Coming Soon
On this page you will find a description of some of the research, teaching and curriculum/materials development that we are currently working on.
Current Projects
Passing it on to the next generation: Training teachers & language experts to teach Portuguese through culture
Collaboration between The Hub, the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and Fresno State Linguistics TESOL/SLAT students
The Hub & PBBI recognize Portuguese speakers in the community who have a desire to share their language with others and would like to offer the following:
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Train Portuguese “language experts” to become community Portuguese “language teachers” in formal and informal settings (community organizations, libraries, church groups, etc.)
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Develop curriculum and materials to equip people to teach at home to their families.
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Create an intergenerational bridge through storytelling in the Portuguese-American community and beyond.
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Development of bilingual book series for children - Our first book, O Coelhino Branco, is expected to be published in January 2026.
Communicative Language Teaching Materials for West African Vocational Schools
Collaboration between The Hub, WAVS and Fresno State Linguistics TESOL students
In 2024, West African Vocational Schools reached out to the Hub for help reviewing the curriculum currently being taught to their students in Guinea-Bissau. Fresno State TESOL students conduct a Needs Analysis and found that while some of their textbooks seemed adequate, there was a lack of communicative opportunities for their students. Currently, Fresno State students are developing language teaching materials for their Level 1 and L4 students and are working virtually with instructors in Guinea-Bissau to train them on the use of the materials.
A Home-Based Spanish Second Language Program for Families
Collaboration between Fresno State Linguistics MA Student, America Vasquez and The Hub
This project involves the development of a comprehensive home-based Spanish language program for parents and children. The program will offer parents, guardians, and families engaging, accessible, and culturally enriching tools to learn Spanish alongside their children in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes.
The Benefits of an Extended Reality in Web-based Language Learning Apps
Principal Investigator - Dr. Jaydene Elvin
Co-PI -
Dr. Laura Huisinga
Through the use of WebVR we aim to make an extended reality, immersive, language learning experience that offers remote interactive learning opportunities. We investigate whether the use of extended reality helps lower the affective filter (psychological obstacles that limit language learning, e.g., confidence, motivation) and whether or not it leads to overall gains in language development.
Development of an online, asynchronous curriculum for a Functional Spanish for EMRs course
PIs -
Jaydene Elvin (PhD),
Cheryl Chan (MA), Marc Tamarit (MA)
In this project, we conducted a needs assessment, designed a curriculum, created lessons and developed materials for a Functional Spanish course specifically designed for emergency responders.