SWCOLT 2025

Um erfolgreich Deutsch zu lernen, bedarf es Motivation, Spaß und Spiel. Leichter gesagt als getan. Wie erreichen Lehrkräfte, dass sich die Lernenden aktiv am Unterrichtsgeschehen beteiligen und spielerisch die Sprache lernen? In diesem Workshop werden verschiedene Beispiele aus der Praxis für den Präsenz- und Onlineunterricht vorgestellt, die (junge) Lernerinnen und Lerner mit spielerischen Aktivitäten motivieren und den Lernerfolg steigern sollen.

Mitwachsende Karten,' geographical maps gradually updated with new information and locations relevant to the course material throughout the semester, are a fundamental component of geography lessons. However, this method is also highly suitable for foreign language teaching. How can this geographical method be used in the foreign language classroom? Moreover, what impact does this have on expanding students' skills? Through working with authentic texts and giving presentations, the students delve into the target culture. As a result, they strengthen and further their intercultural competencies and communicative skills. This presentation provides the attendees with a practical example from a university-level German classroom of how a 'mitwachsende Karte' can be used effectively and successfully in any foreign language classroom. This example can be adjusted to fit any language at any language level.

Twenty years ago, award-winning author Thomas Friedman proclaimed The World is Flat in his eponymous novel. This visionary concept addressed economics, politics, technological innovation, and telecommunications. To what extent has language education gone global? How can educators prepare our students for an interconnected world? How will this notion shape our approaches in the classroom? Come explore the latest multimedia and digital, authentic resources in Spanish, French, and German to engage a variety of learners.

This session presents a unit plan for A2/B1 German learners, focusing on Vienna's criminal past through detective and murder mystery genres. Participants will learn how to engage students in interpreting literary texts using theater pedagogical methods, such as tableau, soundscapes, and atmospheric reading. The unit culminates in student-created radio plays or short films, offering a creative way to deepen language skills while exploring cultural contexts. This session is perfect for educators seeking to combine language learning with cultural immersion and creativity.

This presentation explores the application of the IMAGE model in teaching German students about Viennese culture across all proficiency levels. The IMAGE model, an innovative pedagogical framework, integrates cultural immersion with language learning, making it particularly effective for students navigating the rich cultural landscape of Vienna. We provide practical strategies to help students connect linguistic knowledge with cultural understanding. Participants will gain insights into how to adapt the model to various proficiency levels, ensuring an engaging and comprehensive learning experience. This approach not only enhances students' cultural competence but also deepens their linguistic proficiency by embedding the language within the authentic context of Viennese life.

Presenters: Kathy Barnard & Eli Remund

None of the tools for language acquisition or proficiency matter if the student doesn’t care and they’re only “in it” for the test or grade. Boomalang can be the first breakthrough for a student, allowing them to recognize the joy, challenge, and gateway to another world that a language can afford them.

This session will showcase effective classroom strategies and exercises aimed at enhancing German pronunciation. Participants will actively engage in all activities, learn how to incorporate technology best to improve their learners' pronunciation, and gain insights into addressing pronunciation challenges for learners with learning disabilities.

Presenters: Sara Lee & Melanie Mello