Empowered Pedagogy: Fostering Innovation to strengthen language learning communities (NeMLA 2027)
Newport, RI
Organization: NeMLA
Event: NeMLA 2027
What are the main avenues of innovation in language learning communities of 2027? How do we as language pedagogues lean in on culture and interculturality as a source of strength and empowerment in our programs, in order to collaborate with all stakeholders and foster innovation in our language programs? In the embattled environment that is the American university of 2026-2027, and particularly for the language and humanities programs fighting for enrollments and their own survival, how do we empower ourselves and our students in the language classroom, encouraging active engagement in extracurricular activities, and bringing cultural knowledge to bear in community-based outreach and programs? In what ways does interculturality take on new meaning in today’s world, in the language classroom, and in academia? This roundtable will explore innovation and empowerment in the language classroom and in language learning communities, where culture is the key to empowerment and innovation. We will reflect on new ways for creating community, creating spaces of innovation, and connecting the classroom to the larger world outside the classroom and to the university through culture and collective action. We welcome presentations that showcase novel pedagogical ideas, lived experiences, and creative practices in language teaching and cultural engagement.
Alexis Finet & Candace Skorupa