The features of both music and language – such as timing, rhythm, and stress – can support the acquisition of communication skills in multiple languages. In this course, participants will learn about musical and linguistic theory and practice strategies that can be implemented by both monolingual and multilingual professionals to support communication skills across multiple languages in young learners.
Intended audience
Educational and healthcare professionals working with young language learners who speak any language. This course was registered with ASHA CE under the subject DEI and will appear on learners’ CE transcripts as such.
Learner Outcomes
Learners will be able to:
Describe learning processes related to musical and linguistic phenomena.
Produce gestures, sounds and words in songs across multiple languages.
List linguistic features that influence how humans learn specific languages.
Time Ordered Agenda
4:30-4:35 p.m. – Introduction and overview
4:35-4:55 p.m. – Theories and concepts in music and language
4:55-5:15 p.m. – Learning strategies within and across languages
5:15-5:45 p.m. – Putting the theory into practice
5:45-6 p.m. – Conclusions and questions
Merrimack College invites participants to stay in the presentation room for networking and socializing until 6:30 p.m.
Expectations
In order to complete this course, learners are expected to:
Attend the workshop from start to finish (signing in and signing out)
Complete a self-assessment evaluation and submit it by Monday, June 3, at 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time
Full Presenter Biography
Dr. Aghara has had professional experiences as a speech-language pathologist including nearly 30 years of work in educational, medical, clinical, and research settings specializing in services to linguistically and culturally diverse populations. She has practiced and lived in New York, Texas, Virginia, Massachusetts, Bolivia, El Salvador, and India. Dr. Aghara has been part of teaching and research teams at the University of Texas at Austin, the University of Texas Health Science Center-Houston, the University of Houston, and she is now at Merrimack College. She currently serves on the Massachusetts Speech-Language Hearing Association Executive Board.
Financial Disclosure: Dr. Aghara receives a salary as an employee of the Merrimack College. She is the coordinator for Speech, Language and Learning activities at Merrimack College. Dr. Aghara is receiving a speaking fee for this presentation.
Non-Financial Disclosure: Dr. Aghara has no relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.
Cost
This workshop is free and open to Merrimack College students, alumni, and the public.
Credits
Certificates of participation (1.5 hours) and ASHA CEUs (0.15) will be provided.
Registration
Please register now to secure your spot and receive reminder emails with campus logistics.
Funding
Funding for this workshop is provided by the Winston family as part of the MINTS endowment.
Thank you for your interest in attending our upcoming free workshop “Using Songs to Support Communication Skills of Young Multi-Language Learners.”
