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Contact Info

Email: mvillalobos [at] rider.edu

Phone Number: 609-895-5596

Department: Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures

Office Location: Fine Arts Building

Additional Info:

Academic Focus: Spanish, World Language, ESL, and Bilingual Education

María Fernanda Villalobos-Buehner received her Ph.D. in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education from Michigan State University. Her dissertation explored the effect of study abroad programs in the development of a second language identity and second language learning motivation. Dr. Villalobos-Buehner research interests include foreign language pedagogy, the adult language learner, second language acquisition, language learning motivation, the role of technology in language learning, and study abroad programs and their influence in language learning.

Education

  • ACTFL OPI Tester of Spanish with Full Certification
  • Ph.D. in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education, Michigan State University – USA
  • M.A. in Applied Linguistics and TEFL, Portsmouth University – England
  • B.A. in Modern Languages with Emphasis in Spanish, English, and French, Universidad del Valle – Colombia

Dissertation

  • “Study Abroad Programs and their Effect on Possible Language 2 Selves Development and Language Learning Strategies”
    This study explored the role of study abroad programs in the development of future images of a language learner as a L2 speaker and the effect of these images in the student’s language learning motivation.

Master’s Thesis

  • “IRC a New Way of Communication” – A semiotic analysis of the characters and acronyms used in the earlier stages of chat rooms.

Honors and Awards

  • 2017 - PHI BETA DELTA Honor Society for International Scholars
  • 2017 - Fulbright - Alternate
  • 2017 - Mazzotti Women’s Leadership Award
  • 2017 - Summer Developmental Fellowship given by Rider University
  • 2017 - Fall Research Leave
  • 2016 - Summer Research Fellowship given by Rider University
  • 2015 - Summer Research Fellowship given by Rider University
  • 2014 - Summer Research Fellowship given by Rider University
  • 2013 - Summer Research Fellowship given by Rider University
  • 2012 - Online Teaching and Course Development Grant given by Rider University’s Distance Learning Advisory Committee
  • 2011 - G.I.F.T.T. Faculty Development Grant given by Rider University’s Teaching with Technology Committee
  • 2011 - ACTFL/ Vista Higher Learning First Time Attendee Scholarship
  • 2011 - Summer Professional Development Fellowship given by Rider University
  • 2006 - Clyde M. Campbell Endowed Fellowship given by Michigan State University’s College of Education
  • 2005 - Nomination to the Pew Teaching with Technology Award by Modern Languages Department at Grand Valley State University
  • 2005 - Nomination to the 2005 Outstanding Adult Learner Award by the HALE Department at Michigan State University
  • 2004 - King Chavez Parks Future Faculty Award
  • 2003 - Donald H. Nickerson Fellowship in Cultural Diversity and Minority Concerns given by Michigan State University’s College of Education
  • 1995 - Spanish Teacher Assistantship in the United Kingdom given by the British Council.

