Experiencias Beginning Spanish - PROGRAM SAMPLER

viii About the Authors K ATHY BARTON, PhD It was a six grade trip to watch the Pittsburgh Pirates play baseball that would later spark my passion for the Spanish language, people and culture. Sitting in my bleacher seat I was dazzled by the performance of right fielder, Roberto Clemente and from that afternoon I carried the dream of meeting him one day. My passion for teaching became evident during choice of Spanish Education followed by an MA in Hispanic Literature at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) and a PhD in Spanish Applied Linguistics and Teaching Methodology from the University of Pittsburgh. My professional life had been the main focus of my years and, until my retirement, had revolved around 32 years as a faculty member in the Department of Foreign Languages at IUP teaching Spanish language courses, conversation, and methodology along with observing student teachers and supervising interns in Mexico and Costa Rica. I always considered the time well spent and so very worthwhile and fulfilling, knowing they would be bringing to fruition their years of study. In addition, two special experiences have brought me great professional fulfillment: the initiation and development of an after school Spanish program for the benefit of 2nd graders at a local elementary school and, the opportunity to work with the Experiencias team. Although I never had the opportunity tomeet Roberto Clemente and still, at times, mourn his untimely death, he would never know the impact his life, his God given talents and his humanitarian gifts have had on my life path. I have much to be thankful for and IUP, my students, my colleagues many travel experiences over the years have added much to my fulfillment in teaching and my happiness. I dedicate Experiencias to Morgan and Scarlett, both a constant source of joy in my life. May they grow to love and experience the Spanish language and culture as much as their grandmother. DI ANE CEO - DI FRANCESCO, PhD Writing Experiencias with the author team has been a wonderful way of tying together my many interests and experience: research, teaching, consulting, and globally engaged learning. With a PhD in Spanish Applied Linguistics and Teaching Methodology from the University of Pittsburgh, I ultimately landed in Cincinnati where I teach courses in Spanish language, linguistics, and world language pedagogy at Xavier University. I often work with undergraduate and graduate pre-service teachers, supervising fieldwork and student teaching, and as a consultant with K-12 world language teachers. Over the years, instructing Spanish to students at all levels and ages in a variety of contexts, I have found that teaching metacognitive learning strategies, integrating culture and facilitating authentic interaction are effective ways to engage students in successful communication. My research in applied linguistics and language pedagogy, and my experience serving as Faculty Directorof boththeCenter forTeachingExcellenceandtheEigel Center for Community-Engaged Learning at Xavier University have influenced the pedagogical underpinnings and the array of tasks, activities and learning strategies in Experiencias . My love for travel has taken me around the world, leading study abroad and immersion programs for students, faculty and staff to numerous Spanish-speaking countries. I also research and facilitate student interaction through virtual exchange. It is my hope that Experiencias inspires learners to explore, experience, and interact with different peoples, opening their minds to diverse ideas and perspectives. I dedicate Experiencias to my family. I deeply appreciate their patience and encouragement throughout the develop- ment of this project. I thank my supportive colleagues around the globe who continue to inspire me. To my students, for all the fun that we have had learning together. Thank you for help- ing me to grow as an educator.