93576 - Workshop on Italian Teaching Methodology (C)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the workshop, the student:

is able to apply the topics covered in the integrated course within a simulated learning environment;

is able to critically reflect in groups on the proposed themes.

Course contents

Italian as a second language (L2), working at school with non-Italian-speaking children at the time of their arrival in Italy and their integration in classes: implications for the basic learning of Italiana s beginners.

The workshop aims to provide useful guidance and tools for teachers when welcoming and integrating ‘foreign’ children in the early stages of learning Italian as a second or non-native language.

Topics addressed during the workshop will include: basic interpersonal communication in Italian L2, enhancement of the children's heritage languages through storytelling, reading, and play; the plurilingual classroom context as a resource for learning; and an overview of relevant legislation.

The workshop-based approach allows for the experimentation of teaching strategies for second language acquisition through case studies, design of playful activities, and simulations of managing oral communication, all tailored to the initial skills of newly enrolled children in preschool and primary school.

Readings/Bibliography

Bibliographic references will be provided during the workshop.

Teaching methods

Each session of the workshop will be divided into two parts: each includes a brief introduction to the topic, giving a "work outline" to be followed during group works, then leading to the production of a project, to be presented by each group in a plenary session. The workshop facilitator will conclude with a summary and reference to the relevant theoretical framework.

The organization scheduled under tight deadlines, within each session, helps participants systematize timing useful for their future roles as schoolteachers.

The use of digital devices in the classroom / BYOD (bring your own device) is encouraged during group works.

Assessment methods

The final assessment of students will consider:

participation and cooperation during the sessions,

ability to present content clearly and in an articulate manner,

capacity for reflection (relevance of content, depth and breadth of concepts and connections) demonstrated in an individual report (max. 2 pages) analyzing links between the workshop contents, the reference legislation, and the groups’ work assigned by the facilitator.

The final evaluation will consist of one of the following four grades:

+1 (excellent)

0 (good)

-1 (sufficient)

fail (the workshop must be taken again).

Teaching tools

Teaching resources related to Italian L2 activities, multimedia presentations, online and offline digital resources and texts, including visual and audiovisual materials (links to web resources on current legislation, open-source / free downloadable teaching materials).

Office hours

See the website of Stefania Malavolta