Theresa Schenker

Theresa Schenker's picture
Senior Lector II of Germanic Languages and Literatures, German Language Program Director
Address: 
HQ, 320 York Street, New Haven, CT 06511
203.432.6401

PhD, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI

Theresa Schenker joined the German Department in 2012 as language program director. Since coming to Yale she has worked on restructuring the German Language Program, increasing outreach efforts, expanding the summer study abroad program, and training graduate students in their teaching years. Theresa Schenker teaches all levels of German language as well as advanced language/culture courses. Her research interests are computer-mediated communication, telecollaboration, intercultural competence, and study abroad. Theresa currently serves as co-editor of Die Unterrichtspraxis/Teaching German and as software review editor for CALICO.

Positions:

  • Senior Lector II of German & Language Program Director

Books:

  • Goertler, S., & Schenker, T. (2021). From Study Abroad to Education Abroad: Language Proficiency, Intercultural Competence, and Diversity. Routledge: New York & London.

Selected Recent Academic Awards and Achievements:

  • (2021) Instructional Innovation Workshop Grant
  • (2021) Recipient of Griswold Research Fund for Research on Online Instruction >li>(2019) Recipient of Griswold Research Fund for Research on Study Abroad vs at-home
  • (2019) Instructional Innovation Grant (2019) Instructional Innovation Workshop Grant: Teaching Culture
  • (2018) Recipient of Griswold Research Fund for Research on Study Abroad ($3091.92)
  • (2018) Annual Instructional Innovation Grant
  • (2017) Professional Development Leave
  • (2017) Annual Instructional Innovation Grant
  • (2016) Instructional Innovation Workshop Grant: Community-Based Learning
  • (2014) German Embassy Teacher of Excellence Award
  • (2013) Instructional Innovation Workshop Grant: E-Portfolios
  • (2012) CALICO Outstanding Graduate Student Award
  • (2012) Departmental Outstanding TA Award
  • (2011) MIWLA Charles H. Ahnert Instructional Grant (East Lansing, MI)
  • (2011) Recipient of CELTA (Center for Language Teaching Advancement at MSU) Fellowship for innovative use of technology in the classroom

    Latest Article Publications:

    • Schenker, T. (2021). An Advanced Fairy Tale Course: Text Selection, Assignments, and Student Feedback. Die Unterrichtspraxis/Teaching German. (forthcoming).
    • Schenker, T. (2021). Connecting language learners with the community: A library outreach project for children. German as a Foreign Language. (forthcoming).

    • Schenker, T. (2021). Online journaling and language learning in intensive summer study abroad programs. Language Teaching Research, 1-19. doi:10.1177/13621688211036673

    • Schenker, T. (2019). Fostering global competence through short-term study abroad. Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad, 31(2), 139-157.

