Dr. Jasmin (Bey) Cowin, an Associate Professor at Touro University, received the 2024 Touro University CETL Faculty Fellowship for Excellence in Teaching and the Rockefeller Institute of Government awarded her the prestigious Richard P. Nathan Public Policy Fellowship (2024-2025). As a Fulbright Scholar and SIT Graduate, she was selected to be a U.S. Department of State English Language Specialist. Her expertise in AI in education is underscored by her role as an AI trainer and former Education Policy Fellow (EPFP™) at Columbia University's Teachers College. As a columnist for Stankevicius, she explores Nicomachean Ethics at the intersection of AI and education. She has contributed to initiatives like Computers for Schools Burundi, served as a resource specialist for Amity University in Uttar Pradesh, India, and participated in TESOL "Train the Trainer" programs in Yemen and Morocco. Her research interests include simulations and metaverse for educators-in-training, AI applications in education and language acquisition and teaching, and distributed ledger technologies, with a focus on her 'Education for 2060' theme.
In conclusion, my commitment extends beyond transactional interactions, focusing instead on utilizing my skills and privileges to make a positive, enduring impact on the world.
As a Professor for TESOL, I am immensely proud to feature outstanding student work from our MS in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Program. New York’s linguistic diversity demands teachers who can find common ground and effectively communicate with students from different language backgrounds. Academically rigorous and practice-intensive, the 33-credit program includes 50 hours of fieldwork andsupervised student teaching experiences. Candidates who complete all coursework, fieldwork, and student teaching requirements are eligible for recommendation for ESL certification.
EDDN 637: Students will become acquainted with and practice effective approaches, methods, and strategies for teaching and evaluating English language learners in the content areas (ELA, Social Studies, Math and Science). Throughout the course, students will explore the impact of culture and language upon classroom learning. Special challenges in teaching and assessment in each content area will be discussed. Examination and analysis of curriculum materials and instructional strategies for creative teaching and learning in grades Pe-K-12. Includes content-specific lesson planning that addresses the New York State Student Content Learning Standards with emphasis on English Language Arts, English as a Second Language, and content area instruction. Course content includes demonstrations, simulated activities, and field observations in Pre-K-12 classrooms. The course also examines how the teaching of English to non-native speakers can be integrated with the teaching of cognitive skills in all content areas. Students will be offered a variety of methods and materials to integrate ESL standards throughout all content areas for classroom use. Includes 15 hours of fieldwork.
Kayla Challenor currently works as a Reading Teacher at Island Trees Memorial Middle School in Levittown, NY. She holds a master’s degree in Reading and Literacy (K-12). Passionate about furthering her education, she is currently in the process of earning her TESOL certification at Touro University. Her dedication is evident in her ongoing efforts to ensure the success of all learners.
“I am dedicated to applying our coursework knowledge into my classroom.”
As a Professor for TESOL, I am immensely proud to feature outstanding student work from our MS in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Program. New York’s linguistic diversity demands teachers who can find common ground and effectively communicate with students from different language backgrounds. Academically rigorous and practice-intensive, the 33-credit program includes 50 hours of fieldwork andsupervised student teaching experiences. Candidates who complete all coursework, fieldwork, and student teaching requirements are eligible for recommendation for ESL certification.
EDDN 637: Students will become acquainted with and practice effective approaches, methods, and strategies for teaching and evaluating English language learners in the content areas (ELA, Social Studies, Math and Science). Throughout the course, students will explore the impact of culture and language upon classroom learning. Special challenges in teaching and assessment in each content area will be discussed. Examination and analysis of curriculum materials and instructional strategies for creative teaching and learning in grades Pe-K-12. Includes content-specific lesson planning that addresses the New York State Student Content Learning Standards with emphasis on English Language Arts, English as a Second Language, and content area instruction. Course content includes demonstrations, simulated activities, and field observations in Pre-K-12 classrooms. The course also examines how the teaching of English to non-native speakers can be integrated with the teaching of cognitive skills in all content areas. Students will be offered a variety of methods and materials to integrate ESL standards throughout all content areas for classroom use. Includes 15 hours of fieldwork.
