Once again, York University’s Glendon Campus and Universidad Autónoma de Occidente’s Languages Institute collaborated on a Globally-networked learning project. This initiative was born out of an experiential education opportunity in which Canadian student teachers observed and intervened in UAO classrooms during their winter 2021 and winter 2022 semesters. This collaboration was facilitated by Professor Marlon Valencia in his two courses:

EN 3595 The nuts and bolts of English: Grammar for teaching and learning, 2021 & EN 4596 Teaching English as an International language, 2022.

The most recent iteration of this collaboration allowed Canadian teacher candidates to observe UAO English classrooms for seven weeks before they ventured into teaching two mini-lessons. Professors Héctor Rivillas, Carolina Marin, and Francia Florez acted as the Canadian students’ mentor teachers. These mentor-mentee relationships resulted in a rich intercultural exchange of diverse views and understandings on the teaching of English beyond methods and across borders. From these efforts, new ideas and strategies are currently being developed to enhance the learning and professional development opportunities of students and professors from both institutions.

Dr. Valencia is Assistant Professor in the Department of English at Glendon College, York University. He is the English as a Second Language Program Director, and Coordinator of the Certificate in the Discipline of Teaching English as an International Language.