Drawing on the dynamic successes of language immersion programs in the Pacific, the 1998 Summer Institute united experts from East and West, drawing immersion educators representing a wide variety of languages and instructional contexts, including indigenous, heritage, and foreign language immersion.
SYMPOSIUM – July 6-10, 1998
The Symposium facilitated the sharing of resources, ideas, and information about all aspects of language immersion education, including such topics as:
- Empowering the learner through immersion
- Culture and community in the immersion program
- Launching an immersion program
- Indigenous/heritage language education
- Teacher training
- Technology and immersion education
- Materials development and adaptation/curriculum design
It was a goal of the Symposium to facilitate communication and collaboration so that international initiatives can continue beyond the Institute.
The Symposium featured papers and panel discussions (30 or 45 minutes) and concurrent hands-on sessions and interest group discussions (60 or 90 minutes)
WORKSHOP – July 13-24, 1998
The two-week Workshop examined further the themes of the Symposium with special emphasis on 4 modules: Pedagogy, Culture, Technology, and Materials Development. Through presentations, discussions, practice, and demonstrations, participants carried out projects which would prepare them to meet the challenges of language immersion education and share resources and information with colleagues nationally and internationally.