Philadelphia Immersion Day 2014

About 35 participants, exhibitors, and presenters gathered at Chestnut Hill College on Saturday, March 1, 2014, for the annual immersion workshops.  Presenters spoke in French, Spanish, and German, and told of personal encounters with important historical events, such as the Resistance and the Holocaust, and pointed the way to useful techniques in world language pedagogy.  All enjoyed an international luncheon followed by a presentation from Barbara Mark of EMC on “Interactive ICulture.”  The day offered opportunities to speak and hear the target language, exchange ideas with colleagues, and socialize with friends.  Comments include:

• (I enjoyed) the personal stories of the Spanish presenters.
• The Spanish historical background taught me to approach history in a new perspective.
• The SMS workshop was a challenge, but I know my students would love to learn to text in French.
• (I enjoyed) learning about occupied France and how to bring that to the classroom.
• (I enjoyed) the introduction of various ways to teach and incorporate culture into instruction.
• I valued the opportunity to speak in the target language throughout the day.
• Excellent food!  Great presenters!