Global CRED was a first of its kind. It was imagined as a virtual space for language learners of all ages to find answers to TWO BIG QUESTIONS: (1) How do I Level Up to earn a Seal of Biliteracy? and (2) How do I Leverage my Language Skills for Future Opportunities?
Global CRED, held December 2-3, 2020, did just that! Whether learning a language in a classroom setting or on their own, CRED offered 55+ hours of sessions jam-packed with ideas presented by educators, employers and successful learners. We’ve heard from teachers that their students were both excited and motivated by CRED sessions they attended. Students liked being able to pick sessions that fit their needs, were surprised to hear about job opportunities that required language skills, and had fun taking our quick language proficiency self-assessment to see if they’re on track to earn a Seal of Biliteracy. We are thrilled to share that ALL of the Global CRED content is still available – and it’s still FREE. Use Global CRED content in or out of class with your own language learners. Short 15 and 30 minute video sessions are available on a variety of topics. Quick 2-3 minute “Cameos” by language learners will inspire your students with ways to use language skills.
But, wait, THERE’s MORE! Did you know that Global CRED also included sessions for Educators? Here are just a few of my own “AHA” moments experienced thanks to some amazing Global CRED presenters.
Jonny 5 of the FLobots “The Beauty of Speaking Badly: How learning a few words of someone's language changes how you see each other.” This session really spoke to me about being a role model for language learning. It reminded me that the point of language learning isn’t accuracy, it’s the joy of communicating with new friends. Speaking another language, even if badly, opens up the possibility of experiencing places and cultures I might otherwise never have known. More importantly, I was reminded that making my own mistakes helps me empathize with others who willingly risk judgment to speak to me in my language.
Jackson Muneza M'vunganyi “Up Front with Languages” Jackson, Voice of America’s Up Front radio host, was born in an African refugee camp and learned languages as an economic necessity. I was truly humbled by his words, “English is currency.” As a native speaker of the language of my country, learning another language is often seen as a “nice to have.” I found myself personally challenged to be supportive in more tangible ways of those who are learning English, in effect, “to survive economically.” To do that, consider checking out Sam Aguirre’s panel, Providing ELs with Greater Access and Pathways to the Seal of Biliteracy.
There is a myriad of ways to learn or improve your language skills, many of which happen outside the classroom. Global CRED hosted several sessions by independent language learners, such as Megan Niu, Ryan Wertz and Giovanni Moretta, Noah Geisel and Lamia Sheikh, Ederson Osias and Steve Kaufmann. As an educator, not a student, I’m personally challenged to maintain and grow my second (or third) language skills. These sessions and others offered me both inspiration and practical tips to sustaining the skills I worked so hard to acquire.
Teachers in the classroom tend to forget the many ways that language is used in the real world. Our students need to hear these real-life messages and Global CRED brought them loud and clear. We heard from professional athletes like the WMBA’s Satou Sabally and MLB players from the Miami Marlins on the role of language in sports. There was the compelling session on the language crisis in the medical field by Kirsten Brecht Baker, Healthcare Industry Billion$ Problem, the surprising role of language in detective work by Howard Snyder and the importance of culture when working in other countries shared in Omar Tarabishi’s panel, Career Readiness Panel: Using your Arabic in a variety of Roles.
I was even surprised by how much I learned from the Global CRED livestreamed chat rooms. The virtual event brought together more than 3600 individuals from 56 countries and the questions and responses shared had singular themes. As unique as we often times feel we are, we share so much in common. As educators and as learners, our struggles and frustrations were similar; so too were our joys and commonly shared belief that language learning is a valuable and meaningful pursuit.
And so, to all of you who read this, we’re happy to share with you full access to Global CRED. Share its information, insights and inspiration with your students, your colleagues, and the language learners you know along with our best wishes for 2021.