Language for Peace Forum
Featured Resources
Speaking the Language of our Hearts
Cara Ediger’s poem Heart Language speaks to the richness of language in our lives, particularly our spiritual selves and identity. How does this reflect your language learning experience?
Teach for Peace: Dangerous Memories and Teaching 9/11
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.
Remembrance Day Resource for Teachers
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.
How to Pretend to be Fluent in Norwegian
Even if it’s not Norwegian you’re learning, many language learners could relate to this writer’s experience… Continue reading
Speaking to the Whole Class
This critique of whole class instruction poses some helpful questions and suggestions for language and peace educators. Continue reading
“Reconcile” by John Paul Lederach
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!
Attention to language essential for “Education for transformation”
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
Creating a Positive Mindset
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?
Tips for Mindful Conversation
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
Learning Empathetic Listening
In the article Three Ways Leaders Can Listen with More Empathy, John Coleman writes the impact of empathetic listening on leadership. In most societies, listening with empathy has to be learned and practice. Learning a new language is an opportunity to acquire communication skills such as empathetic listening and enhance learners’ leadership abilities. Thus article … Continue reading
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