UF Faculty Department College
David Herman School of Teaching and Learning College of Education
Partner Faculty Department Partner Institution
Chien-Han Chen Office of Teacher Education National Taipei University of Education
Title:
Cross-Cultural Conversations: Exploring ESOL Foundations in Taiwan and the U.S.
Project Description:

This project connects UF teacher education undergraduates with students at National Taipei University of Education (NTUE) in Taiwan. Through virtual exchange, 52 UF and 48 NTUE students, guided by Drs. David Herman and Chien-Han Chen, will discuss language, culture, and ESOL education in American and Taiwanese contexts. The project fosters cross-cultural understanding and explores ESOL instruction foundations, including second language acquisition and culturally responsive teaching. Students will reflect on their experiences, comparing ESOL policies, practices, and educational challenges in Taiwan and the United States, gaining valuable insights into global education.

Learning Outcomes:

Students will be able to critically analyze and compare the cultural values, beliefs, and educational practices related to language learning in the United States and Taiwan.

 

Participating Countries:
Taiwan
Number of Participants:
52 UF Students, 48 Students in Taiwan
Discipline:
Education
UF Course Code & Name:
TSL3520 - ESOL Foundations - Language & Culture in Elementary Classrooms
Project Duration:
8 weeks
Activity Type(s):
Student-to-Student Dialogue
Time allotted to each activity:
Technology Tools:
Padlet
Sequence of Activities:

Icebreaker Activity: Getting-To-Know-Me Bitmoji Locker activity – Students introduced themselves in the form of photos posted to their virtual locker door

Engagement Activity: Participants engaged with each other through sharing and asking questions about each other’s education experiences and cultures.

Collaboration Activity: Participants collaborated through discussion board posts and responses.

Reflection Activity: Reflection was conducted in class at the end of each project phase as individual, small group, and who class discussions.