Basic Tips for FLTA Fellowship

As an FLTA, you should know basics of language and engaging foreign language teaching techniques.

 Basic Tips for FLTA Fellowship

Recently, I was approached by an FLTA aspirant for her basic queries in order to prepare herself better for the fellowship. Here is a list of useful suggestions.

Dear _______,

Thanks for reaching out to me. As I can sense you seem to be interested in the FLTA scholarship program.

If you are planning to teach Hindi language, here are a few pointers for you to keep in mind before you apply,

• As an FLTA, you are generally supposed to teach Hindi to Americans who were/ are never exposed to Hindi. 
• That means, you should know everything (basics of Hindi language) from scratch like Hindi alphabets, basics of Hindi grammar and also, engaging foreign language teaching techniques. 
• To clear the selection process, you are tested on these (above mentioned) parameters. 
• I remember, when I was evaluated by the interview panel, they made Hindi dictation to us (from a couple of Hindi newspaper articles), plus asked us some authentic Hindi words to pronounce and write. 
• Prepare authentic Hindi vocabulary and grammar by reading excerpts from Hindi writers like Prem Chand etc. 
• Start practicing translation exercises (from Hindi to English, and English to Hindi). Also work on developing some strong essays for Fulbright application.
• Long story short, you need not to be an expert but yes, you certainly need to brush up your basics quite a bit. 
  
  

As an FLTA, you must also take at least one course in American studies during the academic year.

Here are some additional pointers for your future reference,

(i) Relationship with Faculty Supervisor:

• Be super loyal to your supervisor.
• Ask your supervisor if you wish to add something to your syllabus.
• Report to your supervisor on regular basis.
• Update your supervisor for any major thing immediately.
• If in doubt, approach your supervisor.
• Don’t delay in responding to your supervisor's emails.
• Ask for his/ her suggestions campus-culture and class-management.
• For problem student (if any), discuss with your supervisor for guidance.
• Discuss with your supervisor how you should give grades to your students.

(ii) Engaging in Academic Study:

• Consult with your supervisor on ‘How to Find Courses of Your Interest’.
• Explore university website for ‘Course Search’.
• Take courses that interests you the most and suit your professional growth. 
• You are expected to be in full-time status at all times. 
• This means at least two courses per semester in addition to your duties as an FLTA (no more than 20 hours per week). 
• Coursework may be taken on either a credit or an audit basis. Online courses are not acceptable for coursework requirements. 
• You must also take at least one course in American studies (literature, politics, economics, history, etc.) during the academic year.

Following video might give you a little glimpse of my work as an FLTA,

Teaching Hindi as a Foreign Language to American Students

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If You Believe It, You Can Do It.

If You Believe It, You Can Do It.

It was just another regular morning for me when I was on my way to work. After I reached the university campus, I realized I had received a text message from one of my students. I read the text message and had to make her a quick call to congratulate her for one of her biggest accomplishments. She had received a personal letter from Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand.   

So elated and delighted to share that one of my student teams achieved something truly remarkable and here are the details:

Meet Student Team 'STAR CATCHERS' from BA in Journalism and Mass Communication, UPES.

NANCY BORA (Team Leader)
NANDINI ASTHANA
ANUJ GUPTA
ANSHIKA SINGH

I have been teaching them for the course 'Leadership and Teamwork' and have also been mentoring them for their student team project for the same course.  

Since the beginning, they all were highly impressed by none other than Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand for her exceptional leadership skills.

During our Formative Feedback meetings, they shared their idea of team project 'A Documentary Film on Jacinda Ardern and Her Leadership'.

I suggested them to try their luck in having an interview of Jacinda Ardern by writing to her, and they would have more substantial content (as primary source of data) for their Team Project.

At first, they laughed at it, but soon they realized I was serious, and they followed. Nancy wrote to Jacinda Ardern and shared her list of questions for her quick interview.

They didn't receive any response initially and then I encouraged them to keep following up. Luckily, they got convinced that there is no harm in trying at least.

