Spring 2023 webinars
March 10, 2023
5:30 - 7:00 pm EST
Webinar “Rehumanizing the Humanities: Ungrading in the Language Classroom”
Research has shown that grades are not always equitable. Grades can be harmful to student mental health, and often grades are not the best indicator of student learning. So then why do we grade? Can meaningful assessment be done without tying results to grades? Dr. Evgeny Dengub believes it can! In this presentation, Dengub will define ungrading philosophy which has at its core a desire to rehumanize language classes and put student learning at the center by decentering grades. He will discuss ungraded practices and assessment tools that have proven successful in his language classrooms. He will then discuss program-wide implications of the ungraded classroom.
During this webinar participants will: a) reflect upon their own grading and assessment practices; b) discover what ‘ungrading’ is and how it is implemented in an actual classroom/course; c) identify ungraded changes they can implement in their own class; d) learn how to change their syllabi to incorporate the upgrading approach.
Evgeny Dengub is a Professor (Teaching) of Russian and Director of the Basic Language Program in the Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures at the University of Southern California where he also directs the Center for Languages and Cultures. He is the co-author of three Russian language textbooks: Etazhi: 2nd year Russian Language and Culture (2021, Georgetown UP), Panorama: Intermediate Russian Language and Culture (2017, Georgetown UP), and Russian for Advanced Students (2013, Dunwoody Press). He has served as a director of the Institute for teachers of Russian at Middlebury College Russian School funded by the STARTALK grant. He has been recognized by awards for scholarship (AATSEEL, MLA)
and service (ACTR).
Please, register here.
April 7, 2023
5:30 - 7:00 pm EST
Webinar "Your Feedback is Very Important to Us! Feedback and Assessment in the Second Language Classroom"
Assessment is a topic of much scholarly debate with conference panels, colloquia and academic journals devoted to the subject matter. At the practical level – for every language department, curriculum team, and individual teachers and learners – assessment can also be a source of confusion and anxiety. This webinar will discuss how informative assessment practices and actionable feedback strategies may lead language learners towards reasonable improvement in language proficiency and self-efficacy. Based on the review of research literature, we will review types of assessments and effective feedback and workshop specific strategies of providing actionable, sustainable and timely feedback in various instructional contexts.
Olesya Kisselev is an assistant professor in the Department of Bicultural-Bilingual Studies, College of Education and Human Development at The University of Texas at San Antonio. Dr. Kisselev’s research expertise lies in the areas of Second and Heritage language acquisition, Second/Heritage language pedagogy, and teacher development. She has published and presented widely on these topics.
Dr. Kisselev has trained dozens of teachers of Russian as a Foreign/Heritage language through a program funded by the STARTALK grant. She continues to contribute to the field of teaching Russian; her most recent work include the textbook Родная Речь: An Introductory Course for Heritage Learners of Russian and a learning platform Digital Russian: Russian for Heritage Learners.
Please, register here.
5:30 - 7:00 pm EST
Webinar “Rehumanizing the Humanities: Ungrading in the Language Classroom”
Research has shown that grades are not always equitable. Grades can be harmful to student mental health, and often grades are not the best indicator of student learning. So then why do we grade? Can meaningful assessment be done without tying results to grades? Dr. Evgeny Dengub believes it can! In this presentation, Dengub will define ungrading philosophy which has at its core a desire to rehumanize language classes and put student learning at the center by decentering grades. He will discuss ungraded practices and assessment tools that have proven successful in his language classrooms. He will then discuss program-wide implications of the ungraded classroom.
During this webinar participants will: a) reflect upon their own grading and assessment practices; b) discover what ‘ungrading’ is and how it is implemented in an actual classroom/course; c) identify ungraded changes they can implement in their own class; d) learn how to change their syllabi to incorporate the upgrading approach.