Amelia Cusack is a second-grade teacher certified in general and special education, grades 1-6, and in the process of obtaining a TESOL certification at Touro University.
I recommend Touro University to all my friends who want to become teachers. Their education programs gave me the flexibility to receive a quality education while working full-time.
Amelia Cusack, Touro University TESOL certification candidate
The following passage is an excerpt from a 4th grade workbook. The reading program is HMH: Into Reading
As a Professor for TESOL, I am immensely proud to feature outstanding student work from our MS in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Program. New York’s linguistic diversity demands teachers who can find common ground and effectively communicate with students from different language backgrounds. Academically rigorous and practice-intensive, the 33-credit program includes 50 hours of fieldwork andsupervised student teaching experiences. Candidates who complete all coursework, fieldwork, and student teaching requirements are eligible for recommendation for ESL certification.
EDDN 637: Students will become acquainted with and practice effective approaches, methods, and strategies for teaching and evaluating English language learners in the content areas (ELA, Social Studies, Math and Science). Throughout the course, students will explore the impact of culture and language upon classroom learning. Special challenges in teaching and assessment in each content area will be discussed. Examination and analysis of curriculum materials and instructional strategies for creative teaching and learning in grades Pe-K-12. Includes content-specific lesson planning that addresses the New York State Student Content Learning Standards with emphasis on English Language Arts, English as a Second Language, and content area instruction. Course content includes demonstrations, simulated activities, and field observations in Pre-K-12 classrooms. The course also examines how the teaching of English to non-native speakers can be integrated with the teaching of cognitive skills in all content areas. Students will be offered a variety of methods and materials to integrate ESL standards throughout all content areas for classroom use. Includes 15 hours of fieldwork.
Jasmeet Kaur graduated from York College in Childhood Education Grades 1-6 with honors in 2022 ( Summa Cum Laude). Currently, she is working as a Substitute teacher and pursuing a Master’s in TESOL from Touro College. Her goal is to inspire Bilingual/ Multilingual and the next generation to have confidence in their abilities and use those skills towards their success.
“Touro provided me with insight into how being Bilingual/multilingual is an asset that opens the door for opportunities and cultivates tolerance and respect for other cultures.”
Jasmeet Kaur, Touro University, TESOL Candidate
Here is the second discussion board for Module 2/EDDN 637 by Jasmeet Kaur:
I am pleased that my presentation was received well at the International Conference on Interactive Collaborative Learning and 52nd IGIP International Conference on Engineering Pedagogy (ICL2023). This interdisciplinary conference aims to focus on the exchange of relevant trends and research results as well as the presentation of practical experiences in Interactive Collaborative Learning and Engineering Pedagogy.
Our paper’s Abstract: “Accelerating Higher Education Transformation: Simulation-Based Training and AI Coaching for Educators-in-Training.”
Abstract This paper conducts an interdisciplinary investigation into the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the realm of teacher education by integrating methodologies and frameworks from education, business admin-istration, and computer science. The rapid advancements in AI are ushering in a possible Cambrian explosion of systems transformation for educational and governmental institutions. Simulation mentoring and training are gaining traction for teacher education. The authors’ investigation into simulation-based training and AI coaching for high-leverage teacher training practices intertwines an interdisciplinary dialogue on modernizing 21st-century teacher training and the possibility of a Cambrian explosion in teacher education for higher education institutions. By examining asynchronous AI-driven simula-tion mentoring and teaching experiences and their impact on instructional teacher effectiveness, the authors frame, explore, and consider possible new resource allocations and economic implications for teacher training in higher education. Simulation tools promise to promote scalable approaches to fos-tering pedagogical expertise by incorporating research-based psychological, sensory, and cognitive domains inspired by Bloom’s educational objectives taxonomy. Using the examples of simSchool and Mursion, the authors co-construct meaning-making and hypothesize on forward-looking, scalable ed-ucator training approaches, the interplay between learning, knowledge acqui-sition, and embodied cognition, highlighting the importance of reflective practice in teacher education. AI-driven mentoring holds promise for scala-bility to achieve by 2030 the Sustainable Development Goal 4.c, aiming to “increase the supply of qualified teachers, including through international cooperation”. In conclusion, this paper will explore using AI simulations as practice arenas to stimulate and shape the dialogue between stakeholders in higher education, focusing on integrating existing best practices that will eventually change teacher education locally and globally, accelerating a higher education Cambrian explosion.
