Browsing by Author "Dressler, Anja"

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    The methodological affordances and challenges of using Facebook to research study abroad
    (John Benjamins Publishing Company, 2019-02-28) Dressler, Roswita; Dressler, Anja
    Some study abroad (SA) researchers use Facebook as a tool to reach participants or as the site or context of research. In Dressler and Dressler (2016), we examined the linguistic identity positioning of one sojourner in Facebook posts over two sojourns. In this paper, we determine the methodological affordances and challenges of the social media site as both a tool and context of research. We conclude that for the original study, using Facebook enabled us to download large amounts of observational data and study the identity positioning over time. Throughout the data collection, analysis, and writing, we encountered challenges regarding ownership of data, the dynamic nature of Facebook over the two time periods of the study, the use of photographs, and our focus on the textual aspects of posting. From this analysis, we provide recommendations for the use of Facebook in SA research moving forward.
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    Project-based learning in the advanced German class
    (Routledge, 2019-10-10) Dressler, Roswita; Dressler, Anja; Raedler, Bernadette; Dimitrov, Kristina; Krause, Garrett
    Project-based learning (PBL) provides authentic content and language learning in the second language classroom. Technology-infused PBL also creates opportunities for real-life application of the language and technology skills acquired. However, since PBL is often envisioned as group work, classes with small enrolments (fewer than 6 students) pose a challenge. In addition, the unfamiliarity of students and instructors with the characteristics of PBL can lead to struggles around autonomy, motivation, and flexibility. In this chapter, we examine one PBL course for advanced students of German at the post-secondary level through the lens of Stoller’s 10 characteristics of a PBL course. Since Stoller’s characteristics are drawn from PBL studies of large classes where students worked in groups, our study examines whether those characteristics still apply in smaller classes where students worked on individual projects. Through this action research into our own practice, we demonstrate whether the 10 characteristics can be applied to small classes and identify the challenges of PBL that arose in this context: student autonomy, role redefinitions, and instructor reflective practice. We envision how future research might address some of these challenges, examining ways to foster student autonomy through an understanding of role redefinitions in PBL courses and ways to strengthen reflective practice among post-secondary instructors.
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    A Review of the Literature on The Educational Situation of Syrian Refugee Students With a Focus on Refugee Education Best Practices
    (2017-07-14) Dressler, Anja; Gereluk, Dianne
    This review of the literature on Syrian Refugee Education focuses on refugee education best practices around the world. The review is focused on four (4) key topic areas. Some relate directly to Syrian refugees, however research written about other refugee groups or refugees in general was included in order to summarize full extent of the variety of practices available.
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    Supporting Syrian Refugee Students in Alberta: A Primer
    (2017-07-17) Dressler, Anja; Gereluk, Dianne
    This pamphlet serves to give a cursory basis knowledge for teachers to support Syrian refugee students in their classrooms.