This webinar offers an introductory examination of the relationship between language and meaning making in diverse contexts. We'll talk through how core pragmatic concepts (power, rank of imposition, social distance, and politeness) contribute to co-construction and the social dynamics of the classroom space. Specific examples will illustrate the spectra of communication preferences that exist in any interaction. Participants will gain practical strategies for understanding and addressing the nuances of language in their own instructional and assessment practices.

Stephanie Knight, Ed.D., is the Senior Director of Implementation and Professional Development at LingroLearning. Prior to joining LingroLearning, she served as the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Coordinator at a public high school in Tennessee and as an Associate Director at the Center for Applied Second Language Studies (CASLS) at the University of Oregon. Her research focuses on constructivist approaches to language acquisition, with an emphasis on integrating digital and mixed-reality tools into learning experiences. Stephanie has designed and implemented mixed-reality communication and language learning experiences for both educational and professional contexts. She has also published on digital gameplay, mobile applications for language learning, and the use of learning portfolios.