Cowin, J., Oberer, B., Lipuma, J., Leon, C., & Erkollar, A. (2023). Accelerating Higher Education Transformation: Simulation-Based Training and AI Coaching for Educators-in-Training. (Virtual Presentation, Sept. 27, 2023). 26th International Conference on Interactive Collaborative Learning and 52nd IGIP International Conference on Engineering Pedagogy (ICL2023)
My infographic “Practical Pedagogy: Leveraging Word Families in Enhancing Lexical Acquisition for English Language and Multilingual Learners” highlights the practical application of word families—clusters of words that originate from a shared root. These clusters provide a pragmatic strategy for vocabulary development, enabling more efficient Second Language Acquisition (SLA) for English learners. Through my infographic, I aim to equip educators with a clear, actionable guide on implementing explicit vocabulary teaching.
I hope my infographic serves as more than just an illustrative tool. I envision it as a practical spotlight on the tangible benefits of word families in enhancing language retention and comprehension for English Language Learners (ELLs). By having a visual guide on pedagogical implications on vocabulary aquisition and teaching, educators are better positioned to integrate word families into their lesson plans, thereby promoting enhanced vocabulary growth among their students, regardless of their linguistic backgrounds.
I hope my infographic “Practical Pedagogy: Leveraging Word Families in Enhancing Lexical Acquisition for English Language and Multilingual Learners”will serve more than just an illustrative purpose. I hope it will be a practical spotlight on the concrete benefits of word families in boosting language retention and comprehension. By understanding these pedagogical implications, teachers are better positioned to incorporate word families into their lesson plans, fostering enhanced vocabulary growth in their students, irrespective of their linguistic backgrounds.
As a Professor for TESOL, I am immensely proud to feature outstanding student work from our MS in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Program. New York’s linguistic diversity demands teachers who can find common ground and effectively communicate with students from different language backgrounds. Academically rigorous and practice-intensive, the 33-credit program includes 50 hours of fieldwork andsupervised student teaching experiences. Candidates who complete all coursework, fieldwork, and student teaching requirements are eligible for recommendation for ESL certification.
EDDN 637: Students will become acquainted with and practice effective approaches, methods, and strategies for teaching and evaluating English language learners in the content areas (ELA, Social Studies, Math and Science). Throughout the course, students will explore the impact of culture and language upon classroom learning. Special challenges in teaching and assessment in each content area will be discussed. Examination and analysis of curriculum materials and instructional strategies for creative teaching and learning in grades Pe-K-12. Includes content-specific lesson planning that addresses the New York State Student Content Learning Standards with emphasis on English Language Arts, English as a Second Language, and content area instruction. Course content includes demonstrations, simulated activities, and field observations in Pre-K-12 classrooms. The course also examines how the teaching of English to non-native speakers can be integrated with the teaching of cognitive skills in all content areas. Students will be offered a variety of methods and materials to integrate ESL standards throughout all content areas for classroom use. Includes 15 hours of fieldwork. Includes 15 hours of fieldwork. 3 credits
Jasmeet Kaur graduated from York College in Childhood Education Grades 1-6 with honors in 2022 ( Summa Cum Laude). Currently, she is working as a Substitute teacher and pursuing a Master in TESOL from Touro College. Her goal is to inspire Bilingual/ Multilingual and the next generation to have confidence in their abilities and use those skills towards their success.
