Peer Language Learning Facilitators (PLFs)

Peer Language Learning Facilitators for Fall 2012

The Department of Modern Languages & Literatures is currently setting up a small cohort of motivated advanced (junior and senior) students in our Spanish, French and German programs who are interested in becoming teachers and who would take a 4-unit special studies (SPAN/FRE/GER 495) class on language learning and teaching under the supervision of Dr. Robert Train during Fall Semester 2012. This pilot program will provide a unique opportunity for advanced language learners and bilingual students at Sonoma State to study the basics of language learning and teaching while also engaging in practical work as peer facilitators for language learners enrolled in lower-division language courses. As peer language learning facilitators, you will work with small groups of language learners (generally 4-6 students) in a variety of activities centering on conversation and interaction in either Spanish, French or German in our Language & Culture Learning Center in Stevenson 1028, the only space on campus solely dedicated to the learning of languages-other-than-English. Times and days of the course will be arranged with the selected students. See below for more information on prerequisites and course requirements.

If you are interested, please send an email as soon as possible to Dr. Train (robert.train@sonoma.edu) to set up a short (10 minute) interview. Please indicate when you are available for an interview.

Prerequisites:
Students will be chosen to participate in this special studies course by interview and/or recommendation based on:
1) their demonstrated native or advanced competence in spoken and written Spanish, French or German;
2) advanced standing (junior or senior having taken at least 3 courses at 300-level, or equivalent);
3) academic achievement (GPA courses in 300-level courses and above in the language); and
4) interest in teaching.

Course requirements:
--Students enrolled in SPAN/FRE/GER 495 (4 units) will be assigned as Peer Language Learning Facilitators to one of the lower division language classes at SSU (101, 102, 201, 202) and will meet with small conversation/activity groups (4-6 students) from one of those classes for 2 to 3 hours each week in the Language and Culture Learning Center (STEV 1028).
--Students enrolled in SPAN/FRE/GER 495 will have a 1 hour session with Dr. Train each week during which time they will go over assigned readings related to some relevant aspect of language learning and teaching. Topics will include basic theoretical and practical notions of language teaching and learning related to Second Language Acquisition; small group interaction, focused themes on technology and learning; the use of written texts in conversation groups; valuing diversity and variability in language-culture, and serving the needs of heritage language learners. The students with Dr. Train will develop and practice the activities that they will be engaged in with their students during that week. 
-- Students enrolled in SPAN/FRE/GER 495 will work with the lower-division course instructors and Dr. Train to make sure that the activities enhance the regular classroom instruction and curriculum. When possible, the peer facilitators will observe a portion of the assigned class (i.e., 101, 102, 201 or 202). Students in 495 will facilitate and assess the progress of the learners, as well as keep records of their students’ attendance.
--During finals week, each student will give a short summative presentation to the professor and the other 495 students, as well as turn in a 5-page reflective paper (in Spanish, French or English) on what they have learned.
--Course must be taken for a letter grade.