Teaching Heritage Languages: An Online Workshop

These two self-paced online tutorials are designed for teachers of world and heritage languages. As you complete the first module, you will gain a better understanding of important differences between heritage language learners (HLLs) and foreign language learners (FLLs). In the second module, you will learn strategies for working with heritage language students in the classroom.

For first-time visitors we recommend you go through the lessons sequentially.

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Module One: Teaching Heritage Language Learners: Profiles and Definitions
Lesson 1. Who is a Heritage Language Speaker/Learner?
  • Learning Objectives
  • What Do You Already Know About Heritage Language Learners/Speakers?
  • Bilingualism
  • Heritage Languages and the People Who Speak Them: Definitions
  • Is One Definition Possible?
  • Broad or Narrow Definition of "Heritage Language Learner"?
  • Conclusion
Lesson 2. Heritage Language Learners: Motivation and Language Use
  • Introduction
  • Student Narratives
  • Heritage Language Use in Early Childhood
  • What Happens After Age Four?
  • What About Adolescents? When and How do They Use Their Heritage Language?
  • Applying What You Know
  • Conclusion
Lesson 3. Teaching Heritage Learners: Language Foci and Sequencing
  • Introduction
  • Rewards and Challenges of Studying Heritage Languages
  • Register
  • Sociolinguistics and Pragmatics
  • Avoiding the "It's Wrong!" Approach
  • Curriculum Recommendation: Use Oral Skills to Build Literacy
  • Use Oral Skills to Build Literacy (continued)
  • Use Oral Skills to Build Literacy (continued)
  • Conclusion
Lesson 4. Curriculum Development for Heritage Language Classes
  • Learning Objectives
  • The "Macro" Approach for Heritage Learners
  • Heritage Learners and Proficiency Levels
  • Starting with the Learner
  • Using Authentic Materials to Build on Prior Knowledge
  • Criteria for Successful Projects
  • Examples of Project-Based Heritage Classes
  • Resources
Module Two: Strategies for Heritage Language Learners: Differentiated Instruction
Lesson 5. Why do We Need Differentiated Instruction for Heritage Language Learners?
  • Introduction
  • Why Differentiate?
  • “One Size Fits All” Approach
  • Tenets of Differentiated Instruction
  • Same Text, Different Tasks
  • How and When to Differentiate
  • Conclusion
Lesson 6. Know Your Students
  • Introduction
  • Red Card/Green Card
  • Knowing the Students
  • Pre-assessment Tools
  • Conclusion
Lesson 7. Grouping Strategies for Differentiated Instruction
  • Introduction
  • Grouping Strategies: Overview
  • Same-ability Groups
  • Mixed-ability Grouping for Cultural Activities and Discussions
  • Grouping Strategy: Jigsaw Activities
  • Bloom's Taxomony
  • Conclusion
Lesson 8. Assessment Strategies for Differentiated Instruction
  • Introduction
  • Fairness Issues in Assessing Heritage Language Learners
  • Formative Assessment Techniques
  • Summative Assessment
  • Conclusion
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