Writing at the Intermediate Level: Modes & Standards Cori Anderson University of Chicago

Overview Principles Practices Outcomes

Proficiency Guidelines After one year: –Novice High After two years: –Intermediate Mid-High In third year: –Push to Advanced proficiency-guidelines-2012

Standards “5 C’s” –Communication –Culture –Connections –Comparisons –Communities ecsumm_rev.pdf

Modes Interpersonal Interpretative Presentation

Modes InterpersonalInterpretivePresentational Active negotiation of meaning among individuals Interpretation of what the author, speaker, or producer wants the receiver of the message to understand Creation of messages Two-way communicationOne-way communication Adjustments and clarifications made accordingly Beyond comprehension and translation; implies ability to “read between the lines”, from within cultural mindset or perspective Presenter needs knowledge of audience’s language and culture for their successful interpretation Speaking and listening (conversation) Reading and writing (text messages, social media) Reading, listening, viewing of authentic materials Writing, speaking, visually representing (video or PowerPoint) Adapted from:

Three projects Russian Geography Current events in Russia Pen-pal with peer student of Russian Other writing: –Regular compositions –Semi-prepared writing on tests

Geography Project Goal: learn about a region of Russia outside of the capitals Four components –Two essays (300 words each, plus 150 word biography) –Online wiki page with partner –Oral presentation with partner –Mini-debate with class

Geography Project - Evaluation Essays –Mechanics, organization, citations, spelling, originality Oral Presentation: –Pronunciation, grammar, pacing, visual materials Debate: –participation, content, grammar Peer evaluation –products and processes

Sample Product

Sample Products

Sample Product

Geography Project Issues: –Vocabulary –Purpose of online component? –Continue as group project or individual project?

Geography Project Modes: –Presentational –Interpersonal Standards: –Communication –Culture –Comparisons –Communities

Current Events Blog Goal: learn about modern Russia in an area of interest Two components –Four short blog posts (150 words) –Eight comments (25-50 words) Sources –At least one Russian –At least one non-Russian

Current Events Blog 2014: Sochi Olympics Topics: –Preparation & Infrastructure –Sporting Events & Results –Athletes –Non-sporting events –History & Geography of Sochi –International reaction –Tourism

Current Events Blog Typical topics: –Business & Economy –Social Issues –Domestic Policy –Foreign Relations –Ecology & Environment –Culture & Arts

Current Events Blog Evaluation Blog entries: –Grammar, Vocabulary, Originality, Organization, Citations, use of sources Comments –Grammar, content (on topic)

Blog - Homepage

Blog - Sample

Blog - citations

Blog - comments

Current Events Blog Modes: –Presentational –Interpretive –Interpersonal Standards: –Communication –Comparisons –Communities –Culture –Connections

Pen-Pal Goal: use Russian for interpersonal communication on topics of daily life and personal interest Four weekly letters (200 words), plus reading of partner’s s

Pen-Pal Project Topics –Introductions –Free time & work –Home, dorm, travel –Russian culture Prompts in English

Pen-Pal Project Evaluation –Structure of letter –Mechanics –Vocabulary –Appropriateness –Creativity/originality

Pen-Pal Project Modes: –Interpersonal Standards: –Communication –Communities

Outcomes Increased command of TL –connectors –vocabulary –narrative skills Increased knowledge of TC Technology skills

Questions?