Is your program meeting the needs of international researchers and scholars? For reasons why it should, check out our article in the National Postdoctoral Association's newsletter, The Postdocket.
Edible Alphabet Goes to Denmark!
language connectED had the pleasure of partnering with the Free Library of Philadelphia (FLP) Culinary Literacy Center to develop, design, and implement a new library initiative, Edible Alphabet, in 2015. Edible Alphabet is a complementary learning supplement for existing English as a Second Language Programs in the Philadelphia community. Edible Alphabet materials utilize the state-of-the-art industrial kitchen at the Central FLP to assist learners in building their language, culinary skills, and self-confidence through the kitchen. The curriculum focuses on how to read recipes, measurements in English, language for discussing menus, how to ask for ingredients in the grocery store, and how to cook nutritious meals, among others. By engaging with the universal medium of food, learners begin to acquire vocabulary for ingredients, measurements, and cooking. Then learners practice their English speaking skills while collaborating in small groups during language exercises and food preparation. And the best part? Classes end with a taste test of the recipe that learners cooked and a conversation about flavors, colors, and textures of their dish.
Recently, the innovative program was selected to present to the international Library community at the Next Library 2017 conference in Denmark, June 2017. A group of our library partners from the FLP, led by Elizabeth Fitzgerald, Culinary Literacy Center Administrator, presented on the Edible Alphabet program. The presentation was met with intrigue and curiosity on how to take this program to libraries across the globe. While expansion to that level is not on the radar (yet!), the Edible Alphabet has branched out to two additional library branches in Philadelphia this summer, using a mobile kitchen to help facilitate the cooking. Congratulations to our partners at the FLP on their presentation! We look forward to our work on the Edible Alphabet program as it continues to develop.
Beware of the Silo
In our work with international postdoctoral researchers, we have found that many of them are looking for opportunities to improve their cultural and linguistic skills outside of the lab. Postdocs are often so busy, it’s difficult to find the extra downtime to find opportunities to improve these skills.They often feel ‘silo’ed’, that is they exist in two spheres - their labs and their homes.Though universities are abundant with clubs, activities, and centers to foster experiences outside of the lab, there are so many choices, it can sometimes be easier not to choose.
Because we were personally curious and because we hear about amazing research that can save and change lives, language connectED team members attended a free workshop on entrepreneurship and funding by the Founder Institute at the Pennovation Center at the University of Pennsylvania. We attended to see how this incubation center could benefit the researchers with whom we work and provide them with some information about places to find outside of their lab. We found that this type of university resource is an opportunity not only to improve their cultural and linguistic skills, but also for them to collaborate and perhaps take their research to the real world. In fact, in one coaching session, Becky was able to share this information with a Biomedical Postdoc from UPenn who is currently completing research in order to introduce a product to the market in the near future. In their coaching session, they worked on the researcher’s product pitch and planned how she could incorporate Pennovation workshops into her schedule. In this way, she could get out of her ‘silos’ and practice the cultural and linguistic skills she needs in order to realize her dream of making people’s lives just a little bit better with her research.
Incubation centers are present on many campuses around the world. Are your postdocs aware of this interdisciplinary resource so they can get out of their silos? Tell us what is happening at your institution that can help postdocs jump start their careers and broaden their experiences.
Core Competency III- Communication Skills
The National Postdoctoral Association has issued core competency skills that are to be used as guidelines for institutions’ Individual Development Plans (IDPs). Item III, Communication Skills, includes the following “Communication is more than preparing and sending a message; it is making every effort to be sure that the message is heard and understood by the appropriate audience.
Virtual Communication in the 21st Century
language connectED just launched our third offering of Building Language Skills and Strategies for Successful Communication in the 21st Century at the University of Pennsylvania Biomedical Postdoctoral Programs. Postdocs, scholars, and researchers join for an intensive series of workshops to improve their communication skills when using email, conference calling, or virtual presentations and meetings.
What is an Applied Linguist?
Communication in the IDP
Check us out on LinkedIn
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Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology
Supporting International Postdocs and Scholars Linguistically and Culturally
Mallory and Rebecca presented on language connectED's work with postdoctoral researchers and international scholars. With very positive feedback, they know they are helping experts thrive in the international academic world.