2001 ii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would like to express my gratitude to Dr. Terry McCoy, my thesis commit... more 2001 ii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would like to express my gratitude to Dr. Terry McCoy, my thesis committee chair, for being a helpful mentor as I have became more and more involved with the study of business aspects in Brazil. I thank my other committee members, Dr. Ginway and Dr. Perrone, for their scholarly suggestions on the Brazilian cultural issues considered in my research. I also would like to thank the Center for Latin American Studies for its financial support in the form of the Tinker Grant I received in order to conduct my research in Brazil. I sincerely thank Peter Rodenbeck, a kind and helpful businessman in Brazil, whose efforts allowed me to set interviews with key professionals associated with franchising in Brazil. Finally, I thank the all the Brazilian executives that took the time to meet with me for my research.
The goal of this short-form article is to provide an overview of the opportunities and benefits f... more The goal of this short-form article is to provide an overview of the opportunities and benefits for faculty and students who are considering the implementation of Virtual Exchange (VE) learning experiences to globalize the curriculum and their classrooms The essay describes the benefits of students developing global competence, improving proficiency, and increasing their levels of digital literacy and fluency As consequences from the pandemic resulting from the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) have driven language courses to remote learning formats and as instructors become more comfortable with remote education technologies, it is the ideal time for instructors to explore new opportunities VE allows for interactions across borders, authentic learning, and native speaker connections in classrooms This essay compiles the growing number of resources to support faculty members in implementing VE and embarking on new and engaging classroom activities that will take them and their stu...
format for teacher training may be a viable solution. The model proposed here aims to deliver aut... more format for teacher training may be a viable solution. The model proposed here aims to deliver authentic learning experiences that provide teachers with the opportunity to acquire international content knowledge while experimenting with practical and pedagogically sound applications of Web 2.0 tools for teaching and collaboration. The model consists of two face-to-face meetings accompanied by pre and post online components. The analysis of teacher reactions to the blended workshop design and their implementation of acquired knowledge and technology tools for engaging student activities are presented in this paper. The results will be useful in the continued effort to design an optimal blended format for professional development.
International Journal of Innovation and Applied Studies, 2016
This exploratory study examines the effects of a short term study abroad on mid-career kindergart... more This exploratory study examines the effects of a short term study abroad on mid-career kindergarten through 12th grade (K-12) teachers. The group of U.S. teachers traveled to Belize to gain hands on knowledge about the sciences in an international context, which they have since been able to implement in their classes. This article argues for the value of short term study abroad in internationalizing curriculum. The authors describe the Belize program, its implementation and evaluation, and provide recommendations for future programs of a similar nature. Data collection included pre and post surveys, journals, observations, field notes, and a long term post-program survey. Evaluation was used to measure how the experience influenced professional and personal development, to describe any impacts in the K-12 classroom, and to improve future study abroad programs.
As world economies become more connected, it is increasingly important to prepare students with l... more As world economies become more connected, it is increasingly important to prepare students with language and cultural skills necessary to work on internationally diverse teams within the US or abroad. Since the use of language and culture for the workplace has not been a traditional focus in coursework, professional development for foreign language teachers must expand to include best practices, resources, and program models that develop globally competent citizens for twenty-first-century careers. This article describes the model created by the Florida Foreign Language Association (FFLA) and the Network of Business Language Educators (NOBLE) to infuse business language concepts, curriculum examples, and connections to local business leaders within an annual state conference. By sharing the design and implementation of this conference format, we hope to provide a professional development model that promotes the teaching and learning of language and culture skills with real-world bus...
Acquiring second language and intercultural skills tied to real-world contexts is key to personal... more Acquiring second language and intercultural skills tied to real-world contexts is key to personal and professional success for students in today’s globally connected society. This paper defines and details the benefits of integrating a current Languages for Specific Purposes (LSP) approach, which connects language learning and intercultural skills across disciplines, particularly professional schools, and prepares students for the 21st century workplace. Additionally, the paper provides an overview of the current state of LSP alongside specific resources such as a professional learning network that brings together K-20 educators interested in developing innovative curriculum for language learning that prepares students for a variety of career paths.
This exploratory study examines the effects of a short term study abroad on mid-career kindergart... more This exploratory study examines the effects of a short term study abroad on mid-career kindergarten through 12th grade (K-12) teachers. The group of U.S. teachers traveled to Belize to gain hands on knowledge about the sciences in an international context, which they have since been able to implement in their classes. This article argues for the value of short term study abroad in internationalizing curriculum. The authors describe the Belize program, its implementation and evaluation, and provide recommendations for future programs of a similar nature. Data collection included pre and post surveys, journals, observations, field notes, and a long term post-program survey. Evaluation was used to measure how the experience influenced professional and personal development, to describe any impacts in the K-12 classroom, and to improve future study abroad programs.
format for teacher training may be a viable solution. The model proposed here aims to deliver aut... more format for teacher training may be a viable solution. The model proposed here aims to deliver authentic learning experiences that provide teachers with the opportunity to acquire international content knowledge while experimenting with practical and pedagogically sound applications of Web 2.0 tools for teaching and collaboration. The model consists of two face-to-face meetings accompanied by pre and post online components. The analysis of teacher reactions to the blended workshop design and their implementation of acquired knowledge and technology tools for engaging student activities are presented in this paper. The results will be useful in the continued effort to design an optimal blended format for professional development.
