K-12 experience
In a diverse professional journey, I fostered community connections, created an online platform for the Chicago Uzbek-speaking community, initiated language projects that bridged cultural gaps and contributed to the vibrant tapestry of Campus View Activities. As an advocate for language education, I engaged in transformative experiences through STARTALK, attending workshops across prestigious institutions, and contributed to collaborative efforts crafting curricula on Arabic for Children, teaching Russian Fairy Tales, and developing lesson plans on Turkish Holidays, showcasing the multifaceted nature of language education.
Less Commonly Taught Languages Courses for K-12 Learners
Engaging in the STARTALK language teaching and learning program within the National Security Language Initiative (NSLI) was a transformative experience that spanned multiple workshops across esteemed institutions. From the Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) to Boston University, University of California in Los Angeles, University of Pennsylvania, and Indiana University, my involvement from 2010 to 2012 was a journey in professional development.
I contributed to collaborative efforts, participating in the creation of a curriculum on Arabic for Children, a unit for teaching Russian Fairy Tales, and crafting a lesson plan centered around Turkish Holidays. These projects not only showcased the versatility of language education but also underscored the importance of collaborative teamwork in creating impactful and engaging learning experiences.
My role in this program: As a part of professional development, I learned best practices in language education such as outcomes-driven program design, standards-based curriculum planning, learner-centered approaches, excellence in selection and development of materials, and meaningful assessment of outcomes. I implemented my knowledge by teaching kids in Bloomington, Indiana.
Focus of the program: Backward design, Bloom's Taxonomy, differentiation, learning environments, online learning, task-based learning, project-based learning, play based learning, assessment, standards based curriculum design, and community advocacy
I contributed to collaborative efforts, participating in the creation of a curriculum on Arabic for Children, a unit for teaching Russian Fairy Tales, and crafting a lesson plan centered around Turkish Holidays. These projects not only showcased the versatility of language education but also underscored the importance of collaborative teamwork in creating impactful and engaging learning experiences.
My role in this program: As a part of professional development, I learned best practices in language education such as outcomes-driven program design, standards-based curriculum planning, learner-centered approaches, excellence in selection and development of materials, and meaningful assessment of outcomes. I implemented my knowledge by teaching kids in Bloomington, Indiana.
Focus of the program: Backward design, Bloom's Taxonomy, differentiation, learning environments, online learning, task-based learning, project-based learning, play based learning, assessment, standards based curriculum design, and community advocacy
- Curriculum on Arabic for Children (teamwork)
- Unit for teaching Russian Fairy Tales (teamwork)
- Lesson plan for Turkish Holidays
Uzbek Heritage School Materials
Creating the website for the Chicago Uzbek-speaking community marked a significant step in enhancing accessibility and connectivity. This platform served as a virtual hub to seamlessly deliver materials online, providing a valuable resource for learning Uzbek language and exploring Central Asian cultural traditions. Through this website, I aimed to bridge geographical gaps and offer a convenient space for community members, especially the youth, to access educational materials, cultural resources, and engage in language learning. The website became a dynamic tool, facilitating the community's growth, fostering connections, and ensuring the preservation of cultural heritage in the digital realm for the Chicago Uzbek-speaking community.
Translation Project Curation: Uzbek children's stories in English
Facilitating a project where my undergraduate and masters students translated stories from Uzbek into English was a fulfilling educational endeavor. This initiative not only honed their language skills but also served as a bridge between cultures. Witnessing their efforts to convey the essence of Uzbek stories in English was a testament to their linguistic growth and cultural understanding. The project fostered a sense of collaboration and intercultural exchange, allowing my students to actively engage with the narratives and share them with a broader audience. Through this translation endeavor, we not only expanded language proficiency but also promoted cultural appreciation and storytelling as a means of building connections across linguistic boundaries.
K-12 International Program Design
To foster community connections, I organized weekly events in the heart of Indiana University's Campus View to foster unity through cultural exploration. The first event began with "Holidays and Celebrations Around the World." Campus residents and their children shared stories and artifacts from their home countries, accompanied by a global music soundtrack.
Next was the "Talent Show," which brought together pianists, dancers, and sports enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds. The energy was palpable as performers showcased their skills, drawing cheers and applause from the audience. The "Fashion Show" transformed the activities room into a colorful display of national attire, with residents proudly strutting their stuff on the runway, showcasing the beauty and diversity of our community.
At the "International Cuisine" event, residents came together to cook and share dishes from their home countries, creating a feast of flavors that delighted everyone's taste buds.
The grand finale seamlessly merged the talent and fashion shows at the local public library, bringing the community together for a night of celebration and unity. It was a memorable experience, highlighting the strength and richness of our diverse campus community at Campus View.
Next was the "Talent Show," which brought together pianists, dancers, and sports enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds. The energy was palpable as performers showcased their skills, drawing cheers and applause from the audience. The "Fashion Show" transformed the activities room into a colorful display of national attire, with residents proudly strutting their stuff on the runway, showcasing the beauty and diversity of our community.
At the "International Cuisine" event, residents came together to cook and share dishes from their home countries, creating a feast of flavors that delighted everyone's taste buds.
The grand finale seamlessly merged the talent and fashion shows at the local public library, bringing the community together for a night of celebration and unity. It was a memorable experience, highlighting the strength and richness of our diverse campus community at Campus View.