“As a multilingual individual, I began my journey at Touro College. This has been a nurturing process, and I must say, “If you wish to fly higher, Touro will provide the wings to reach your destination.””
Jasmeet Kaur, Touro University TESOL Candidate
This is our first Discussion Board of the semester:
CHAP 1. WHAT Characteristics INFLUENCE ELLs’ having SUCCESS IN SCHOOL? Several characteristics can influence the success of English language learners (ELLs) in school such as language proficiency, cultural awareness, motivation, Home-school environment, access to resources, peer interaction, individual learning needs, cultural sensitivity, immigrant status, financial status, parental involvement, assessments and last but not least english language learning programs in school. As mentioned in the text, these characteristics can fall under different factors : English knowledge, first language (L1) knowledge, Educational background, sociocultural, emotional and economic factors and other educational categories (Echevarria et al.,2017, p.5). ELLs bring with them a wide range of educational and cultural experiences to the classroom, overlooking their linguistic differences and characteristics can impede in imparting effective learning. As Echevarria et al. ( 2017) indicates that ELLs linguistic assets and other funds of knowledge have implications for instructions, assessment and program design, further having knowledge of a student’s background and abilities in L1 language can help teachers facilitate effective instruction to promote their success in school(p.4). Thus, it is important to consider that success can vary greatly among ELLs, and individual circumstances play a significant role. Providing tailored support and resources based on each student’s needs is essential for their academic achievement.
What are some characteristics of ELLs to consider to implement effective teaching? Although there is a range of characteristics mentioned in question 1 to be considered for ELLs’ success in school. However, Some characteristics of ELLs to consider to implement effective teaching are the educational background of ELLs such as on grade level schooling in their home country and in U.S schools, proficiency in English, proficiency in native language, and individual learning styles and needs of ELLs. For example, Asian students can have a strong academic background in science and math, however, in English, they might need English Language Development ( ELD) to become more proficient in English ( Echevarria et al., 2017, p.5). Knowing these characteristics and building on their prior experiences can help teachers implement research-based pedagogy and incorporate effective techniques and materials to cater to their individual needs and close the achievement gap.
How can we as educators transform the education of English Language Learners/ Multilingual Learners for tomorrow’s world?
Transforming the education of English Language Learners (ELLs) or Multilingual Learners (MLLs) for tomorrow’s world involves adapting teaching practices to prepare them for a globalized, technologically advanced, and culturally diverse future. Some strategies such as adapting culturally responsive teaching where ELL’s culturally relevant material, perspectives, and experiences are incorporated in the curriculum and their native language is used to transfer skills to become proficient in the English language. Michelle Ortiz suggests similar strategies for entering and emerging level ELLs in the above-given article. She suggests differentiation for these learners by adding visuals to slides, translating essential vocabulary words, and allowing students to discuss the content in their native language (Schembari, Jan 11, 2023). Developing individualized learning plans for ELLs based on their language proficiency levels, learning styles, and goals and providing differentiated instruction to meet their specific needs, transferring skills from first language to second language closes the academic achievement gaps and promotes the ELLs’ success. Research also shows that there is a direct correlation between ELLs’ success and use of a first language (Schembari, Jan 11, 2023). Thus, educators should support ELLs in maintaining their proficiency in their native language(s) alongside English. Bilingualism is a valuable skill that can enhance cognitive abilities.
