Session Descriptions

The American Higher Education System

Darlene Hampton (Academic Advisor, College of First Year Studies)

The American higher education system is diverse and decentralized, and American colleges and universities vary considerably in mission, structure, size, and demographics. In this session, Dr. Anggara will explain the differences between several types of college and universities and the populations that they serve. He will also provide an overview of the most common grading systems, academic calendars, and institutional structures.

Articulating Course Goals, Successful Teaching Strategies, Alignment of Assignments and Examinations to Goals / Course Planning, Interactive Planning, Course Syllabus and Grading

Kristi Rudenga (Assistant Director of Graduate Student Programs, Kaneb Center for Teaching & Learning)

This workshop aims to help Fulbright TA’s think about how to create meaningful learning experiences for their students. It provides TA’s with a variety of concrete strategies for the first day of class and beyond. TA’s leave with strategies for increasing student engagement in courses, giving meaningful feedback, and grading efficiently. It also introduces high-level concepts such as backward course design and writing syllabi. Participants began the process of developing their own course plans, activities, and syllabi.

Conflict Resolution: Dealing with your Supervisor, Students, Colleagues in a New Environment

Kim Patton (Human Resources Consultant, Office of Human Resources)

Conflict is inevitable. There are many causes for conflict and many ways to respond, but what is the best approach for successful resolution? In the session, “Conflict Resolution: Dealing with your Supervisor, Students, Colleagues in a New Environment” we’ll discuss different kinds of conflict, identify specific tactics to consider when faced with discourse and explore cultural differences and communication tactics as it pertains to conflict.

Communicative Teaching & Successful Language Teaching Methods

Brian Ó Conchubhair (Director, Center for the Study of Languages & Cultures)

This session introduces FLTAs to the philosophy of language learning – what does it mean to ‘learn’ a language? Behaviorism, Cognitivism, Constructivism/Interactionism, Communicative Language Learning. The session will familiarize those with no background in education and/or language teaching with the main schools of thought and major theories of how best to approach language instruction.

Communicative Teaching & Successful Language Teaching Methods II

Lisa Oglesbee (English for Academic Purposes, Center for the Study of Languages & Cultures)

The second part in this two-session series focuses on applying communicative language teaching techniques to the second language classroom. Teacher roles, lesson planning, and guidance on how to teach grammar, vocabulary, listening strategies, pronunciation, and writing skills are covered.

Discrimination and Harassment on Campus and in the Workplace

Amber Monroe (Student Title IX Services Manager, Division of Student Affairs) and Christine Caron Gebhardt (Director, Gender Relations Center)

The University of Notre Dame strives to foster an inclusive campus environment that embraces the talents and achievements of all individuals regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, age or genetic information. Institutional Equity is committed to promoting an equitable educational and work environment that is free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. This session will review laws and policies related to fostering an environment where all may flourish and feel safe. The session will also provide information on how to respond to complaints of harassment should attendees or the students they work with experience negative interactions in direct conflict with University values and policy.

Diversity in the US Classroom and on Campus

Pamela Nolan Young (Director of Academic Diversity and Inclusion, Office of the Provost)

“Diversity in the US Classroom and on Campus” highlights US classrooms’ commitment to the acceptance of all individuals, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation and disability. It will examine the different facets of diversity and how they add a richness to classes FLTAs will be teaching and the communities they will be joining.

Information session on Renting Accommodation, Policing and Sexual Assault

Emily Weaver (Senior Deputy Title IX Coordinator, Institutional Equity Staff)
Amber Monroe (Student Title IX Services Manager, Division of Student Affairs)
Judith Fox (Clinical Professor of Law, Notre Dame Law School)
Rob Martinez (Captain, Notre Dame Security Police)

General guidelines on how to find and secure housing as well as an overview of campus security. In particular, Captain Martinez discusses how to contact police and why they might try to make contact with you. He also covers general safety topics such as safety in numbers, being aware of your surroundings and keeping valuables locked up or with you at all times. We also discuss alcohol laws and sexual assault awareness.

Shopping, Tipping, and Banking in the USA

Denise Ayo (Associate Director of Undergraduate Programs, Keough School of Global Affairs)

This session focuses on financial matters in the USA. The presenter will discuss banking services, shopping options, and American tipping customs. In addition, many practical tips on saving and spending money wisely will be covered. Learn how to maximize your dollars and cents!

Technology in the Language Classroom

Chris Clark and Guieswende Rouamba (Assistant Director, Kaneb Center for Teaching & Learning and Educational Technologist, Center for the Study of Languages and Cultures)

This session consists of two parts: (1) an overview of the kinds of technology and tech support that an FLTA can expect to find on a US campus, and (2) a sampling of current strategies that use technology to enhance learning.

Testing, Grading, Teacher Evaluation Forms and Academic Integrity

Brian Ó Conchubhair (Director, Center for the Study of Languages & Cultures)

This session introduces FLTAs to various systems employed in American colleges and universities to grade and assess student academic performance in the classroom as well as the ethical and moral implications and dilemma involved. Topics covered include academic integrity, honor code, plagiarism, grading letters, grading on the curve, grade point averages, etc. Time will also be devoted to “Teacher Evaluation” and how FLTAs as instructors can bbe expectedto be assessed by their language students.