    • Schenker, T. (2019). The effects of group set-up on participation and learning in discussion forums. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 1-22. doi:10.1080/09588221.2019.1634103 Schenker, T. (2018). CAPL: Culturally Authentic Pictorial Lexicon. The FLTmag. Retrieved from http://fltmag.com/capl/ Schenker, T. (2018). Making short-term study abroad count - Effects on German language skills. Foreign Language Annals, 51(2), 411-419.
    • Schenker, T., & Kraemer, A. (2018). The role of the language center in community outreach: Developing language enrichment programs for children. In: E. Simon & B. Lavolet (Eds.), The Language Center Handbook (pp. 71-88). Auburn University: :International Association for Language Learning Technology
    • Goertler, S., Schenker, T., Lesoski, C., & and Brunsmeier, S. (2018). Assessing Language and Intercultural Learning during Telecollaboration. In: S. Link and J. Li (Eds), Assessment Across Online Language Education (pp. 21-48). Sheffield, UK: Equinox.
    • Kraemer, A., & Schenker, T. (2018). Key aspects in program design, delivery, and mentoring in world language service-learning projects. In: J. Purdy (Ed.), Civic Engagement in the Languages: A ‘How-to’ Guide on Developing Service-Learning Curriculum in World Languages Programs (pp. 20-47). Newcastle upon Tyne: Cambridge Scholars Publishing.
    • Schenker, T. & Kraemer, A. (2017). Maximizing L2 speaking practice through iPads. Languages, 2(6), 1-11.
    • Schenker, T. (2017). Fostering foreign language skills through an extracurricular drama project. The Language Learning Journal, 45. 1-14. doi: 10.1080/09571736.2017.1406532
    • Schenker, T. (2017) Synchronous telecollaboration for novice language learners – Effects on speaking skills and language learning interests. ALSIC, 20, 1-18.
    • Schenker, T., & Poorman, F. (2017). Students’ perceptions of telecollaborative communication tools. In: C. Ludwig & K. van de Poel (Eds), Collaborative Language Learning and New Media: Insights into an Evolving Field. Frankfurt a.M.: Peter Lang. (forthcoming).
    • Kraemer, A., & Schenker, T. (2017). Key aspects in program design, delivery, and mentoring in world language service-learning projects. In: J. Purdy (Ed.), Civic Engagement in the Languages: A ‘How-to’ Guide on Developing Service-Learning Curriculum in World Languages Programs. (forthcoming).
    • Schenker, T., & Kraemer, A. (2017). The role of the language center in community outreach: Developing language enrichment programs for children. In: E. Simon & B. Lavolet (Eds.), The Language Center Handbook. (forthcoming).
    • Schenker, T. (2016). Syntactic complexity in a cross-cultural E-mail exchange. System, 63, 40-50.
    • Goertler, S., Kraemer, A., & Schenker, T. (2016). Setting evidence-based language goals. Foreign Language Annals, 49(3), 434-454. DOI: 10.1111/flan.12214
    • Schenker, T., & Munro, R. (2016). “… but you are not German.” – Afro-German culture and literature in the German language classroom. Die Unterrichtspraxis / Teaching German, 49(2), 178-192.
    • Schenker, T., & Poorman, F. (2016). Students’ perceptions of telecollaborative communication tools. In: C. Ludwig & K. van de Poel (Eds), Collaborative Language Learning and New Media: Insights into an Evolving Field. Frankfurt a.M.: Peter Lang. (forthcoming).
    • Schenker, T. (2015). Telecollaboration for novice language learners—Negotiation of meaning in text chats between nonnative and native speakers. In E. Dixon & M. Thomas (Eds.), Researching Language Learner Interactions Online: From Social Media to MOOCs (Vol. 13, pp. 237-259). San Marcos: CALICO.
    • Poorman, F., & Schenker, T. (2013). Cross-cultural discussion forums in the foreign language classroom. ETAS, 31(1), 28-30.
    • Schenker, T. (2013). The effects of a virtual exchange on students’ interest in learning about culture. Foreign Language Annals, 46(3), 491-507. doi: 10.1111/flan.12041
    • Schenker, T. (2013). Virtual exchanges in the foreign language classroom. The FLTmag. Retrieved from http://fltmag.com/virtual-exchanges-in-the-foreign-language-classroom/
    • Schenker, T. (2013). Deutschland sucht den Superstar. Ein Musikprojekt im DaF-Unterricht. Informationen zur Deutschdidaktik, 2, 112-117.
    • Schenker, T.  (2012). Intercultural Competence and Cultural Learning Through Telecollaboration. CALICO Journal, 29 (3): 449-470.
    • Kraemer, A., & Schenker, T. (2012). Reaching all learners through community-based language programs. Touch The World: The 2012 Central States Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages Report (pp. 1-19). Milwaukee, WI: CSCTFL.
    • Kraemer, A., & Schenker, T. (2011). Reise durch den Märchenwald – ein Projekt aus Amerika. Frühes Deutsch, 24: 14-16.
    • Schenker, T., & Kraemer, A. (2011). Teaching German to preschoolers in the U.S. ETAS Journal, 29 (1): 30-31.

      Book and Software Reviews:

    • Schenker, T. (2016). [Book Review of: Halverson, R. J. & Costable-Heming, C. A. (Eds). Taking stock of German studies in the United States. The new millennium.] (Die Unterrichtspraxis / Teaching German).
    • Schenker, T. (2014). [Software Review: Mango Conversations—German for English Speakers]. CALICO, 31(3), 390-400.
    • Schenker, T. (2013). [Book Review of: Weidemann, A; Straub, J. & Nothnagel, S. (Hrsg.)Wie lehrt man interkulturelle Kompetenz? Theorien, Methoden und Praxis in der Hochschulausbildung. Ein Handbuch. Bielefeld: Transcript, 2010]. Zeitschrift für Interkulturellen Fremdsprachenunterricht, 18(1), 175-178.
    • Schenker, T. (2013). [Book Review of: Thomas, M., Reinders, H., & Warschauer, M. (Eds.). Contemporary computer-assisted language learning. London/New York: Bloomsbury, 2013]. CALICO, 30(3), 449-451.
    • Schenker, T. (2013). [Book Review of: Brandmiller-Witowska, Lidia, and Jolanta Kamińska. Prüfungstraining für Jugendliche: Kopiervorlagen für das Testniveau A1. Warsaw: Langenscheidt Polska, 2007]. Die Unterrichtspraxis / Teaching German, 46(1), 139-140.
    • Schenker, T. (2012). [Book Review for Narr Website: Schiffler, L. Effektiver Fremdsprachenunterricht. Bewegung – Visualisierung – Entspannung. Tübingen: Narr, 2012.].
    • Schenker, T. (2011). [Book Review for “The Study of Second Language Acquisition” by Rod Ellis]. ETAS Journal, 29 (1): 68.