Specialised Languages in the Global Village: A Multi-Perspective Approach
This chapter describes a professional development model for an online Community of Practice (CoP)... more This chapter describes a professional development model for an online Community of Practice (CoP) intended to encourage a flexible and cost-effective form of collaboration between liberal arts and professional school faculty through the use of emerging technologies. To date, forty foreign language, business, and technology instructors at the secondary and post-secondary level have joined from around the US and several other countries. It is hoped that faculty interaction will help business faculty see the value of foreign language skills and help foreign language faculty see the value of content-based language learning tied to the professional schools in order to move the field of business language forward. Research based guidelines and proposed models compiled from experts in the area of situated learning were used to design and implement a community of practice 'checklist' that served as a formative evaluation tool and resource during the design and development of the community. This paper explains the process of establishing this community of practice, the challenges it has faced, and recommendations for future steps in achieving and maintaining a dynamic and interdisciplinary learning environment.
2001 ii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would like to express my gratitude to Dr. Terry McCoy, my thesis commit... more 2001 ii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would like to express my gratitude to Dr. Terry McCoy, my thesis committee chair, for being a helpful mentor as I have became more and more involved with the study of business aspects in Brazil. I thank my other committee members, Dr. Ginway and Dr. Perrone, for their scholarly suggestions on the Brazilian cultural issues considered in my research. I also would like to thank the Center for Latin American Studies for its financial support in the form of the Tinker Grant I received in order to conduct my research in Brazil. I sincerely thank Peter Rodenbeck, a kind and helpful businessman in Brazil, whose efforts allowed me to set interviews with key professionals associated with franchising in Brazil. Finally, I thank the all the Brazilian executives that took the time to meet with me for my research.
The goal of this short-form article is to provide an overview of the opportunities and benefits f... more The goal of this short-form article is to provide an overview of the opportunities and benefits for faculty and students who are considering the implementation of Virtual Exchange (VE) learning experiences to globalize the curriculum and their classrooms The essay describes the benefits of students developing global competence, improving proficiency, and increasing their levels of digital literacy and fluency As consequences from the pandemic resulting from the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) have driven language courses to remote learning formats and as instructors become more comfortable with remote education technologies, it is the ideal time for instructors to explore new opportunities VE allows for interactions across borders, authentic learning, and native speaker connections in classrooms This essay compiles the growing number of resources to support faculty members in implementing VE and embarking on new and engaging classroom activities that will take them and their stu...
format for teacher training may be a viable solution. The model proposed here aims to deliver aut... more format for teacher training may be a viable solution. The model proposed here aims to deliver authentic learning experiences that provide teachers with the opportunity to acquire international content knowledge while experimenting with practical and pedagogically sound applications of Web 2.0 tools for teaching and collaboration. The model consists of two face-to-face meetings accompanied by pre and post online components. The analysis of teacher reactions to the blended workshop design and their implementation of acquired knowledge and technology tools for engaging student activities are presented in this paper. The results will be useful in the continued effort to design an optimal blended format for professional development.
International Journal of Innovation and Applied Studies, 2016
This exploratory study examines the effects of a short term study abroad on mid-career kindergart... more This exploratory study examines the effects of a short term study abroad on mid-career kindergarten through 12th grade (K-12) teachers. The group of U.S. teachers traveled to Belize to gain hands on knowledge about the sciences in an international context, which they have since been able to implement in their classes. This article argues for the value of short term study abroad in internationalizing curriculum. The authors describe the Belize program, its implementation and evaluation, and provide recommendations for future programs of a similar nature. Data collection included pre and post surveys, journals, observations, field notes, and a long term post-program survey. Evaluation was used to measure how the experience influenced professional and personal development, to describe any impacts in the K-12 classroom, and to improve future study abroad programs.
As world economies become more connected, it is increasingly important to prepare students with l... more As world economies become more connected, it is increasingly important to prepare students with language and cultural skills necessary to work on internationally diverse teams within the US or abroad. Since the use of language and culture for the workplace has not been a traditional focus in coursework, professional development for foreign language teachers must expand to include best practices, resources, and program models that develop globally competent citizens for twenty-first-century careers. This article describes the model created by the Florida Foreign Language Association (FFLA) and the Network of Business Language Educators (NOBLE) to infuse business language concepts, curriculum examples, and connections to local business leaders within an annual state conference. By sharing the design and implementation of this conference format, we hope to provide a professional development model that promotes the teaching and learning of language and culture skills with real-world bus...
