Making Languages Memorable: Classroom activities to improve students’ memory

For many students studying a foreign language, learning the vocabulary and grammar they need to communicate can be a challenge.  Yet research in linguistics has shown that a critical mass of vocabulary is necessary for development in grammar, and that lexical development precedes grammatical development.  How can we make use of the research to support the students in our classes?

This workshop will provide a brief overview of how memory works, and participants will explore activities and techniques that improve memory.  They will look at curriculum planning strategies which help to reactivate prior knowledge, and the merits of learning by heart in the age of Google.  In addition, they will explore practical ways they can use technology to improve their students’ vocabulary and grammar retention.

This is a hands-on workshop, and participants will work with Rowena to enhance some of their existing classroom activities and practices.  They will come away with a host of new ideas to use with their students.

Rowena Bata has been a Languages teacher for 25 years and she has worked at schools in Victoria as well as in France, Papua New Guinea and Malaysia. She has held various positions of leadership and has taught students of all ages, from Prep to adult. Rowena holds a Master’s degree in Linguistics and she is a Microsoft Innovative Educator Trainer. She is interested in bridging the gap between second language acquisition theory and what happens in a classroom, and she has a particular focus on the role that technology can play in the language learning process. Rowena has a wealth of experience that she brings to her presentations and her workshops are always practical and full of ideas for teachers to take away and use in their class immediately.

Inspirational Speakers –  the knowledge gained will be so beneficial in my classrooms

Just a big Thank you for giving us the opportunity to attend the Critical Agenda Workshop yesterday.  David presented a great program, lots of handy strategies and he was very engaging and supportive. Highly recommended.  I was very happy we did not have to do any Role play’s.

Passionate &  Authentic Speakers – Meaningful Strategies

Loved the honesty in the sharing of information and strategies

“It is the first P.L. in a long long time that I haven’t been checking in with my watch.”

The best P.D. I have attended in living memory!” I loved every minute of this engaging, interesting and informative PD. And I have been teaching for 40+ years!

Keep up the fantastic PD opportunities! Very  professional and well-researched workshops and conferences.

I love the fantastic variety of workshops and conferences on offer. Always look forward to Critical Agendas PD’s.

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