What is one takeaway from this week’s readings and how might it impact your teaching? This week’s reading provides me with deep insight into a range of diverse characteristics for ELLs’ success in school and factors to be considered for effective teaching. Having knowledge of all these factors and reading articles on how educators can transform the ELLs for tomorrow’s world will positively impact my teaching practice. The one big takeaway I learned is that knowing ( sociocultural, linguistic, cognitive, and academic dimensions) and building relationships with students will promote successful second language acquisition. It will lead me to implement biography-driven instruction that involves students knowing holistically to facilitate effective instruction in response to their cultural and linguistic assets and needs. Also, incorporating sheltered instruction techniques that combine language learning with academic content will help ELLs acquire language skills while mastering the subject matter. Some other methods would be to integrate technology in new ways and make it accessible to all students, being said to facilitate equitable and fair educational opportunities for students in all possible ways. Technology should be integrated into the classroom to support language learning and use educational apps, online resources, and digital platforms that can provide personalized learning experiences for ELLs. Educators should Implement project-based learning (PBL) and inquiry-based approaches. These methods promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaborative skills while allowing ELLs to explore topics of interest. Teaching cross-cultural competence emphasizes skills like empathy, effective communication, and an understanding of cultural nuances, which are valuable in a globalized society. Importantly, including regular assessments and content-based language instruction (CBI) or sheltered instruction techniques that combine language learning with academic content. This helps ELLs acquire language skills while mastering the subject matter. Thus, by adopting these strategies, educators can empower ELLs to thrive in tomorrow’s world, where communication skills, cultural awareness, and adaptability are increasingly vital for success.
Share a fun fact or photo of yourself. A fun fact about me is that I know four languages ( Hindi, Punjabi, English, and Nepali). But I hate how I couldn’t teach my kids to speak my native languages at home. They know their native language but choose to talk in English because they know that their parents speak and understand English.
References
Vogt, M., Echevarria, J. J., & Short, D. J. (2017). Making content comprehensible for English learners. (5th ed.). Pearson: New York.
Trans-Disciplinary Communication in the ChatGPT Age: A Systems Perspective Jasmin COWIN Department of TESOL/Bilingual Education, Graduate School of Education Touro University, NY, 10036, U.S.A. Birgit OBERER ETCOP Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, Klagenfurt, Austria Cristo LEON Office of Research & Development, New Jersey Institute of Technology Newark, NJ, 07102-1982, U.S.A.
ABSTRACT In recent years, Trans-Disciplinarity (TD) has become increasingly recognized as a critical concept in contemporary scholarship and practice, especially in the emerging field of the metaverse. Despite its growing importance, however, the precise origins and meanings of the term remain somewhat elusive, and its relationship to systems thinking is still poorly understood. Consequently, further research is needed to clarify the definition and application of transdisciplinarity and explore its connections with related concepts such as systems thinking. By doing so, we can gain a broader understanding of how transdisciplinary approaches can be used to address complex problems in a variety of contexts and how they can contribute to advancing knowledge and innovation across disciplinary boundaries.
Keywords: Trans-disciplinary communication, digital age, metaverses, systems thinking, ChatGPT, transformative technologies.
This infographic strives to synthesize and clarify a collection of digital resources designed for linguistic research. It brings together a range of tools and language archives with a focus on enhancing productivity and insight into academic research on languages. By compiling these resources in one place, my goal is to make it easier for linguists, computational linguists, cognitive scientists, students, language teachers and researchers, and others exploring language to find and utilize the assets that will be most valuable for their work.
Overall, my infographic intends to showcase the digital resources that can empower investigations into linguistics and offer shortcuts for discovering and leveraging such freely available assets. By outlining some of the available tools and materials, I aim to promote more efficient, comprehensive, and insightful research practices among scholars studying language from various perspectives and with diverse objectives. Whether looking to find real-world examples of syntax patterns, or uncover endangered languages, this guide endeavors to point researchers towards the most relevant and useful digital assets for their work.
The purpose of WMSCI 2023 is to promote discussions and interactions between researchers and practitioners focused on disciplinary, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary issues, ideas, concepts, theories, methodologies and applications. We are particularly interested in fostering the exchange of concepts, prototypes, research ideas, and other results which could contribute to the academic arena and also benefit business, and the industrial community.
WMSCI 2023 is an international forum for scientists and engineers, researchers and consultants, theoreticians, and practitioners in the fields of Systemics, Cybernetics, and Informatics. The forum focuses on specific disciplinary research, and also in multi, inter, and trans-disciplinary studies and projects. One of its aims is to relate disciplines, fostering analogical thinking and, hence, producing input to logical thinking.
