Empowering Students through Creative Assignments in Language and Literature Classrooms

Session Submission Type: Roundtable

Brief Description

During this roundtable, we will discuss learning objectives and outcomes of using creative assignments in a variety of courses—beginner-level Russian language courses, content-based language courses, and courses on Russian literature and culture in translation. By integrating creative assignments into curriculum design, educators can foster student confidence, motivation, and engagement while promoting critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and interdisciplinary connections. Fostering creativity and innovation is essential for preparing students for success in a rapidly evolving world. Through a series of case studies, we will examine different approaches to incorporating creative assignments in various types of courses. Anya Nesterchouk and Anna Borovskaya-Ellis will explore integrative approaches to literature assignments in novice language classes, fostering creativity, autonomy, and engagement and leading to more holistic outcomes. Snezhana Zheltoukhova will talk about creative oral assignments for intermediate speakers that require community engagement. Natalia Roberts will describe the implementation of an email correspondence project with peers abroad in the third-year Russian content-based course designed to increase opportunities for meaningful communicative interactions and human connections. Olga Permitina will discuss a series of integrative-learning projects in an online asynchronous course in Russian literature in translation. Victoria Kononova will talk about a creative final assignment in her course on Russian folktale (in translation), which allows students not only to review, but to celebrate the material of the course. The roundtable format will allow us to share our assignments, strategies, and experiences, while involving the audience in a broader discussion of the benefits of creative pedagogy in diverse educational settings.

Sub Unit

• Linguistics/Language Pedagogy/Translation

Chair

• Snezhana Zheltoukhova, Stetson U

Roundtable Members

• A J V

• Victoria Kononova, Lawrence U

• Anya N

• Olga Permitina, CUNY Queens College

• Natalia R