Teacher Programs

DePaul Arabic Startalk will offer two Arabic teacher-training programs during the Summer of 2009.  Methods of Teaching Arabic will run from June 22nd – July 3rd, followed by a second session on teaching Arabic with technology which will run from July 6th to the 17th.  Existing or prospective teachers in public schools, private schools, weekend schools organized by community organizations, colleges and universities, and individuals interested in Arabic language instruction are encouraged to apply for Methods of Teaching Arabic.  Only previous Startalk attendees will be considered for the technology course. 

DePaul Arabic Startalk covers all instructional expenses and provides general incentives to participants. In addition to providing the opportunity to participate in a high quality teacher-training program, participants will receive, upon successful completion of the program, a DePaul Certificate of Completion.  Applications are due on WEDNESDAY JUNE 10th at 5pm.

Methods of Teaching Arabic as a Second Language | Download Application

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  This course is specially designed for teachers and prospective teachers of Arabic by DePaul Modern Languages Arabic Program.  The content of the course is similar to topics covered by Modern Language Departments and The Schools of Education to prepare prospective teachers of modern languages to teach in K-16 public and private schools in the United States. The course will be taught in Arabic and will focus on methods relevant to teaching Arabic.

The purpose of the course is to develop the knowledge of current issues related to Arabic language and pedagogy; the ability to use this knowledge to develop lesson plans, instructional material, and evaluation tools; and acquire skills needed to deliver effective instruction.  Participants will receive information about the latest research in the field concerning teaching Modern languages with focus on teaching Arabic language and culture and the implication of this research on classroom instruction.  They will have the opportunity to examine the factors that impact learning a foreign language and develop and deliver standard-based instruction relevant to teaching Arabic language in the United States. 

PREREQUISITE:  Participants in the course are required to have proficiency in Arabic, minimum at the Low Advance Level.  They also need to be proficient in English.  In addition, they need to be Arabic teachers, had the experience as Arabic teachers, or interested in becoming Arabic K-16 teachers.

GOALS: The course provides a two-week intensive instruction in pedagogy-based content for teachers of Arabic language or individuals with high level of Arabic proficiency who are interested in becoming Arabic K-16 teachers. The goals of the course are:

• Become familiar with current issues related to learning and teaching Arabic in the United States and the population interested in learning Arabic.
• Integrate the Arabic K-12 National Standards, Illinois Arabic State Standards in teaching, material development, and assessment of Arabic language and culture.
• Develop skills in teaching all language skills/modes of communication.
• Select the appropriate methods to teach Arabic in various situations, settings, and programs.
• Use a variety of strategies and techniques to teach learning strategies, language skills, and cultural understanding to diverse audiences.
• Apply fundamental concepts in teaching and assessment of Arabic language and culture.
• Develop curriculum maps, unit plans, detailed lesson plans, assessment tools, and learning activities and micro-teach these lesson and activities.
• Create a personal professional development plan based on the Arabic Professional Standards.

Course Duration: Participating teachers will receive four hours of coursework per day, five days a week (for two weeks) with additional time spent on project-related activities. Course participants will be required to observation classes and deliver mini-lessons reflecting new skills learned throughout the course.

Fees:  Fees and course expenses are covered through a StarTalk grant received by DePaul University.  In addition to instruction, material, and textbooks, lunch will be provided.  All participants who successfully complete the course will receive CPDUs corresponding to the hour of their participation in the course, and small monitory allowance will also be provided upon successful completion of the project.

Technology Course | Download Application

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  This course is specially designed for teachers and prospective teachers of Arabic by DePaul Modern Languages Arabic Program. The purpose of the course is to teach prospective Arabic teachers to use technology in their teachings; utilize technology for better understanding; implement current approaches related to Arabic language and pedagogy; develop the ability to use this knowledge to develop lesson plans, instructional material, and evaluation tools using technology.  Participants will receive information about the latest research in the field concerning teaching Modern languages with focus on using different technologies. 

PREREQUISITE:  Participants in the course are required to have proficiency in Arabic, and English Language.  Participants are also are required to be familiar with using computers and the Internet. The participants should be K-16 Arabic teachers or interested in becoming Arabic K-16 teachers.

GOALS: The course provides one week intensive instruction in using technology to teach Arabic language and culture and the application of these skills as teaching techniques through the development of lesson plans and instructional material that incorporate the use of these technologies.  The course will be followed by a week of hybrid instruction and application of the skills learned to develop learning networks, collaborative resources, materials,  and assessment tools.  The goals of the course are:

• Review research, material, and resources related to using technology in teaching foreign language.
• Use technology for research, teaching, information sharing, test development incorporating the 5Cs.
• Develop skills to use the following tools in teaching Arabic language and culture:
• Select the appropriate technologies to teach Arabic in various situations, settings, and programs.

Course Duration: Participating teachers will receive four hours of coursework per day, five days a week for the first week.  The second week will be online class applying the learned technologies, skills, and strategies in developing teaching materials and resources.

Fees:  Fees and course expenses are covered through a StarTalk grant received by DePaul University.  In addition to instruction, material, and textbooks, lunch will be provided.  All participants who successfully complete the course will receive CPDUs corresponding to the hour of their participation in the course, and small monetary allowance will also be provided upon successful completion of the project.