After several days of persistence and self-belief, they received a pleasant surprise of their lifetime.

They not only received an official response from the Office of New Zealand Prime Minister, and surprisingly Jacinda Ardern's detailed letter to this amazing student team with the answers to all interview questions.

They did it!!! They made history, and their achievement will be remembered for a long time.

They did it!!! They made history, and their achievement will be remembered for a long time. And it will keep inspiring the whole UPES student community to believe in their efforts and dream BIG.

And this is exactly what we educators have got to do: To make them believe in themselves and keep the spark alive.

Proud of you dear Nancy and your team!!!

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The Day When I Represented India at the United Nations

It was an honor to represent India at the United Nations headquarters, New York.

The Day When I Represented India 
at the United Nations

And, there came this important day of my life, when I was representing my country as a youth leader at one of the world's most prestigious organizations - United Nations.

“Remember to celebrate milestones as you prepare for the road ahead.” – Nelson Mandela

There are days in your life, that have huge significance and you MUST celebrate them.

On this day, 5 years ago, (Jan 31, 2016) I had the honor of representing India at the United Nations headquarters, New York.

"Don't focus on what you are up against.
Focus on your goals and try to ignore the rest."

So, what makes it so special? Here are my 3 strong  reasons to celebrate this day with joy and pride,

1. Since my childhood days, I have always aspired to represent India at an international platform.

2. During my graduation years, I was frequently ridiculed, when I used to share these aspirations with my so called friends.

3. I kept reminding myself that my dreams matter, even if they seem 'silly' to the outside world.

And, there came this important day of my life, when I was representing my country as a youth leader at one of the world's most prestigious organizations - United Nations.

Next time when somebody criticizes your dreams, remind yourself,

"Don't focus on what you are up against. Focus on your goals and try to ignore the rest."

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"To Educate A Girl Is to Educate An Entire Generation."

"When girls are educated, their countries become stronger and more prosperous."

"To Educate A Girl Is to
Educate An Entire Generation."

Many of these girls were from lower-middle class families, and their dedication and diligence were clearly visible with their participation in various tasks and activities.

"When girls are educated, their countries become stronger and more prosperous."

Last year, I had this amazing opportunity to teach Life Skills to a batch of more than 500 brilliant NCC girl cadets from various parts of Uttarakhand state.

What made this experience more memorable was the fact that these girls were from diverse backgrounds, and they all had one thing in common: 'Their Aspirations to Succeed in Life'.

These girls were way more focused and far more committed to their goals,
as compared to the boys of similar age group, that I had trained before.

Many of these girls were from lower-middle class families, and their dedication and diligence were clearly visible with their participation in various tasks and activities.

Through interactions with them, I realized they were way more focused and far more committed to their goals, as compared to the boys of similar age group, that I had trained before.

It has been rightly said that,

"To educate a girl is to educate an entire generation."

Happy National Girl Child Day!

"When girls are educated, their countries become stronger and more prosperous."

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Making Your Virtual Classroom Experience More Meaningful

It's always a great feeling when your learners feel engaged and appreciate your efforts.

Making Your Virtual Classroom 
Experience More Meaningful

Remember that virtual learning is very special. Successful virtual teachers do the best they can to deliver meaningful lessons, help their learners feel cared for, and inspire them to give their best.  

It’s often said that it’s challenging to maintain your learners' attention through online interactions. Virtual classroom is not always easy when you also have to engage your learners and make learning experience fun as well as interactive.

It does take a bit of creativity and lots of love (for teaching) to keep your learners' brains stimulated. To engage my learners, here is the methodology I used as a course instructor for two Life Skills courses, (i) Living Conversations, and (ii) Leadership and Teamwork.

Please find this methodology explained in form of simple suggestions for those who wish to make virtual classroom experience fun as well as interactive, 

1. Break down the lesson and make it digestible. Make content that students can connect emotionally too. 
   
   
2. Be well prepared with any assets you’ll be using in class, which include slide show, images, audio or video links, documents, etc. 
   