Publications

  • Villalobos-Buehner, M. F. (2021). An Examination of Language Teachers Cognitive Interests. In M. Bigelow (Ed.), Diversity and Transformation in Language Teacher Education: Selected Papers from the 10th and 11th Language Teacher Education Conferences (pp. 1-139). University of Minnesota Center for Advanced Research on Language Acquisition.
  • Villalobos-Buehner, M.F. (2021). A Habermasian Approach to the Examination of Language Teachers’ Cognitive Interests. Theory and Practice of Second Language Acquisition. 7(1), 11-31. https://journals.us.edu.pl/index.php/TAPSLA/article/view/8229/8979
  • Villalobos-Buehner, M. (2020). Fostering cultural competence awareness and dispositions to reach thirdness or decentering by engaging in intercultural dialogue. The EuroCALL Review, 28(1), 26-39. doi: https://doi.org/10.4995/eurocall.2020.12206
  • Villalobos-Buehner, Maria. (Summer 2019). "The motivational self of the novice language learner." Language Learning in Higher Education: Journal of the European Confederation of Language Centres in Higher Education. Special Section: Language learning for and with refugees in higher education. Editors: Fiona Dalziel and Francesca Helm, 9(1), pp. 203-221.
  • Villalobos-Buehner, M. (2019). Fostering cultural competence awareness by engaging in intercultural dialogue – a telecollaboration partnership. In F. Meunier, J. Van de Vyver, L. Bradley & S. Thouësny (Eds), CALL and complexity– short papers from EUROCALL 2019 (pp. 1-6). Research-publishing.net.
  • Villalobos-Buehner, M.F. (2015). The Roles of competence perception, identities, and selves in language learning. The Language Educator. 10(4): 44-48.
  • Villalobos-Buehner, M.F. (2015). Exploring identity in the language classroom. The Northeast Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages Review. 76: 51-64.
  • Villalobos-Buehner, M.F. (2015) The Role of study abroad programs in the development of possible L2 selves. Revista Electrónica del Lenguaje. V1: 1-22. ISSN 2387-1598.
  • Villalobos-Buehner, Maria. MyLanguageLabs. (2015). MySpanishLab Rider University’s case study. Lawrenceville, NJ: Pearson.
  • Villalobos-Buehner, M.F. (2015). Motivating learning [Review of the book Motivating Learning, by Jill Hadfield and Zoltan Dörnyei]. Journal of Language, Identity, and Education. 14(5): 357-360.

