SWCOLT 2025

Interpersonal communication affects the hearts, minds, and actions of individuals as they function every day in the social world (Braithwaite, Schrodt 2015). In this interactive workshop, participants will explore the interpersonal mode of communication standard, which focuses on the spontaneous, two-way exchange of information and ideas in speaking and writing. Participants will first review the foundational principles of this communication mode, gaining a clear understanding of its importance in fostering authentic, real-time language use. Following this, they will engage in hands-on practice, crafting their own interpersonal communication prompts that can be effectively used in the classroom. The workshop will also introduce a variety of dynamic activities and strategies designed to enhance students' abilities in this communication mode, equipping educators with practical tools to facilitate more engaging and meaningful student interactions. Participants must bring a laptop or tablet computer to this workshop.

What strategies can I use to keep my students cognitively engaged? This interactive workshop will present and model practical strategies to maintain cognitive and active engagement in tasks that address all three modes of communication, as outlined in the World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages. Drawing on examples from the Secondary Portuguese Dual Language Immersion class, the session will demonstrate how these strategies align with language acquisition theory and can be easily adapted to any level or language. Participants will explore ways to facilitate target-language comprehensibility, guide learners in interpreting authentic resources, and design oral interpersonal communication tasks, ensuring that students remain focused and actively involved in creating with the language.
Led by a highly experienced educator, this session integrates proven classroom practices with insights from language acquisition theory. Attendees will learn practical techniques to add authentic cultural resources to their curriculum and invite native-speaking guests to enrich the classroom experience. Participants will leave with actionable tools and ideas they can implement immediately to boost student engagement and proficiency.

Bio
Priscila Rebicki Prestes is the 2024 SWCOLT Teacher of Excellence Secondary. With 16 years of teaching experience, including 10 years as a Portuguese Dual Language Immersion teacher in Utah, she has excelled in the field of language education. Priscila is a researcher in Second Language Learning and Teaching and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Portuguese Pedagogy at Brigham Young University (BYU). Her professional journey spans all educational levels, from elementary to high school, showcasing a comprehensive and innovative approach to teaching Portuguese as a second language.