Authors and Abstract:
Jasmin COWIN[1] Department of TESOL/Bilingual Education, Graduate School of Education, Touro University, NY, 10018, U.S.A. Birgit OBERER[2] ETCOP Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, Klagenfurt, Austria Cristo LEON[3] Office of Research & Development, NJIT, Newark, NJ, 07102-1982, U.S.A.
Aldous Huxley, in his seminal work ‘Brave New World,’ offers an incisive literary critique of a society where technological determinism also suppresses the quintessence of humanity. As we approach a paradigm dominated by Generative AI, the echoes of Huxley’s admonitions are evident in contemporary debates about AI’s trajectory and potential ramifications. Drawing parallels between Huxley’s dystopia and the current technological milieu, this keynote and article take a deep dive into AI’s potent capability to influence human behavior, shape societal norms, and potentially homogenize linguistic expression. Citing instances such as language simplification observed on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and ALEXA, we highlight the risks associated with an unchecked embrace of AI-driven tools that could inadvertently standardize and curtail the rich tapestry of human language, creative thoughts, and authentic expression. While acknowledging AI’s transformative potential across domains, our discourse emphasizes the imperative of ethical considerations, democratic governance, and the preservation of core human values through trans-disciplinary connections, discourse, and debates. Using ‘Brave New World’ as a literary compass, we advocate for a transdisciplinary dialogue that critically assesses AI’s impact on our social ethos, logos, and pathos. Furthermore, the article underscores our collective responsibility to harness AI’s potential in ways that augment our shared human experiences without eroding the nuanced intricacies that define our identity and autonomy. It addresses the cost of uniformity and stability, the role of technology and consumerism, emotional experiences, deep relationships, personal growth, and the danger of totalitarian control with AI emerging as a nascent regime powered by oblique algorithms implemented by transnational global companies. This transdisciplinary keynote serves both as a reflection on humanity’s place in an automated age and a call to action, urging for technological deployment that amplifies, rather than diminishes, our inherent humanity.
Keywords: Generative AI Language simplification Societal norms Transdisciplinary dialogue Transnational global companies Ethical considerations Human identity
As a Professor for TESOL, I am immensely proud to feature outstanding student work from our MS in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Program. New York’s linguistic diversity demands teachers who can find common ground and effectively communicate with students from different language backgrounds. Academically rigorous and practice-intensive, the 33-credit program includes 50 hours of fieldwork andsupervised student teaching experiences. Candidates that complete all coursework, fieldwork, and student teaching requirements are eligible for recommendation for ESL certification.
Alexandria Galvez is a first-year teacher leading a bilingual 1st-grade classroom. She is glad to have the opportunity to work with English Language Learners and finds herself learning from them every day. Her time at Touro has been marked by the acquisition of valuable knowledge regarding effective strategies for classroom use. Her favorite quote: “The capacity to learn is a gift; the ability to learn is a skill; the willingness to learn is choice.” -Brian Herbert
Differentiated Instructional Activity Assignment
In this assignment, teachers of English Language Learners (ELL) or Multilingual Learners (ML) will explore and implement differentiated instructional activities to maximize the learning of every student in their class. Using the provided Tools for High-Quality Differentiated Instruction: An ASCD Action Tool, teachers will modify an existing content lesson plan to incorporate differentiation strategies in various aspects of instruction. The assignment requires the submission of a paper including the original and differentiated lesson plans, along with all materials, and a 2-4 minute video showcasing one specific aspect of a differentiated instructional activity. The assignment aims to facilitate professional growth and reflection on implementing differentiated instruction.
As I reflect on my completion of the Differentiated Instructional Activity, I am now more aware of my own strengths in terms of recognizing what works for me as the educator and strategies that work for English Language Learners in order to differentiate. For example, using whiteboards as a way to quickly assess student understanding is an engaging hands-on strategy that students enjoy using because it is considered “fun” instead of using regular pencil and paper.
Alexandria Galvez, Touro University TESOL Candidate
Dr. J's Education Blog 