Evgeny Dengub is a Professor (Teaching) of Russian and Director of the Basic Language Program in the Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures at the University of Southern California where he also directs the Center for Languages and Cultures. He is the co-author of three Russian language textbooks: Etazhi: 2nd year Russian Language and Culture (2021, Georgetown UP), Panorama: Intermediate Russian Language and Culture (2017, Georgetown UP), and Russian for Advanced Students (2013, Dunwoody Press). He has served as a director of the Institute for teachers of Russian at Middlebury College Russian School funded by the STARTALK grant. He has been recognized by awards for scholarship (AATSEEL, MLA)
and service (ACTR).
Please, register here.
April 7, 2023
5:30 - 7:00 pm EST
Webinar "Your Feedback is Very Important to Us! Feedback and Assessment in the Second Language Classroom"
Assessment is a topic of much scholarly debate with conference panels, colloquia and academic journals devoted to the subject matter. At the practical level – for every language department, curriculum team, and individual teachers and learners – assessment can also be a source of confusion and anxiety. This webinar will discuss how informative assessment practices and actionable feedback strategies may lead language learners towards reasonable improvement in language proficiency and self-efficacy. Based on the review of research literature, we will review types of assessments and effective feedback and workshop specific strategies of providing actionable, sustainable and timely feedback in various instructional contexts.
Olesya Kisselev is an assistant professor in the Department of Bicultural-Bilingual Studies, College of Education and Human Development at The University of Texas at San Antonio. Dr. Kisselev’s research expertise lies in the areas of Second and Heritage language acquisition, Second/Heritage language pedagogy, and teacher development. She has published and presented widely on these topics.
Dr. Kisselev has trained dozens of teachers of Russian as a Foreign/Heritage language through a program funded by the STARTALK grant. She continues to contribute to the field of teaching Russian; her most recent work include the textbook Родная Речь: An Introductory Course for Heritage Learners of Russian and a learning platform Digital Russian: Russian for Heritage Learners.
Please, register here.
Past webinars
February, 10: Meeting the Challenge of Teaching Second Languages to Students with Learning Disabilities
5:30 - 7:00 pm EST
This webinar will look at the cognitive components of second-language learning such as attention, memory and processing speed, that are likely to cause problems for students with learning disabilities. It includes simulations designed to give instructors insights and empathy for students’ challenges. The presenter will share recommendations for effective second language instruction based on research, literature review, and nearly 40 years of classroom practice developed in Landmark College’s successful Foreign Language programs.
Linda Hecker, M.Ed., Professor Emerita, was a founding faculty member of Landmark College, established in 1985 for students who learn differently, including those with learning disabilities, such as Attention Deficit Disorder, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. She served in multiple roles: directing tutorial and teacher training programs; teaching English, study skills, and music classes; and as an academic advisor and dean. She was appointed to the Landmark College Institute for Research and Training in 2001, where she led professional learning initiatives for educators around the world. Ms. Hecker is the author of numerous articles and book chapters, including work on multisensory learning and supportive technology. She received her B.A. from Brandeis University and her M. Ed from the University of Hartford.
Jan 13, 2023: Diverse Voices from the Field, part II
5:30 - 7:00 pm EST
In the first Teachers' Lounge of the spring semester 2023, we will continue hearing from colleagues with diverse backgrounds in our field. We will hear from Dr. Jose Vergara, Dr. David Parker, and Dr. Raquel Green as they explore the following questions:
5:30 - 7:00 pm EST
This webinar will look at the cognitive components of second-language learning such as attention, memory and processing speed, that are likely to cause problems for students with learning disabilities. It includes simulations designed to give instructors insights and empathy for students’ challenges. The presenter will share recommendations for effective second language instruction based on research, literature review, and nearly 40 years of classroom practice developed in Landmark College’s successful Foreign Language programs.
Linda Hecker, M.Ed., Professor Emerita, was a founding faculty member of Landmark College, established in 1985 for students who learn differently, including those with learning disabilities, such as Attention Deficit Disorder, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. She served in multiple roles: directing tutorial and teacher training programs; teaching English, study skills, and music classes; and as an academic advisor and dean. She was appointed to the Landmark College Institute for Research and Training in 2001, where she led professional learning initiatives for educators around the world. Ms. Hecker is the author of numerous articles and book chapters, including work on multisensory learning and supportive technology. She received her B.A. from Brandeis University and her M. Ed from the University of Hartford.
