Language Support for Teaching in an International Context
Do you teach in English as part of your work at the University of Parma? Clear up any language-related doubt you have and allow your subject-matter expertise to truly shine: contact the CLA to get in touch with one of our native English speaker CEL (Collaboratore Esperto Linguistico) for support in creating and presenting English-language materials for your courses.
How does it work?
First step: to set up an online appointment with a CEL fill-in the "Appointment Form" you can find on Elly -> Category "Centro Linguistico di Ateneo"-> ALTRI CORSI, EVENTI E INIZIATIVE -> Language Support for Teaching in an International Context
Initial appointment: a one-hour meeting on Teams to analyze your language-related needs. In order to best organize this exchange, please come prepared to describe the context in which you are teaching, and any difficulties or challenges you have encountered so far.
Optional lesson observation: if deemed relevant during the initial appointment, you and the CEL may organize a time for them to come observe one of your lessons, taking notes on the strengths and weaknesses observed. (Please note that these strengths and weaknesses will be strictly related to English language use and teaching style: the CEL is not a subject-matter expert in your area of instruction!)
Follow-up appointments (optional): meet with the CEL again to discuss any lesson observations that occurred, and to work together on the issues raised during the initial appointment.
Possible topics to be addressed:
- Course materials: how to optimize presentation slides and other course materials to maximize student understanding and attention
- Presentation and speaking style: how to promote student understanding and attention through effective communication techniques
- Exams: correct wording to ensure clarity of exam materials
- Student interactions: strategies to foster positive communication with students, whether oral or written
- Language skills: target areas for improvement based on lesson observation or assessment conducted during the initial appointment
Other important information:
- Please note, the meetings offered as part of this service are not intended to be private language lessons. The CEL will be happy to make observations regarding possible areas for improvement, and make note of common errors, as well as suggest potentially useful CLA courses if relevant, but will not provide private language instruction as part of this service.
- The service is open to any University of Parma teaching staff whose teaching activities take place in English.
- The CEL will be happy to suggest potential improvements to course materials, but complete revision or rewriting of materials is not possible as part of this service.
Modified on 18/06/2025