FAQs
- What is Language in Motion?
- How does LiM benefit the Salem community?
- How do I arrange for a presenter to visit my classroom?
- What if I still have questions?
1. What is Language in Motion?
Language in Motion (LiM) aims to enrich Salem-Keizer K-12 classrooms through presentations and lessons on other countries, cultures and languages. The program involves Willamette University's international and returned study abroad students. Whenever possible, the volunteers will work in pairs to create lessons on culture and language and present them to youth in the public schools. Pairs are usually made up of students with experience from the same country, language or culture and ideally include one international student and one student returned from study abroad.
LiM and Teachers
The power of LiM comes from the creativity and shared goals of the presenter and the teacher team. Together you define the lesson's content and objectives for your classroom.
An LiM presentation in your class can revitalize and re-energize your classroom. We encourage presenters to use multiple teaching strategies like visual aids and props, hands-on activities, and interactive discussion. The variety of learning techniques brings the LiM experience to life for the students.
LiM is important because it increases students' interest in studying languages and cultures. LiM presentations open minds and expand global thinking. International awareness eases cross-cultural communication and helps students to understand and appreciate differences.
Sample Presentations
- Chinese and Western Feminism for a Girls Writing course
- French culture and language for a French class
- African culture and history for an African Literature unit
- Moroccan history, geography and cuisine in a History class
- Estonian myths for a Legend and Storytelling unit
- Japanese character writing and calligraphy for an Art class
2. How does LiM benefit the Salem community?
This program is a very special opportunity, not only for those working and studying at Willamette University, but also for the Salem community. Living in and experiencing a different culture gives you first-hand understanding of that location and its people. Using LiM as an opportunity to expose the students in your classroom to linguistic and cultural differences help to cultivate respect for people of all different backgrounds. We encourage you to invite our students to share their knowledge and experiences with your students.
3. How do I arrange for a presenter to visit my classroom?
Send us details regarding the place, time, date, grade level, class subject and topics that you would like to cover. You can email Nomi Pearce at npearce@willamette.edu for more information and to coordinate presentations.
[back to top]4. What if I still have questions?
If you have more questions or concerns, please contact the coordinator Nomi Pearce at npearce@willamette.edu or call (503) 370-6566.
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