Runkle Middle School Spanish teacher Colleen Doyle participated in the ‘Classroom in the Real World’ program at the University of Alicante last summer. Thanks to a BEF grant, Colleen spent three transformative weeks in Spain during June 2024, immersed in language and culture.
Colleen developed valuable insights that continue to shape her classroom approach. She particularly valued the program’s emphasis on peer collaboration, cultural context and creative teaching methodologies. The intimate cohort size created meaningful professional relationships that extend beyond the program, providing an ongoing support network for curriculum development and teaching practices.
Colleen, along with a cohort of teachers from all over the world, engaged in hands-on activities, such as visiting a university gallery and creating podcasts, which helped them reconnect with the student experience. This approach inspired them to incorporate more creative projects into their classroom, such as revamping an eighth-grade vacation project to include audiovisual elements, allowing students to record their presentations instead of presenting live. The program also emphasized the importance of grammar instruction, prompting discussions with colleagues about its relevance in the curriculum.
One of the classes taught various practical applications of AI in the classroom. The teachers initially approached AI with skepticism, viewing it primarily as tools like Google Translate. However, through the program, they discovered various practical applications of AI in the classroom, such as generating authentic stories for students, which has broadened their teaching toolkit. This newfound understanding of AI has led to the incorporation of diverse resources and activities aimed at engaging students, including discussions on inclusive language in Spanish and critical literacy through audiovisual materials. The experience not only enriched their professional development but also inspired new projects and approaches for teaching Spanish, making learning more relevant and engaging for students.
Cultural experiences, including guided tours and visits to local markets, enriched their understanding of the material they teach. For instance, witnessing local festivals and traditions firsthand provided them with authentic resources to share with students, enhancing their lessons on holidays and celebrations. Visual aids, like photographs from their travels, helped to stimulate classroom discussions across various grade levels. Colleen enjoyed the camaraderie with fellow teachers and the unique experiences they shared, such as cooking paella and exploring different towns.
The three week program not only offered practical teaching strategies but also created lasting connections and memories that will influence their teaching for years to come. This professional development opportunity exemplifies how BEF grants allow educators to deepen their expertise through real-world experiences that directly benefit students. Colleen’s time in Alicante has enriched her teaching with firsthand cultural insights and contemporary language practice that textbooks alone cannot provide.