Jan 13, 2023: Diverse Voices from the Field, part II
5:30 - 7:00 pm EST
In the first Teachers' Lounge of the spring semester 2023, we will continue hearing from colleagues with diverse backgrounds in our field. We will hear from Dr. Jose Vergara, Dr. David Parker, and Dr. Raquel Green as they explore the following questions:
- How did your unique backgrounds and professional experiences impact your learning of the language?
- How did your backgrounds impact your own teaching practices?
- How can these experiences help everyone create more diverse and inclusive Russian language classrooms?
Join us for other webinars and teachers’ lounges this semester. All events are free and open to ACTR members (you can get or renew your membership here).
In the 2021-2022 academic year, ACTR partnered with the Robert F. Byrnes Russian and East European Institute, Indiana University, and the Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies, University of Pittsburgh to cover registration fees for non-members who are K-12 teachers for one webinar of their choice.
February 4, 2022, 5:00 - 6:00 pm EST: Follow-up teachers' lounge on the round table on Standards.
February 25, 2022, 5:00 - 6:30 pm EST: Webinar “Teaching Culture through Film” (by Olga Mesropova and Lynne deBenedette).
March 4, 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. EST: Follow-up teachers' lounge
March 25, 2022, 5:00 - 6:30 pm EST: Webinar "Project-Based Learning in Pre-college and College Russian Language Classroom"
April 1, 5:00 - 6:00 pm EST: Follow-up teachers' lounge
April 22, 2022, 5:00 - 6:30 pm EST: Webinar "Russian Outside of the Classroom: Community-Based Teaching"
In the 2021-2022 academic year, ACTR partnered with the Robert F. Byrnes Russian and East European Institute, Indiana University, and the Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies, University of Pittsburgh to cover registration fees for non-members who are K-12 teachers for one webinar of their choice.
February 4, 2022, 5:00 - 6:00 pm EST: Follow-up teachers' lounge on the round table on Standards.
February 25, 2022, 5:00 - 6:30 pm EST: Webinar “Teaching Culture through Film” (by Olga Mesropova and Lynne deBenedette).
March 4, 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. EST: Follow-up teachers' lounge
March 25, 2022, 5:00 - 6:30 pm EST: Webinar "Project-Based Learning in Pre-college and College Russian Language Classroom"
April 1, 5:00 - 6:00 pm EST: Follow-up teachers' lounge
April 22, 2022, 5:00 - 6:30 pm EST: Webinar "Russian Outside of the Classroom: Community-Based Teaching"
Webinar series organizers
Irina Dubinina, Brandeis U, idubinin at brandeis.edu
Olga Klimova, University of Pittsburgh, vok1 at pitt.edu
Please contact organizers with questions or suggestions for topics. If you are interested in leading a webinar for ACTR, please let us know.
Irina Dubinina, Brandeis U, idubinin at brandeis.edu
Olga Klimova, University of Pittsburgh, vok1 at pitt.edu
Please contact organizers with questions or suggestions for topics. If you are interested in leading a webinar for ACTR, please let us know.
Past Webinars
ACTR webinars led by leading scholars and teachers of Russian present a unique opportunity for professional development.
Contact Evgeny Dengub (edengub@gmail.com) to get a recording of a webinar you are interested in (available for free to all active ACTR members).
