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September 8, 2011

ULM Foreign Language faculty offer in-service to local teachers

At the request of foreign language teachers throughout Ouachita Parish, and with the encouragement of Robertine Hammonds, foreign language supervisor for Ouachita Parish Schools, the University of Louisiana at Monroe Department of Foreign Languages offered a special in-service experience for teachers on Aug. 12.

Dr. Ruth E. Smith, head of the ULM Department of Foreign Languages explained, "Our department considers part of its mission the opportunity to work with area teachers wherever possible to share ideas and improve the teaching of language at all levels."

Teachers from Ouachita Parish High School, Sterlington High School, West Monroe High School, and West Ouachita Parish High School attended presentations by Smith and Dr. Chris Michaelides, associate professor of foreign languages at ULM.

Michaelides demonstrated how to develop and expand on cultural presentations by using symbolic cultural representations to help students understand the characteristics of the civilization that they are studying.

Smith discussed theories on helping students begin to create with the language.

West Monroe French teacher Sarah Young, who serves as regional representative of the Louisiana Foreign Language Teachers Association, presented information on the LFLTA and the opportunities that it offers for grants and scholarships.

The teachers themselves spent the last part of the morning sharing ideas and activities that they use in their classrooms.

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