psychology of Language Learning and Teaching book series. She is currently vice-president of the International Association for the Psychology of Language Learning (IAPLL) and an ambassador for the International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language (IATEFL).
Facilitators
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
STEPHANIE ARNOTT
Stephanie Arnott is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education, University of Ottawa. She is a core member of the Education and Languages Research Group (EducLang) and coordinator of the Second Language Education Cohort (cL2c). Her research focuses on student motivation, the knowledge base of L2 teachers and innovation in Canadian FSL education.
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
MEIKE WERNICKE
Meike Wernicke is Assistant Professor in the Department of Language and Literacy Education at the University of British Columbia. Her research in French-as-a-second-language teacher education has focused on teacher study abroad, teacher identity, and includes research interests in critical intercultural studies, multilingual language policy and pedagogy, and decolonizing approaches in language education.