Proficiency-Oriented Approach to Teaching Listening ComprehensionDecember 2021
Presenter: Olga Mukhortova, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Undergraduate Russian School, Russian Department, Defense Language Institute, Foreign Language Center, Monterey
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Gender-Inclusive Language and Practices for TeachingApril 2021
Presenters: Devin Browne (a teacher of Russian and French), Fredrikh Chernyshev (a trans/queer activist), and Alexander Pershai (a linguist and a DEI researcher)
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Building Intercultural Competence in a Russian Language ClassMarch 2021
Presenter Katya Nemtchinova (Seattle Pacific University)
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February 2021
by Olga Klimova and Izolda Savenkova
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ACTR National Conversations
Changes to the Pedagogy at the K-12 LevelJuly 2020
Panelists: Emily Matts Henry, Paavo Husen, Ken Petersen, Katerina Ratushnyuk,
John Rock, Betsy Sandstrom, Jane Shuffelton, Mara Sukholutskaya, Mark Trotter Moderator: Nataliya Ushakova |
ACTR National Conversations
Study Abroad and Flagship Programs and Intensive Summer Programs during COVID-19July 2020
Panelists: Karen Evans-Romaine, Graham Hettlinger, Jason Merrill,
Jeannette Owen, Nana Tsikhelashvili, Irina Walsh, Moderator: Evgeny Dengub |
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ACTR National Conversations
Changes to the Pedagogy at the Post-Secondary LevelJuly 2020
Panelists: William Comer, Lynne deBenedette, Cynthia Martin, Shannon Spasova, Kristen Welsh
Moderator: Irina Dubinina |
ACTR National Conversations
Inclusivity in the Language ClassroomJuly 2020
Panelists: Lindsay Ceballos, Thomas Garza, Lauren Nelson, Rachel Stauffer
Moderator: Colleen Lucey |
ACTR National Conversations
Co-Curricular Activities and Events; Building Communities of LearnersJuly 2020
Panelists: Evgeny Dengub, Kathleen Evans, Laura Marshall, Lee Roby, Iza Savenkova
Maria Shardakova Moderator: Irina Dubinina |
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Roundtable on Teaching Languages OnlineMarch 2020
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The Academic Job Market in Russian Language, Literature, and Culture: Preparation, Pitfalls, and PathwaysFebruary 2020
by Karen Evans-Romaine
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Unlocking Russian PronunciationSeptember 2019
by Kimberly DiMattia
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To Blend or Not to Blend: The Case for Hybrid CoursesApril 2019
by Shannon Donnally Spasova
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Oral History Projects in the Russian-Language Curriculumby Colleen Lucey and Benjamin Rifkin (March 2019)
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Синтаксис сложного предложения в практике РКИ (продвинутый уровень)by Anna Alsufieva (February 2019)
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Verbs of Motion: Keep it Simple and Meaningfulby Irina Six (December 2018)
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Online Resources for Russian Teachersby Evgeny Dengub (November 2018)
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Упражнения на практику устной речи: мемы, виммельбухи, кубики историйby Yulia Amlinskaya (October 2018)
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Лакуны в словарях и грамматиках русского языкаby Alexey Shmelev (March 2018)
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The Movement toward Transformation in Education: What It Offers Russian Language Teachersby Betty Lou Leaver (February 2018)
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Russian Flagship Practices: Intensive Language Learning for Students of All Majorsby Karen Evans-Romaine (January 2018)
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The Backwards Flip: Designing Russian Courses for Advanced Proficiencyby Thomas Garza (December 2017)
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Guided Subtitles in Teaching Russianby Richard Robin (November 2017)
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Обучение устной речи в условиях современного иноязычного образованияby Valentina Trufanova (May 2017)
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Guiding principles and practical strategies for teaching mixed classesby Maria Carreira (May 2017)
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Современный русский язык в интернете и других новых коммуникативных сферахby Максим Кронгауз (March 2017)
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Approaches to working with heritage learners: learning outcomes and ways to achieve themby Irina Dubinina and Alla Smyslova (March 2017)
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Heritage Language Curricular Development for Russian Heritage Speakers: Foundations and Rationaleby Olga Kagan (February 2017)
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Heritage Speakers of Russian: a Linguistic Portraitby Maria Polinsky (February 2017)
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High School to College Articulation: Building Proficiency and Structural Control at the Pre-College Levelby Lee Roby (January 2017)
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Moving from Intermediate to Advanced in Russianby Cynthia Martin (December 2016)
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Striking a Balance: Input, Vocabulary and Grammar in Teaching Russianby William Comer and Lynn deBenedette (November 2016)
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Contemporary Russian: What do We Teach Our Students?Watch the recording
by Елена Шмелева (March 2016)
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Proficiency-oriented and Standards-based Assessmentby Benjamin Rifkin (February 2016)
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