International Instructors Working Group with Andrea Dallas

For this meeting, we will explore cultural expectations in the university setting and examine how differences in expectations may lead to challenges for both instructors and students. We will then discuss effective strategies for handling communication difficulties that may arise either inside or outside of the classroom.
   
Session Goals:
   • Explore cultural expectations in higher education
   • Learn strategies for overcoming communication difficulties
   • Apply strategies to realistic situations that may arise in the U.S. university setting

To join the International Instructors Working Group mailing list so that you will get detailed information about each session throughout the semester, contact Kirsten Helmer of the Center for Teaching & Learning.

The International Instructors Working Group is co-sponsored by the Center for Teaching & Learning and the Graduate School’s Office of Professional Development. For more information go to: International Instructors Working Group

Facilitator Bio:
Dr. Andrea Dallas is the Director of the English as a Second Language Program at UMass Amherst [hyperlink to the ESL Program]. She has over 20 years of experience in various contexts teaching Academic English to adults who speak other languages. While Dr. Dallas holds an M.A. and Ph.D. in linguistics, her background and experience most relevant to this workshop is her M.Ed. in International Education and her work as an instructor in an International Teaching Assistant training program at the University of Florida.