Conference Presentations

  • November 7, 2019 - Creating Inclusive and Supportive Learning Environments, NJEA Teachers’ Association, Atlantic City, New Jersey
  • August 28-31, 2019 - Fostering Cultural Competence Awareness by Engaging in Intercultural Dialogue—A Telecollaboration Partnership, EUROCALL, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
  • May 29-June 02, 2019 - A Habermasian Approach to the Examination of Language Teachers’ Cognitive Interests. 11th International Language Teacher Education Conference, Minneapolis, Minnesota
  • May 5, 2019 - Round table on Supporting English Language Learners, Rider University Literacy Symposium: Strategies for Supporting Literacy Success in our Classrooms, Schools, and Communities
  • February 19, 2019 - Creating Inclusive and Supportive Learning Environments Workshop, Student Education Association (SEA), Rider University
  • February 4, 2019 - Identity and the Self Workshop, Hopewell Valley High School
  • October, 25, 2018 - The Power of the We, Mazzotti Women’s Leadership Luncheon
  • February 27, 2018 - Faculty Scholarship and Developmental Awardees Poster Presentation, AAUP, Rider University
  • November, 29, 2018 - Provost Dialogue on Diversity in the Community- Panelist, Rider University
  • March 2, 2017 - Exploring the Dynamic Nature of the Narco-Culture Through Gangster Films from Mexico and Colombia, Rider University
  • January 11, 2017 - The Roles of Competence, Perception, and Identities in Language Learning Rider University
  • December 9, 2016 - Culturally Responsive Teaching, Teaching Talk, Rider University
  • July 6, 2016 - Training the Future Language Teachers, University of Alcalá, Spain
  • February 24, 2016 - Salsa: The Expression of Culture, Latin-American Ladies of Princeton
  • February 12, 2016 - Transportable Identities in the Language Classroom Workshop, Lawrence High School
  • Marzo 17-19, 2016 - El papel de evaluaciones auténticas en el proceso de formación de la identidad como profesor de lengua, XI Encuentro de Universidades Formadoras de Licenciados en Idiomas y II ELT Conference, Universidad del Valle, ICESI, Santiago de Cali, Colombia
  • October 6 to November 17, 2015 - Webinar- Getting Started with LiveChat - Pearson
  • November 7, 2019 - Creating Inclusive and Supportive Learning Environments, NJEA Teachers’ Association, Atlantic City, New Jersey
  • August 28-31, 2019 - Fostering Cultural Competence Awareness by Engaging in Intercultural Dialogue—A Telecollaboration Partnership, EUROCALL, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
  • May 29-June 02, 2019 - A Habermasian Approach to the Examination of Language Teachers’ Cognitive Interests. 11th International Language Teacher Education Conference, Minneapolis, Minnesota
  • May 5, 2019 - Round table on Supporting English Language Learners, Rider University Literacy Symposium: Strategies for Supporting Literacy Success in our Classrooms, Schools, and Communities
  • February 19, 2019 - Creating Inclusive and Supportive Learning Environments Workshop, Student Education Association (SEA), Rider University
  • February 4, 2019 - Identity and the Self Workshop, Hopewell Valley High School
  • October, 25, 2018 - The Power of the We, Mazzotti Women’s Leadership Luncheon
  • February 27, 2018 - Faculty Scholarship and Developmental Awardees Poster Presentation, AAUP, Rider University
  • November, 29, 2018 - Provost Dialogue on Diversity in the Community- Panelist, Rider University
  • March 2, 2017 - Exploring the Dynamic Nature of the Narco-Culture Through Gangster Films from Mexico and Colombia, Rider University
  • January 11, 2017 - The Roles of Competence, Perception, and Identities in Language Learning Rider University
  • December 9, 2016 - Culturally Responsive Teaching, Teaching Talk, Rider University
  • July 6, 2016 - Training the Future Language Teachers, University of Alcalá, Spain
  • February 24, 2016 - Salsa: The Expression of Culture, Latin-American Ladies of Princeton
  • February 12, 2016 - Transportable Identities in the Language Classroom Workshop, Lawrence High School
  • Marzo 17-19, 2016 - El papel de evaluaciones auténticas en el proceso de formación de la identidad como profesor de lengua, XI Encuentro de Universidades Formadoras de Licenciados en Idiomas y II ELT Conference, Universidad del Valle, ICESI, Santiago de Cali, Colombia
  • October 6 to November 17, 2015 - Webinar- Getting Started with LiveChat - Pearson
  • July 9, 2015 - Transportable Identities Workshop, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Cali, Colombia
  • May 7, 2015 - Challenging the Brightest and Motivating the Disengaged: Success through Technology in a Diverse World Language Classroom, The Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures of, Rider University at the Central Jersey-Penn Foreign Language Academic Alliance, Rider University, New Jersey
  • February,27-28,2015 - Transportable Identities and Motivation in the Language Classroom, Foreign Language Educators from New Jersey (FLENJ) , New Brunswick, New Jersey
  • January 20, 2015 - Big Blue Button: Synchronous Web-based Communication in your Course Rider University Faculty Development Days, Rider University Lawrenceville, New Jersey