   
3. When you are presenting through slide show, personalize them with your learners' pictures or names. They will enjoy the personal touch. 
   
   
4. Be a storyteller and present your best (online) self. Also, be patient with your learners. 
   
   
5. Use humor and bring some fun into the classroom. Take brain breaks for fun activities like '60 Seconds to Fame', 'DJ of the Day' etc. 
   
   
6. Emphasize group projects. Figure out what students should be practicing and create exercises/ activities/ assignments that help them reflect on their own perspectives and learn from one another. 
   
   
7. Gamify your virtual classroom experience, and create a kind of healthy competition to inspire your learners with intrinsic motivation. 
   
   
8. Set polls, conduct break-out sessions, and use the chat box. Ask insightful questions and try to relate them with day-to-day life experiences. 
   
   
9. Recognize and appreciate learners who participate proactively. It does help in influencing the behavior of other learners positively. 
   
   
10. Have guest speakers come in to talk about a subject or interest area, to offer a fresh perspective and variety in the subject matter. 
    
    
11. Once in a while, meet your learners in small groups for personalized feedback on Zoom or Google Meet. 
    
    
12. And last but not the least, make your learners feel valued. Allow them to present and share their favorite learning takeaway/s. 

It's always a great feeling when your learners feel engaged and appreciate your efforts.

Remember that virtual learning is very special. Successful virtual teachers do the best they can to deliver meaningful lessons, help their learners feel cared for, and inspire them to give their best. 

How do you make your virtual classroom experience more meaningful?

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Leader - A Dealer of Hope

Leader - A Dealer of Hope

Sometimes, a leader is a dealer of hope. Have you also come across such 'dealers of hope'?

Exactly, 5 years ago, this is what I found in my office at the University of Montana.

My Program Director had left a personalized note with a bunch of candies, while I was away for teaching my class.

It was indeed a pleasant surprise for me to realize that the Program Director himself had come to my office to wish me on my last day of the semester.

This small yet significant gesture touched my heart and I felt truly humbled with his thoughtfulness.

Sometimes, a leader is a dealer of hope. Have you also come across such 'dealers of hope'?

Through my own experiences, I have found the following 10 exceptionally meaningful ways to connect with a team and create a positive impact, 

1. Recognize a Job Well Done.
   
   
2. Encourage Creativity.
   
   
3. Break Big Goals into More Manageable Chunks.
   
   
4. Support New Ideas.
   
   
5. Focus more on Intrinsic (rather Extrinsic) Rewards.
   
   
6. Give Your Team Autonomy.
   
   
7. Figure Out What Makes Your Employees Tick.
   
   
8. Express Gratitude.
   
   
9. Practice Transparency.
   
   
10. Celebrate Wins.

“We are not a team because we work together.  We are a team because we respect, trust and care for each other.”  -Vala Afsar

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YOU Too Can Win a Fulbright Award!

YOU Too Can Win a Fulbright Award!

Applying for a Fulbright grant takes work and dedication. Fulbright is very competitive and the percentage of applicants who get awarded are very few.

A Fulbright competition is a merit-based grant for teachers, professionals, scientists, and artists worldwide open to the US and non-US citizens.

Applying for a Fulbright grant takes work and dedication. Fulbright is very competitive and the percentage of applicants who get awarded are very few.

✅ Start by looking at Fulbright’s website.

✅ Identify which of the program/s you want to apply for.

✅ Make sure to read carefully and understand well what each of these programs require.

✅ Be sure to be very clear in your application – don’t use funky jargon and acronyms.

✅ Prepare for the two standardized tests – the TOEFL and the GRE (depending upon the program's requirement).

✅ What story do you have while writing your Statement of Grant Purpose? You should be able to stand out from the crowd.

✅ Convince the committee in a logical way:
(i) How solid are your motivations to pursue the program?
(ii) What difference will you make once you return?
(iii) Whether you will fit well with the program’s focus on cultural exchange and helping your community.

✅ Be patient – the application is lengthy but the grant is worth the effort.

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