About Uta Larkey

 


My Teaching Philosophy

 

            In my teaching, I strive to combine the latest methods in foreign language teaching with my own research. As a teacher, I also assume a leadership role that is characterized by enthusiasm, responsibility, and collaboration. It is based on knowledge and expertise, but also on the ability and willingness to learn, motivate, and cooperate.

 

            One of my goals is to inspire and facilitate creative ideas, innovative thoughts, and stimulating practices. I aspire to further improve my communication and inter-personal skills, and to bring a good sense of humor to my teaching.

 

            A high priority in my research as well as in my teaching has always been to keep abreast of, and implement the latest methods of foreign language teaching, the inclusion of authentic audio-visual material, and Internet resources. I am also familiar with specific learning styles and special needs of students at each level of language competency, and have developed my own instructional materials for these students. I have also contributed to on-line teaching material by the Goethe Institute. My strength in foreign language methodology and in creating instructional material has culminated in several talks at conferences (NEMLA, AATG, M/MLA), and an article entitled From Screen to Scene: Film Analysis in the German Language Classroom that I submitted for publication.

 

            My language courses are inspired by the Natural Approach and based on the five C’s of Foreign Language Education as defined by the ACTFL Standards of Foreign Language Learning. Ideally, my students will try their language skills in an authentic setting, such as the intensive language course we provided in Berlin. I hope they feel inspired to not only use their language skills, but also to immerse themselves in German culture and history. 

 

            In the context of my interdisciplinary courses in Film Studies, Holocaust Studies and in the Honors section I have organized many popular public events for Goucher and the broader community, such as film screenings, story-telling performances, commemorations, and talks. I have also conducted the dramaturgical work on Life of Galilei by Bertolt Brecht as an independent study with a theater major. In my experience, students and colleagues in other departments as well as administrators highly respect and welcome activities like these that transcend departmental boundaries.

 

 

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-Copyright 2004, Uta Larkey-