[HERITAGE-LIST] Course offering: University of Victoria (BC) -- immersion language teaching for aboriginal languages

[Scott G. McGINNIS]

The Aboriginal Language Revitalization program, a partnership between the University of Victoria and the En’owkin centre in Penticton is proud to announce the following 6-day learning opportunity. 
 
Methods for Immersion Language Teaching and Learning 
LING 187: Special Topics in Aboriginal Language Revitalization, 1.5 Units
Dates: March 3 – 8, 2008
Location: En’owkin Centre, Penticton, BC

Immersion formats create highly effective environments in which endangered aboriginal languages can be taught and learned. This six-day intensive course for language teachers and others involved in language preservation and revitalization work, provides an introduction to immersion teaching and learning principles and techniques, and explores three practical immersion methods in order to create a foundation for practical applications in a variety of situations and programs. 

Topics include the nature of full immersion in real world learning, and modifications required for delivery within structured delivery environment. Three immersion models will be discussed by resource people involved in their development and delivery:

· elementary school immersion model utilizing total physical response (TPR) methods 

· a modified adult classroom immersion model, utilizing associative/cognitive method 

· a small group Master/Apprentice model in which fluent speakers converse with apprentices through full immersion 

Instructor
Jeannette Armstrong, Doctor of Letters HC; University of St. Thomas; BFA, University of Victoria; Fine Arts Diploma, Okanagan UC; Executive Director of the En’owkin Program; and Academic Advisor to the Certificate Program in Aboriginal Language Revitalization.  Jeannette is a PhD candidate, University of Greifswald, Interdisciplinary Studies, Indigenous Literature and Environmental Ethics. She is also part-time with the faculty of Indigenous Studies at UBCO.

Jeannette is an Okanagan Indian who was born on the Penticton Indian Reserve in British Columbia. She is the grandniece of Hum-Ishu-Ma (Mourning Dove, 1888-1936), considered the first Native American woman novelist. Armstrong is a writer, teacher, artist, sculptor, and activist.

She speaks both Okanagan and English and received a traditional education from Okanagan elders and her family and has raised her own two children on the Penticton Indian reserve. 

Please go to our website http://www.uvcs.uvic.ca/calr/ for more information on this course or the Aboriginal Language Revitalization Certificate Program. To register in this learning opportunity please visit http://www.uvcs.uvic.ca/forms/crm/calr-reg.aspx 

Fees: $449.10 plus a $60 program and materials fee.

Please register by Feb. 4, 2008 (late registrations are accepted depending on availability)