RIFLA May Webinar: Experience the Novice Learners' Role

Experience the Novice Learners' Role 

Presenter: Diane Neubauer

When: Monday, May 4, 2026 at 7pm

Where: Online via Zoom (a link will be provided)

Some of the most memorable professional development is being a language student yourself! This interactive workshop gives you the opportunity to participate in a first lesson in Mandarin Chinese, conducted more than 90% in the target language. For participants who know Mandarin Chinese, you'll be an expert observer, noting how the teacher and students work together to develop a topic through use and response to the target language, and foster community and engagement. Afterwards, we'll debrief and break down instructional activities and micro skills that help students understand new language, offer them opportunities to contribute at any proficiency level, & encourage communicative purpose. This session is suited to teachers new to interacting with students through the target language as well as teachers honing and refining those skills. 

Diane Neubauer, 杜雁子, taught Mandarin Chinese for 10 years in elementary, middle, and high schools before completing her PhD in Foreign Language and ESL Education at the University of Iowa in 2022. She is Clinical Assistant Professor of Multilingual Education at the University of Louisville, teaches Chinese online, and facilitates language teacher training. She is especially interested in how language teachers can facilitate students’ comprehension of target language, engagement in classroom learning, & development of intercultural competence. Check her YouTube channel (search her name) for language learning (sometimes featuring her flock of backyard chickens!).

Active RIFLA members gain 1 PLU for attending this webinar.