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Why Proficiency? Amy Lenord Spanish Teacher – Instructional Consultant Shepton High School - Plano ISD
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Learning Targets I can… O Identify and explain the main motivators for students taking language classes. O Explain the difference between a traditional language program and a proficiency based language program. O Discuss the benefits of a proficiency based program. O Identify the necessary components of a proficiency based program.
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A Little Reflection My Language Story O Fold a sheet of paper into 6 squares. Fill those squares in with the following items: SQUARE 1 Draw a picture that represents what your 2 nd language learning looked like. SQUARE 2 Write one sentence about how you developed the fluency you have now in the 2 nd language. SQUARE 3 Write 5 key words that explain why you chose to pursue learning a 2 nd language beyond the normal requirement. SQUARE 4 Draw a symbol that represents how you feel about your fluency in the 2 nd language now. SQUARE 5 Write 3-6 bullets that explain what you were able to do in the language after finishing your required classes. SQUARE 6 Draw a picture that represents what you hope your students get out of your class. Now, share your language story with the whole group.
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What is the MAIN reason why the majority of students study a language? An Important Question:
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What is the MAIN reason why the majority of students study a language?
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What percentage of students DO NOT continue language study once the perceived requirements are met? One More Important Question:
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What percentage of students DO NOT continue language study once the perceived requirements are met? One More Important Question:
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So, why do they leave? O I’m graduating. O I hate it. O I want more fun classes. O I’m tired of studying this language. O Don’t have the patience for it. O Lazy O I would probably fail it. O Two foreign language credits is all that is required for a diploma of distinction. O I already know the language-- we speak it at home. O Don’t want to O It is getting very hard for me, and I need other subjects to graduate with honors. O Too hard O Don’t like it, and I’m not good at it. O Tired of the language O The class is interesting, but I didn’t enjoy it very much. There are more useful and enjoyable classes I can take later.
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“ I am so tired of all these d*** verbs!” And when asked why he would not be continuing his language studies beyond the second year one student said: Survey conducted by the Arlington ISD World Language Department, Spring 2012
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Motivation is THE most influential factor in learning a new language. R.C. Gardner in Shrum and Glisan Teacher’s Handbook, 2010
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So, why proficiency?
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The Elephants in the Room
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Exploring the Possibilities Examining Student Samples
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Changing Our Thinking: The ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines How do they apply to our students? How do they apply to us? How do they evaluate our practices? ACTFL Proficiency Level Samples
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Changing How We Act: Traditional Language Instruction Proficiency Based Instruction Language ConceptsLearning Targets Textbook ChaptersThematic Units Objective TestsPerformance Assessments Grammar & Vocabulary Development Intentional Proficiency Development Teaching in EnglishTeaching in the Target Language Culture Days or ProjectsEmbedded Culture
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Realities & Reassurances What has to change to move our program towards proficiency building? How does that affect me as a teacher?
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Access to All Workshop Resources: www.amylenord.net/ why-proficiency.html
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Works Cited: O American Council for the Teaching of Foreign Languages. 2012 ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines. O American Council for the Teaching of Foreign Languages. 2013 NCSSFL-ACTFL Can-Do Statements. O Arlington ISD World Languages. 2012 Student Survey Data. O Duncan, Greg. 2012 Lesson Planning for 21 st Century Learners: Some Things We Need to Know (presentation). O Nuzzo, