Adam Balinski

For my ORCA project, I said I would assemble 42-48 activities Swedish language learning activities to enhance the curriculum for BYU’s Swedish 202 course. I created 46 and adapted seven others for a total of 53. I planned on 12-15 quizzes, but 10 turned out to be more appropriate for the semester. I planned on 3 tests, and I created 3 written and oral tests, as well as a final. Additionally, I organized readings and made dozens of blackboard homework assignments. I assembled all of the above materials into a well-organized compact disk, which Professor Oscarson reviewed. Professor Oscarson was very impressed with the work and felt it certainly met and even exceeded the size and scope of my ORCA proposal. It was also completed within the original timeframe I had committed myself to with my application.

Throughout this experience I learned the importance of organization and communication. The most essential thing I did was gather my ideas and my work in such a way that it would be easily understandable and usable by all future instructors of the course. I utilized Powerpoint as the main medium to share my work. Each activity was labeled and clear instructions were given in the notes section. Future instructors will quickly understand and be able to use the activities in class or as homework assignments. This will save them a lot of time and allow them to invest that extra time into meeting the specific needs of their students.

My ORCA project helped me improve my creativity. Certainly, I looked a lot at other resources out there, but for the most part I had to create effective and fun activities from scratch. By the end of the project, it became much easier for me to more quickly create high-quality activities. I used most of the activities in class and received valuable feedback from the students. The student ratings at the end of the semester were positive and one comment specifically mentioned how much they enjoyed the activities we did in class.

The ORCA experience has been fulfilling because it has allowed me to be more involved in the curriculum development side of a university course. It was a rare opportunity and helped me better appreciate the work that goes on behind the scenes with creating and improving the curriculum in courses to enhance students’ experience. I have an increased gratitude for the professors which teach and design the courses I am enrolled in at BYU.

Throughout the process, I also developed a greater ability to work independently and successfully without constant monitoring. Professor Oscarson was a great help and encouragement, but not controlling or intimidating. I felt his confidence in me and that confidence helped me to not slack off. He really cared about the project, but I think most of all he cared about the learning experience I had through it. Maybe the project would have come out a little better with more direct intervention from Professor Oscarson, but I don’t think I would have had such a valuable experience and grown as much as I did with his leadership style.

I will always look back on the experience as a fond memory and something that will give me confidence as I move forward in my academics and future career. Thank you again for the help and the funding. The grant money I received served as an effective motivator in my project. I think the work I did was something that always should’ve been done, but never would’ve been done without that incentive. I am grateful that I was the student instructor who came along at the right time to take advantage of the opportunity.