Teaching

Italian as a Foreign Language

Prosody in Foreign Language Acquisition

Explicit Prosodic-Pragmatic Training

Geoprosodic Variation 

Didactic Audiovisual Translation in Language Learning and Teaching

Subtitling for Italian business communication

Learning and Teaching Languages Online

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I am currently Coordinator of the Diploma in Italian Online and Second Arts Coordinator (Italian Discipline) at University of Galway, Ireland.

I am an active member of the Teaching and Learning Committee and the Standing Committee for the Implementation of the Extenuating Circumstances Policy.

 

Since 2014 I have taught Italian as a foreign language at University of Galway (Ireland) to students of all years, at all levels and of different age groups (children, young adults and adults), initially as a part of my doctoral studies, afterwards as a Teaching Assistant, and since January 2023 as a Lecturer. I also actively contributed to evening diploma and online diploma classes in Italian. I have delivered a total of 45 modules to date. I developed innovative modules and curricula for UGs, teacher training, and both adult and children’s education, in face-to-face, blended and online environments. Learning resources are delivered in-class and online, and I provided additional material for independent learning through Blackboard/Canvas to support learner autonomy. My assessments include oral presentations, reflective essays, grammar exercises, reading/listening comprehension, discussion boards, individual and group work, web-based activities, technology-based translations and speech analysis tasks. 

 

I have a strong interest in the prosodic aspects of speech and throughout my doctoral studies, I designed a new didactic experience on the use of intonation patterns in the Italian language by integrating computer tools into teaching practice. In addition, I am very involved in exploring the potential of Didactic Audiovisual Translation in language learning and teaching in both online and blended didactic environment. Of particular note is the first course I designed on ‘Combining captioning and revoicing activities to teach Italian as foreign language to children’ (Youth Academy, University of Galway), which was shortlisted for the European Language Label for Innovation and Creativity (Leargas) in 2019.

 

As a researcher, content creator and Web developer for the LILAC project, I have experience in creating Open Educational Resources (OERs) using WordPress software, H5P and innovative educational tools, such as Canva for Education, Genially and Mentimeter.

 

I designed and developed the course 'Traballiamo: Italian for secondary schools' to promote and embed performative arts in foreign language education. The project involves delivery of classes and presentations, a final project/reflective work, and the creation and maintenance of a blog. 

 

As a volunteer I have taught Italian and delivered Italian language workshops in a number of secondary and primary schools in Galway City and County:
Our Lady s College; Dominican College Taylor s Hill; St. Enda s College; Colaiste Na Coiribe; Clarin College (Athenry, Co. Galway); St. Brigid s College (Loughrea, Co. Galway); Scoil Iognáid, Galway; Oranmore Boys NS (Oranmore, Co. Galway).
I devised short "taster" courses and workshops for transition year (TY) students and monitored a team of language assistants by planning required training sessions.

 

Furthermore, I have been promoting Italian language and culture in Galway and in the West of Ireland by organising events for the Italian Department ("Italian Food Culture meets the Atlantic Way" 7th of April 2016, and "Italian Day" 16th of March 2018, "#ThinkLanguages" 1st December 2023).