Acquiring second language and intercultural skills tied to real-world contexts is key to personal... more Acquiring second language and intercultural skills tied to real-world contexts is key to personal and professional success for students in today’s globally connected society. This paper defines and details the benefits of integrating a current Languages for Specific Purposes (LSP) approach, which connects language learning and intercultural skills across disciplines, particularly professional schools, and prepares students for the 21st century workplace. Additionally, the paper provides an overview of the current state of LSP alongside specific resources such as a professional learning network that brings together K-20 educators interested in developing innovative curriculum for language learning that prepares students for a variety of career paths.
This exploratory study examines the effects of a short term study abroad on mid-career kindergart... more This exploratory study examines the effects of a short term study abroad on mid-career kindergarten through 12th grade (K-12) teachers. The group of U.S. teachers traveled to Belize to gain hands on knowledge about the sciences in an international context, which they have since been able to implement in their classes. This article argues for the value of short term study abroad in internationalizing curriculum. The authors describe the Belize program, its implementation and evaluation, and provide recommendations for future programs of a similar nature. Data collection included pre and post surveys, journals, observations, field notes, and a long term post-program survey. Evaluation was used to measure how the experience influenced professional and personal development, to describe any impacts in the K-12 classroom, and to improve future study abroad programs.
format for teacher training may be a viable solution. The model proposed here aims to deliver aut... more format for teacher training may be a viable solution. The model proposed here aims to deliver authentic learning experiences that provide teachers with the opportunity to acquire international content knowledge while experimenting with practical and pedagogically sound applications of Web 2.0 tools for teaching and collaboration. The model consists of two face-to-face meetings accompanied by pre and post online components. The analysis of teacher reactions to the blended workshop design and their implementation of acquired knowledge and technology tools for engaging student activities are presented in this paper. The results will be useful in the continued effort to design an optimal blended format for professional development.
Specialised Languages in the Global Village: A Multi-Perspective Approach
This chapter describes a professional development model for an online Community of Practice (CoP)... more This chapter describes a professional development model for an online Community of Practice (CoP) intended to encourage a flexible and cost-effective form of collaboration between liberal arts and professional school faculty through the use of emerging technologies. To date, forty foreign language, business, and technology instructors at the secondary and post-secondary level have joined from around the US and several other countries. It is hoped that faculty interaction will help business faculty see the value of foreign language skills and help foreign language faculty see the value of content-based language learning tied to the professional schools in order to move the field of business language forward. Research based guidelines and proposed models compiled from experts in the area of situated learning were used to design and implement a community of practice 'checklist' that served as a formative evaluation tool and resource during the design and development of the community. This paper explains the process of establishing this community of practice, the challenges it has faced, and recommendations for future steps in achieving and maintaining a dynamic and interdisciplinary learning environment.
The Portuguese Language Journal (PLJ) was founded in 2006 to promote and improve the teaching of... more The Portuguese Language Journal (PLJ) was founded in 2006 to promote and improve the teaching of Portuguese as a world language. PLJ also aims to provide a venue to encourage collaboration, research, and exchange of ideas among Portuguese language instructors. In 2016, the PLJ became the professional academic journal of the AOTP – American Organization of Teachers of Portuguese.
The Portuguese Language Journal (PLJ) was founded in 2006 to promote and improve the teaching of... more The Portuguese Language Journal (PLJ) was founded in 2006 to promote and improve the teaching of Portuguese as a world language. PLJ also aims to provide a venue to encourage collaboration, research, and exchange of ideas among Portuguese language instructors. In 2016, the PLJ became the professional academic journal of the AOTP – American Organization of Teachers of Portuguese.
The "Brazilians Working with Americans: Cultural Case Studies" consists of 10 brief case studies ... more The "Brazilians Working with Americans: Cultural Case Studies" consists of 10 brief case studies that illustrate some of the challenges that executives face when working together. The 10 cases are based on real stories from Brazilian executives who work with North Americans in Brazil. The names and locations in the cases have been changed, but the cases do represent actual observations and stories. This website only contains the executive comments. If you would like to order the book and have access to the actual cases, visit the UT press website: UT PRESS. Co-authored with Orlando Kelm- University of Texas at Austin.
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Papers by Mary Risner
In 2016, the PLJ became the professional academic journal of the AOTP – American Organization of Teachers of Portuguese.
In 2016, the PLJ became the professional academic journal of the AOTP – American Organization of Teachers of Portuguese.