1. Irina Kogel, GSI, Slavic Languages and Literatures
Differentiated Instruction: Lessons from the Heritage Russian Classroom
Irina Kogel, GSI,
Slavic Languages
and Literatures
Each presenter will speak on their specified topic for 10 minutes and include an optional powerpoint with a maximum of three slides (to help ensure we stay on time).
Slide suggestions:
slide 1: background, context, problem, opportunity
slide 2: project plan, execution, implementation
slide 3: (projected/anticipated) project outcome/findings
Slides should be sent as a PPT attachment to by April 27th. We'll compile them together and have them pre-loaded for you on the computer in the room.

2. BACKGROUND
Heritage speakers of foreign languages are a largely underserved population within foreign language departments
It is vital to understand the specific strengths and weaknesses of heritage speakers in order to serve this population
Differentiated instruction allows teachers to better serve heritage speakers both within specific heritage-focused courses and regular courses for L2 speakers
background, context, problem, opportunity

3. PROJECT PLAN Project Goals:
Implement differentiated instruction in an introductory Russian course geared specifically toward heritage speakers
Develop materials that could be used by teachers of Russian to support heritage speaker needs
Principles of differentiated instruction applied to:
The syllabus
Individual assignments
Overall assessment
Differentiated instruction based on:
Student self-assessment
Feedback from heritage speaker surveys
project plan, execution, implementation

4. PROJECT OUTCOMES Findings from Student Comments:
Developing a classroom community is a central value for heritage learners
It is important to balance the benefits of differentiated instruction and the benefits of classroom community
All heritage students in both the heritage and non-heritage classes felt their language skills improved; students in the non-heritage classes were more likely to report an interest in independent study materials
Directions for Future Development:
Continue to develop and implement differentiated activities across the Russian curriculum for heritage and non-heritage students
Work to develop self-study heritage-specific modules that incorporate a community building element
(projected/anticipated) project outcome/findings