CCERBAL logo, and OLBI logo, Vasiliki Spiliotopoulos

Abstract

This presentation shares research findings that reveal the challenges and opportunities of implementing a language and content integrated approach at the institutional level in a Canadian anglophone university with increasing numbers of multilingual students (i.e. international, recent immigrant, or exchange students). In addition to gathering insights from language faculty on implementing such an approach, the study focuses on issues, questions, and professional learning opportunities perceived by content faculty in supporting multilingual students across the disciplines. Qualitative data were gathered through interviews and professional learning focus group meetings with faculty members in the fields of Education, Engineering, Business, and Health Sciences who had engaged in a variety of collaborative activities in support of students’ discipline-specific academic language and literacy development: The end goal was to facilitate an institutional change management process by engaging faculty members across these disciplines to re-examine ‘drop-in’ and ‘adjunct weak’ models of language support, and to rethink their teaching practices given increased internationalization and diversity in higher education.

Dr. Valia Spiliotopoulos

Dr. Valia Spiliotopoulos

Assistant Professor at the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute at the University

Dr. Valia Spiliotopoulos' research focuses on content and language integrated approaches in English and French as a second language education and teacher education. She has also published research related to academic writing, intercultural education, faculty development, and language learning with technology.  She currently teaches in the university’s English Immersion program and the graduate program in Bilingualism Studies. Valia also has over 15 years’ experience leading initiatives in support of both English and French language and literacy education at the university level, as well as assessment of learning for accreditation, and technology-based education.

Accessibility
If you require accommodation, please contact the event host as soon as possible.
Date and time
Apr 27, 2022
12 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.
Format and location
Virtual
Language
English, French
Audience
Researchers, Professors, Graduate students