The 10th annual German Immersion Weekend will bring about 30 college and high school German instructors from all over Virginia to Sweet Briar College beginning Friday, Sept. 24. Sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of German and Goethe-Institut, the event is a chance for instructors to come together and exchange ideas and teaching concepts while celebrating German culture.
The theme of this year's workshop, in its English translation, is "Theater in German Instruction." Donna Van Handle and Stefan Brunner are special guests. Van Handle, who will lead the program, is a senior lecturer and dean of International Studies at Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Mass., and a past president of AATG. Brunner is Head of the language department and deputy director of the Goethe-Institut Washington.
Program leader Ron Horwege, SBC professor of German, said he's looking forward to working with both of the guests. Van Handle's visit is a special treat, as Horwege has been acquainted with her for several years. "She is a very well known educator and a leader in her field," he said. "We are lucky to have her here this year." She works with theater as a teaching method and will instruct the other participants in how to incorporate it into their classrooms.
Brunner, who has been a part of the Immersion program for the past two years, will contribute extra materials and information and assist with the activities. The Goethe-Institut has co-sponsored the program at Sweet Briar since it began in 1993.
Horwege said this year's meeting focuses on teaching German language through drama and integrating German drama into the curriculum while creating a fun experience in the classroom. A key component of the workshop has participants working in teams to prepare dramatic scenes and performing them for the group.
To authenticate the experience, German is the only language the participants are allowed to speak during the conference, and German food will be served for most meals. After the Friday night dinner participants will also have an opportunity to learn some German folk dances and try them out.
Horwege has proposed changing the location for Immersion Weekend, but participants always seem to favor returning to Sweet Briar's beautifully pastoral setting.
"Participants always enjoy sitting on the deck in the evening, enjoying good wine and German conversation while watching deer and other woodland animals frolicking in the woods behind the Florence Elston Inn," he said.
Although students do not usually participate in the event, Horwege is always willing to let them take part if they're interested. He noted that three students will take part in the activities this year: Karlena Sakas, Robin Parkinson, and Tina Erett, a student assistant from Heidelberg.
