This workshop, “Collaborative Language Classroom,” explores why collaboration is central to effective language learning and how instructors can foster it from the very beginning. Since language is inherently social, students learn best when negotiating meaning together, which builds communicative competence, lowers anxiety, and creates a sense of community. Participants will examine concrete examples of collaborative activities—such as information gap tasks, jigsaw reading/listening, role plays, simulations, group problem-solving, and peer feedback—that move beyond grammar drills toward meaningful interaction. We will also discuss practical strategies for creating an inclusive classroom atmosphere, balancing group collaboration with individual accountability, and using technology (collaborative documents, polling tools, AI) to support engagement. In addition, participants will work together to design a classroom activity, giving them the opportunity to both create and experience collaboration in practice. The main takeaway will be that participants leave with ample hands-on activities ready to adapt and implement in their own teaching.

All graduate students are welcome. This event grows out of concerns in the Francophone, Italian, and Germanic Studies department, and so may be most useful to students in related fields.

Counts toward the CETLI Teaching Certificate.