  • November 21-23, 2014 - Self, Identity, and Motivation in High and Low Performing Students American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) , San Antonio, Texas.
  • October 23, 2014 - Many Children, Many Languages: Teaching Today’s Bilingual Students, New Jersey Future Educators Association Conference (NJFEA), Rider University, Lawrenceville, New Jersey
  • May 22, 2014 - Roleplaying: A Form of Authentic Assessment to Demonstrate Integration of Core Knowledge with Practice, Rider University Faculty Development Days, Rider University, Lawrenceville, New Jersey
  • May 22, 2014 - Educreations and Doceri: Two Apps that Support Students’ Engagement in the Language Classroom, Rider University Faculty Development Days, Rider University, Lawrenceville, New Jersey
  • April 3-6,2014 - How to Help Low Motivated Students Succeed in a Language Class, Chair of Panel. Northeast Modern Language Association, Susquehanna University, Harrisburg, PA
  • April 3-6, 2014 - Paving the Path to Success, Northeast Modern Language Association, Susquehanna University, Harrisburg, PA
  • April 3– 6, 2014 - Exploring Identity in the Language Classroom, Northeast Modern Language Association, Susquehanna University, Harrisburg, PA
  • July 11, 2013 - Techno-Tools for Struggling Students in The Communicative Language Classroom, The American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese, San Antonio, Texas
  • June 06, 2013 - The Value of a Language Education, Keynote Speaker during for the World Languages Honor Societies Induction Ceremony at Lawrence High School, Lawrenceville, New Jersey
  • May 9, 2013 - Technology for World Language Teachers, Central Jersey – Penn Foreign Language Academic Alliance, Rider University. Lawrenceville, New Jersey
  • April 16, 2013 - Faculty Scholarship and Developmental Awardees Poster Presentation, AAUP, Rider University
  • March 22, 2013 - Possible Language2 Selves and their Role in a Language Classroom, Northeast Modern Language Association, Boston, MA
  • November 20, 2012 - From School Choices to Career Choices, Keynote speech during Sophomore Career Day, Hamilton Public Schools-New Jersey
  • June 28, 2012 - Understanding English Language Learners in your Classroom, Teacher Leadership Community Institute, Rider University
  • March 26, 2012 - Contextualization and Technology Workshop, The Pennington School - New Jersey
  • March 25, 2012 - World Language Education Poster Presentation, NCATE Visit - Rider University
  • November 18-20,2011 - Study Abroad Programs and The Development of Possible Selves, American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages Conference, Denver
  • November 10-11,2011 - Teaching Strategies for English Language Learners, New Jersey Education Association Convention (NJEA), Atlantic City
  • November 8, 2011 - Cue the Culture Clash: Accents, Gender, and Assumptions, Gender and Sexuality Studies Panel Discussion, Rider University
  • June 27, 2011 Technology in the ESL Classroom Workshop, Summer Institute for 21st Century Educators , Rider University
  • March 25-29, 2011 Study Abroad Programs and Their Effect on Possible Language 2 Selves Development and Language Learning Strategies, American Association of Applied Linguistics Conference, Chicago
  • March 19, 2011 - The Pace Model, Foreign Language Educators of New Jersey Spring Conference
  • March 16, 2011 - Practical Uses of Languages in Careers, Nottingham High School - World Languages Week -
  • March, 2010 - Uses of Wimba Voice Tools in a Language Classroom, Ninth Annual Teaching and Learning with Technology Symposium Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI.
  • October, 2009 - Teaching grammar in context: Using authentic texts at all levels, Michigan World Language Association, Michigan State University
  • July, 2009 - Study Abroad Programs and their Effect on Possible L2 selves Development and Language Learning Strategies- Exploring the Qualitative Research, Universidad del Valle- Cali, Colombia.
  • October,23-24, 2008 - The Use of the Skype Technology as a Tool for Cultural and Language Enrichment Michigan World Language Association, Michigan State University
  • March, 2008 - Skype, a New Tool for Cultural Exchange, Seventh Annual Teaching and Learning with Technology Symposium Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI.
  • April, 2002 - Focusing on Change: Language Instruction in a Digital World, Carleton College. Minnesota
  • October, 2001 - Foreign Language Teaching, Opening doors of opportunity, Michigan World Language Association. Michigan State University
  • May, 1995 - Total Immersion in English, Incolda Institute. Cali, Colombia.
  • February, 1995 Creating Curricula, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Cali, Colombia.
  • January, 1995 English for Children, Universidad del Valle. Cali, Colombia
  • November, 1994 - Classroom Management, Centro Colombo Americano, XXIV National Congress of Asocopi for English Teachers, Medellín, Colombia
  • July, 1993 - Design of classroom material, Centro Colombo Americano, XXIII National Congress of Asocopi for English Teachers, San Andrés, Colombia
  • August, 1992 - Student centered curriculum, Centro Colombo Americano, XXII National Congress of Asocopi for English Teachers, Bogotá, Colombia.

Academic Positions

  • July, 2019: present Languages, Literatures, and Cultures Department Chair, Rider University
  • 2016 – 2019: Full Professor of Spanish, ESL, Bilingual, and World Language Education
  • 2016 – 2019: Associate Professor of Spanish, ESL, Bilingual, and World Language Education, Rider University - New Jersey, USA
  • 2014 – 2017: Language Lab Director, Rider University – New Jersey, USA
  • 2010 – 2019: Student-teacher Supervisor, Rider University - New Jersey, USA
  • 2010 – Present: Rider University – New Jersey, USA
    Assistant Professor of World Languages
  • 2002 – 2010: Grand Valley State University - Michigan, USA
    Affiliate Spanish Professor and Co-coordinator of Spanish levels 1 and 2
  • 2007 – 2010: Grand Valley State University - Michigan, USA
    Guadalajara Study Abroad Program Director
  • 2005: Grand Valley State University - Michigan, USA
    Spanish Instructor - Continuing Education Department
  • 2005 – Spring: Michigan State University - Michigan, USA
    Teaching Assistant
  • 2000- 2002: HOPE College - Michigan, USA
    Visiting Spanish Instructor
  • 1999 – 2000: HOPE College - Michigan, USA
    Spanish Adjunct
  • 1999 – 2000: Grand Valley State University - Michigan, USA
    Spanish Adjunct
  • 1999 – 2000: Measurement Incorporated - Michigan, USA
    Reader/ Evaluator for the MEAP test
  • 1996 - 1998: University of Portsmouth - Portsmouth, England
    Spanish Professor- Further Education
  • 1996 - 1998: University of Portsmouth - Portsmouth, England
    Spanish Professor- IWLP (Institution-Wide Language Program)
  • 1995 - 1998: University of Portsmouth - Portsmouth, England
    Spanish Assistant – School of Languages and Area Studies
  • 1997: LSI (Language Specialist International) - Portsmouth, England
    Latin American Spanish Language tutor
  • 1994 - 1995: “Pontificia” Javeriana University - Cali, Colombia
    Children’s English Program Coordinator
  • 1993 - 1995: “Pontificia” Javeriana University - Cali, Colombia
    English Faculty
  • 1991 - 1995: Sacred Heart School - Cali, Colombia
    English Teacher

Course Design and Instruction

  • Rider University
    • SPA 102 Abroad- Costa Rica, Colombia, and Barcelona
    • SPA 300 Grammar and Composition
    • SPA 301 Spanish for Business
    • SPA 310 Spanish Culture and Civilization
    • Teaching a Second Language, Foreign Language and ESL Methods of Instruction Course for Undergraduate and Graduate Education Certification Candidates (SED 420/EDUC 521)
    • Instructional Linguistics, , Introduction to Linguistics, Second Language Acquisition and their correlation to second language teaching (EDU 320/EDUC 520)
    • Beginning and Intermediate Spanish, SPA 100, 101, 200, 201
    • EDU 460 /EDUC 560 Educating and Evaluating the Bilingual Child: This course is online and it was designed for those students getting ESL and Bilingual Certifications
  • Grand Valley State University
    • Beginning and Intermediate Spanish, SPA 101, 102, 201, 202. Surveyed new textbook programs and co-coordinated program management for Beginning and Intermediate Spanish.
    • Teaching Methods ED 331for student- assistants
    • Mexican Culture SPA380 for students enrolled in the Mexico Study Abroad Program
  • Spanish for the Professions
  • Michigan State University
    • Case Studies in Ed Leadership EAD867. Online course for Master and Doctoral students in the HALE Program.
  • Portsmouth University
  • Beginning and Intermediate Spanish.
  • Latino American Spanish for LAS students
  • Developing fluency in Spanish for majors, minors and students of other careers.
  • Spanish for the community- developed different courses for the adult learner.

Professional Affiliations

  • PHI BETA DELTA International Honor Society member since 2017
  • PHI KAPPA PHI member since 2004.
  • Member of the Foreign Language Educators of New Jersey (FLENJ)
  • American Association of Applied Linguistics (AAAL)
  • Member of the American Educational Research Association (AERA)
  • Member of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language (ACTFL)
  • Member of Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
  • Member of the National Association for Bilingual Education (NABE)