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About Us >> Summer Program >>

In its long history, AILDI has developed a format that has worked exceptionally well for educators with diverse experiences and needs.

Model: AILDI is a summer residential program centered on a specific theme. Our participants enroll in two 3-unit courses that are transferable to UA degrees and other universities and college. AILDI courses are designed to train participants to apply their knowledge and skills in their teaching at school or in the community, as well as to learn methods that incorporate appropriate linguistic and cultural knowledge into the curriculum. In addition, participants share their “microteaching” lessons (short lessons that are taught in an Indigenous language) that integrate concepts and ideas from classes taken during the month.

  

Microteaching
   
"Microteaching was a challenging and exposing experience. It exposed areas where I needed to grow as a teacher and a language learner. It also challenged me to continue learning - it can only get better."

Impacts: AILDI has made significant contributions to Indigenous communities in all areas of language learning, teaching and research. These include:

  • Bridging language communities and academic communities: Dr. Sheilah Nicholas (University of Arizona & Hopi Language Institute); Jennie DeGroat (Northern Arizona University & Cibecue Immersion)
  • Drafting of the Native American Languages Act (NALA) of 1990 (Public Law 101-477)
  • Sister programs: Oklahoma Native American Language Development Institute (ONALDI), Canadian Indigenous Languages and Literacy Development Institute (CILLDI), Northwest Indian Language Institute (NILI)
  • Funding received by NSF-NEH DEL grant (2005-2008) #0549189. SGER: Increasing Competitive Research among Tribal Communities for Documenting Endangered Languages. Funded 20 participants to enroll in Grant Writing & Language Documentation. 3 of 11 teams were awarded grants.

Special Events:

  • Class presentations
  • Conferences, symposia, and workshops
  • Cultural activities and performances, such as the bahidaj (sahuaro fruit) harvest
  • Guest lectures by internationally and nationally known lnaugage educators and researchesrs
  • Poetry readings
If you have any questions or comments, please e-mail: aildi@u.arizona.edu | Last updated: October 20, 2009