Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg’s visit to China has made for a few headlines this week, including this one from the Washington Post. In front of an attentive audience, he began a live interview with 30 minutes in Mandarin. Students at the university he was visiting seemed to enjoy his efforts. Going public with a new language … Continue reading
Cheryl Lynn Duckworth’s new book, 9/11 and Collective Memory in US Classrooms: Teaching About Terror, explores language and peace perspectives in US public school curriculum and instructional approaches to teaching students about the history of the September 11, 2001 attacks. Read an excerpt from the book on her blog here.
Mennonite Central Committee has put out a resource for teachers for Canada’s Remembrance Day. Materials could be adapted to other contexts as well. Download for free at http://resources.mennonitechurch.ca/ResourceView/43/17298.
Here’s an interesting article on how being bilingual helps the brain to develop into a “more powerful, flexible brain.” A little motivation for language learning at any age!
Even if it’s not Norwegian you’re learning, many language learners could relate to this writer’s experience… Continue reading
This critique of whole class instruction poses some helpful questions and suggestions for language and peace educators. Continue reading
John Paul Lederach’s Reconcile: Conflict Transformation for Ordinary Christians is now available. Much of this is also relevant for language and peace educators. Check it out!
In Mennonite Central Committee’s summer newsletter, contributors write about their experience with peace education, or education that “transforms.” Lynn Longenecker, Education Coordinator for MCC, explains this type of education: “Much effort has been made to improve access to quality education. However, to make a truly positive difference education must not only be high quality, but … Continue reading
Maurice Elias, a professor of psychology, posted some helpful tips for activities to kick off the semester at Helping students start the year with a positive mindset. Would you try any of these in your language classes?
Dawa Tarchin Phillips, a research specialist at the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at University of California, writes about The Art of Conversation. While everyone can participate in a conversation, practising being “mindful” – or conversing with increased intention and attention – can enhance our quality of communication and relationships, which are goals of … Continue reading