Exploring & Enacting Holistic Language Pedagogies Project
A Co-Learning Journey for Ukrainian and U.S. Educators
Connecting educators in Ukraine and the United States to learn and share innovative and holistic teaching approaches.
The Exploring & Enacting Holistic Language Pedagogies (HLP) Project brought together Ukrainian and U.S. secondary and post-secondary level language educators to support professional growth in a Community of Practice and cultivate efficacy, innovation, and wellbeing through a series of resource- and knowledge-sharing events. This was a project of the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv and Childhood Education International.
Project Reach & Impact
Over a period of 11 months in 2024, the teachers met in a virtual Community of Practice, where they learned and shared innovative and holistic teaching approaches, as well as created connections with each other. Through biweekly webinars and workshops in the spring semester and an intensive virtual exchange in the summer, they built connections, deepened English language teaching competencies, and grew the implementation of student-centered, holistic, and inclusive pedagogies.
52
Ukrainian & U.S. educators participated
500
+
Educators reached beyond project participants
10000
Secondary & tertiary students in Ukraine & the U.S.
Project participants demonstrated tremendous professional growth during the project and walked away with inspiration, new connections, and a greater depth of knowledge to support holistic teaching and learning.
- 95.1% indicated that they changed or revised syllabi, lesson plans, or other resources to incorporate more holistic methods
- More than 97% reported that they increased the use of holistic language pedagogies in their teaching
- 100% stated that they are now able to self-assess their growth in holistic pedagogies
This virtual exchange has really helped me to feel a part of a community of like-minded people who are ready to listen, share and support. It really matters in the challenging times.
Ukrainian educator
Dipping into various new cultures has enlarged my perspective, allowing me to gain a deeper appreciation for diversity and the importance of adaptability in different environments. This experience has enhanced my ability to connect with individuals from varied backgrounds, fostering empathy and cultural sensitivity that will be invaluable in my future interactions.
U.S. educator
My classes have become more trauma-informed. I shifted the focus from mastering solely language skills to developing life skills, vital for navigating current traumatic experiences.
Ukrainian educator
Holistic Language Pedagogies: Ways Forward In Language Teaching & Learning
In October 2024, we hosted a series of six webinars featuring presentations from Ukrainian and American educators participating in the Holistic Language Pedagogies project. Presentations focused on a variety of aspects of language instruction, including language teaching strategies, using artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom, asset-based approaches to assessment, social-emotional learning, student and teacher wellbeing, growth mindset, and more.
Do you want to learn more about this project or other similar projects? Contact Julie Kasper, Director of Teacher Learning & Leadership, at jkasper@ceinternational1892.org.
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