Colloquium/Colloque- Nov. 27, 1999 University of New Brunswick, Second Language Education Centre
One of the major highlights of 1999 at the Second Language Education Centre was hosting the "Bilingual Child, Global Citizen" Colloquium. Funded by the Department of Canadian Heritage and sponsored by three national associations:Canadian Association of Immersion Teachers (CAIT), the Canadian Association of Second Language Teachers (CASLT), and the Society for Educational Visits and Exchanges in Canada (SEVEC), the colloquium addressed issues of interest to a wide range of people involved in second language education (teachers, students, parents, educators from school districtsand Departments of Education, and professors). Members of the colloquium organizing committe included: standing-Valerie Deane (SEVEC), Marc Bourgeois (SEVEC), Joseph Dicks (Chair), Shirley Ferguson (SLEC), Madeleine Coderre (ACPI) and seated- Jim Howden (CASLT), and Paula Kristmanson (SLEC).
The
tone for the colloquium was set by our keynote speakers, two "bilingual
children" from the Fredericton area. In their addresses to the participants,
Heather Roxborough and Émily
Robichaud spoke about their experiences in becoming bilingual and of the
importance of bilingualism in their life. Their talks moved the audience and
inspired second language teachers to continue to nurture our second language
programs. Heather and Emily are pictured here with Joseph Dicks, colloquium
Chair and Sally Rehorick, Director of SLEC.
Greetings from the vice president of UNB, John McLaughlin and our local Member of Parliament, the Hon. Andy Scott focused the attention of the participants on language learning from a broader perspective.
The colloquium featured speakers from across the country. Topics ranged from the international perspectives of the immersion program to new initiatives and strategies in language teaching (see program/ programme for specific topics and speakers). A guest from France, Mme Lallement, was also able to participate in the colloquium presenting her perspective on the topic of teacher training for bilingual learning environments. The Colloquium proceedings (les Actes du Colloque) are now available on line.
The round table discussions were also well attended and gave participants insights into initiatives in teacher training, the work of professional associations, and current projects in second language at the ministry level. The closing plenary session gave a snapshot of second language edation from a variety of perspectives (teacher, student, academic, administrator, and parent) as well as giving an opportunity for all participants to make comments and ask questions about the topics discussed during the day.
A luncheon highlighted by a performance of a local childrens choir and an evening reception featuring a live jazz trio provided an opportunity for colloquium participants to discuss the day's presentations in a more informal setting.
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