Class information

GER 101/102 – Elementary German

25 students

The students in Elementary German courses have no previous knowledge of the language. Very often they are also new students at Hunter College.

Project overview

For this project I developed four classroom activities including worksheets and Padlet assignments. I have used one of the worksheets in my Elementary German 102 class. (Spring 2022)

These four classroom activities can be easily used in any foreign language class. They contain visual material and can be adjusted and developed further to suit different levels of proficiency.

The activities will prompt students to think about their own identity, their current state of mind, their purpose, their place at Hunter and in NYC. Students will be asked to illustrate their thoughts by filling in shapes/drawings, using color, symbols or words. In one of the activities, they will complete a template for a short poem.

These worksheets can be displayed in class, anonymously on a class padlet or on our Blackboard sites. They can also be used as conversation starters in a more advanced classroom.

Video description:

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Why did you select this project? How does it relate to identity and purpose?

Students are more connected and learn more effectively when they feel included. Bringing their own culture, individuality, and personal experience with language into the classroom will enrich their experience and support their learning process. It is especially important for students in their first years of college to be allowed space and to be given opportunity for self reflection and exploration of other cultures. This can foster a sense of belonging and build self confidence. Knowing that others are struggling with similar issues, and drawing attention upon self care and mental health will support academic performance and guide students towards resources on campus that they may not otherwise be aware of.

What advice do you have for other faculty who would like to implement a similar project?

Hopefully these simple exercises will inspire new or improved versions for similar assignments. These worksheets can easily be translated and adapted for different languages and also for higher level courses.

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