      Latest Presentations:

    • Schenker T. (November 2016). Multiculturalism in Germany: Teaching Cultural Diversity. Presentation given at ACTFL, Boston, MA.
    • Schenker, T., & Kraemer, A. (November 2016). Creating Impact with I-pads. Presentation given at ACTFL, Boston, MA.
    • Schenker, T. (October 2016). Telecollaboration through Social Networks – Facebook in the Language Classroom. Presentation given at NERALLT, South Hadley, MA.
    • Schenker, T. (November 2015). “But You Are Not German…” – Teaching with Afro-German Texts. Presentation given at ACTFL, San Diego, California.
    • Schenker, T., & Kraemer, A. (November 2015). Top Ten Tech Tools to Inspire and Engage Language Students. Presentation given at ACTFL, San Diego, California.
    • Schenker, T. (October 2015). Using Ipads for Study Abroad. Presentation given at NERALLT, Durham, New Hampshire.
    • Schenker, T. (October 2015). Ipads in the Language Classroom. Presentation given at CT COLT, Waterbury, Connecticut.
    • Schenker, T. (October 2015). Multikulturelles Deutschland – Afro-Deutsche Texte im DAF-Unterricht. Presentation given at MaFLA, Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
    • Schenker, T. (November 2014). Effective tools for electronic exchanges. Presentation given at ACTFL, San Antonio, Texas.
    • Schenker, T. (October 2014). Developing intercultural competence through telecollaboration. Presentation given at RIFLA, Narragansett, Rhode Island.
    • Schenker, T. (October 2014). Ten free tech tools for speaking practice and cultural exploration. Presentation given at NERALLT, Providence, Rhode Island.
    • Schenker, T. (October 2014). Teaching with technology! Fostering language and culture learning through web 2.0 tools. Workshop given at MaFLA, Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
    • Schenker, T. (October 2014). Communicating online – How to conduct successful virtual exchanges. Presentation given at CT COLT, Waterbury, Connecticut.
    • Schenker, T. (May 2014). Synchronous CMC in first-semester German. Presentation given at CALICO, Athens, Ohio.
    • Schenker, T., & Poorman, F. (May 2014). Virtual exchanges – which tools should we use? Presentation given at CALICO, Athens, Ohio.
    • Schenker, T., & Poorman, F. (March 2014). Best tools for cross-cultural CMC projects. Northeast Association for Language Learning Technology, Swarthmore, PA.
    • Schenker, T., & Wolf, P. (March 2014). Cross-cultural voice chats. Northeast Association for Language Learning Technology, Swarthmore, PA.
    • Schenker, T. (November 2013). Bracing for impact: University outreach programs in German. Presentation given on panel at ACTFL, Orlando, FL.
    • Schenker, T. (November 2013). Synchronous and asynchronous virtual exchanges. Presentation given at ACTFL, Orlando, FL.
    • Schenker, T. (May 2013). Intercultural competence and language skills through an electronic exchange. Presentation given at CALICO, Honolulu, Hawaii.
    • Schenker, T. (November 2012). Connecting language learners online – Strengths and challenges of online tools. Presentation given at ACTFL, Philadelphia, PA.
    • Schenker, T., & Kraemer, A. (March 2012). Reaching all learners: Combining early language learning, community outreach, and service learning. Presentation given at Central States Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, Milwaukee, WI.
    • Schenker, T. (November 2011). Intercultural competence and language skills through e-mail exchanges. Presentation given at ACTFL, Denver, CO.
    • Schenker, T. (October 2011). Students’ interest in cultural learning – effects of a cross-cultural e-mail exchange. Presentation given at Michigan World Language Association, Lansing, MI.
    • Schenker, T. (May 2011). Intercultural competence through telecollaboration. Presentation given at CALICO, Victoria, B.C.
    • Goertler, S. & Schenker, T. (May 2011). Blended German 2.0. Still room for improvement. Presentation given at CALICO, Victoria, B.C.
    • Schenker, T. (October 2010). ‘Emil & die Detektive: die Welt Erich Kästners’: A German Summer Camp for Kids. Presentation given at Michigan World Language Association, Lansing, MI.
    • Schenker, T. (March 2010). When mothers can’t let go… Mothering, identity, and trauma in Elfriede Jelinek’s ‘Die Klavierspielerin’. Paper presented at the 12th Annual Graduate Student Conference of the German and Dutch Graduate Student Association at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI.
    • Schenker, T. (February 2010). Utopia in Christoph Hein’s ‘Der Fremde Freund’. Paper presented at EDGES, The Third Annual Graduate Student Conference of the College of Arts and Letters at MSU, East Lansing, MI.
    • Schenker, T. (October 2009). Intercultural competence and cultural learning through telecollaboration. Presentation given at Michigan World Language Association, Lansing, MI.
    • Schenker, T. (March 2009). A lost youth: The representation of the Bund Deutscher Mädel in autobiographical narratives and memoirs. Paper presented at Michigan Academy of Science, Arts, and Letters, Detroit, MI.