Second Workshop on the Teaching of Writing in the for Foreign Language Classroom with Guest Facilitator Dr. Heather Willis Allen
Second Workshop on the Teaching of Writing in the for Foreign Language Classroom with Guest Facilitator Dr. Heather Willis Allen
May 13, 2025, 10 am-3 pm, UVA Language Commons
How is gen AI transforming how we teach writing in a foreign language class? How can shifting the focus toward nurturing creative expression in addition to linguistic accuracy enhance the value and effectiveness of writing as a practice in foreign language classrooms?
In today's world, creativity is increasingly seen as an educational imperative, an essential 21st century skill, and a key for addressing societal problems. However, despite its recognized value, education and creativity do not always align. Studies show that Second language (L2) education, traditionally focuses on linguistic skills and literary-cultural knowledge and struggles to foster creativity (Levine, 2020). This extends to L2 writing instruction and assessment, which traditionally has prioritized linguistic accuracy over creative expression.
This workshop advocates for rethinking creativity's role in L2 writing, especially in light of current discussions as to whether generative artificial intelligence (gen AI) will render traditional language study obsolete (Kern, 2024). The workshop will explore a Design perspective on language learning (Kalantzis et al., 2016; Warner, 2024; Zapata, 2022), which balances convention and invention. The morning session will address questions about creativity and its role in L2 writing. The afternoon session will focus on implementing creativity-oriented L2 writing instruction, including the use of gen AI. Participants will have the opportunity to reflect on how they teach writing in a foreign language. They will also share experiences and plan next steps for integrating creativity into their courses.
This event will be offered on May 13, 2025, from 10 am to 3 pm at UVA in Charlottesville (Language Commons). The workshop is open to instructors of foreign language at all levels, including college-level instructors, graduate students, and K-12 teachers. There is no cost to participate. Lunch and snacks will be provided. Four K-12 teachers will receive a $200.00 stipend and certificates of completion for professional development hours.
Applications will be accepted through Friday April 11. *Please note that the workshop will be limited to 20 participants. *Participants will be informed of their acceptance by Wednesday April 30. Contact Esther Poveda Moreno (mpy8k@virginia.edu) and Elizabeth B. Hall (ebh3f@virginia.edu) with questions.