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The Center for Language Acquisition (CLA) is a research unit in the College of the Liberal Arts at The Pennsylvania State University.
Latest News
November 9, 2009
Penn State's College of the Liberal Arts Celebrates 100 Years. To view the Centennial video, click here.
September 24, 2009
PAALC 2010 Graduate Research Symposium
On January 22-23, 2010, the Center for Language Acquisition will host the PAALC 2010 Graduate Research Symposium, a showcase for graduate scholarship in Applied Linguistics from students from PAALC (Pennsylvania Applied Linguistics Consortium), whose member institutions include Carnegie Mellon, IUP, Penn State, U Penn, Pitt, and Temple. Graduate students are invited to submit proposals and to register for the Symposium (registration is free).
For further information about this event (including call for proposals, registration, housing information, etc.), please click here.
Language Teaching Workshop Series 2009-2010
During Fall and Spring 2009-2010, the CLA and CALPER will present a series of workshops on current issues and topics in foreign language teaching and learning.
Please join us for an upcoming workshop on:
"The Common European Framework of Reference for Language Learning, Teaching, and Assessment: What, Why, and How?"
October 22, 2009
4:30-6 p.m.
220 Thomas Building
This workshop is designed for current and future language educators, to provide an overview of the European Standards for Foreign Language Learning, called The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). The session will address the conceptual bases of the CEFR and its relevance for language curriculum & syllabus design, classroom activities, and preparation for the international job market.
Key topics will include:
• Defining the Common European Framework of Reference
• Understanding the concepts of functional/communicative language use and language learning that shape the CEFR
• Using the CEFR as a basis for developing language curricula, syllabi, classroom teaching materials, and tests/assessments
• Applying the CEFR to language instruction in the U.S. and abroad
Free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.
For further information, contact Gabi Appel at gxa9@psu.edu.
Previous workshop:
"Understanding and Applying the National Standards for Foreign Language Learning"
Thursday, September 17, 2009
4:30-6 p.m.
124 Agricultural Engineering Building
(near Palmer Museum)
View Flyer for this Event (PDF)
This workshop is designed for current and future language educators, to provide an overview of the Standards and their relevance and importance for curriculum design, classroom teaching, program articulation, and preparation for the job market.
For questions, please contact Meredith Doran at mcd15@psu.edu.
August 31, 2009
Liberal Arts Centennial Fellows
Congratulations to our honored alumni George C. Greer and Gilbert R. Watz, who have recently been announced as part of the Liberal Arts Centennial, which marks the founding of the College in 1909. For more information on the Liberal Arts Honors Fellows, click here.
 | The Summer Institute Evaluation Form is now available for Institute participants. Please download the Evaluation PDF, fill in the appropriate form areas, and email the completed PDF to cla.pennstate@gmail.com.
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April 23, 2009
New TESOL Minor Available for Penn State Students
Students interested in study abroad, joining the Peace Corps, applying for a Fulbright Exchange program, or simply looking to maximizing postgraduation opportunities now have a new option available to them in their academic studies. Penn State is introducing a minor in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). For the rest of the story on page 3, click here
October 1, 2008
Pimsleur Award to Matt Poehner
Matt Poehner has received the Paul Pimlseur Award for his article "Beyond the Test: L2 Dynamic Assessment and the Transcendence of Mediated Learning", which appeared in the Modern Language Journal 91 (2007): 323-340. The Award is presented annually by the American Council on Teaching Foreign Languages and the Modern Language Journal to high quality research that impacts on foreign language learning and teaching. The Award is named in honor of Paul Pimsleur for his outstanding contributions to the field of language learning and teaching.
Matt is currently Assistant Professor of World Languages in the College of Education with a courtesy appointment in the Department of Applied Linguistics. He is also a principal investigator on a multi-year grant to develop Computerized Dynamic Assessment Language Proficiency Exams in French, Chinese and Russian.
CLA Travel Grants
Travel grants are available through the Center for graduate students for travel to/from conferences.
Download the Center for Language Acquisition travel grant application
Students may also apply for Department of Applied Linguistics travel grants.
Download the Applied Linguistics travel grant application
Notice: The Center and Applied Linguistics forms used for submitting requests for travel funding have both been updated. Please review the latest form, and verify that you are using this version when submitting a travel request.
Gil Watz Fellow Awards
The Center for Language Acquisition in conjunction with the College of the Liberal Arts will provide up to five dissertation fellowships per academic year for doctoral students working on a dissertation in applied linguistics. For more information click here.
Gil Watz Visiting Scholars Program
For more information click here or contact Jim Lantolf, Director of the Center for Language Acquisition at JPL7@PSU.EDU.
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Upcoming Events
Nov 09, 2009
Center Speakers Center for Language Acquisition Fall 2009 Speaker Series The Center for Language Acquisition is pleased to a...
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Nov 10, 2009
Migration Studies Project Forthcoming Talks: The Migration Studies Project hosted a talk by Esther Prins from the Adult Education and...
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Jan 22, 2010
PAALC 2010 Graduate Research Symposium The Pennsylvania Applied Linguistics Consortium (PAALC) announces the 2010 Graduate Research Symposium, to be he...
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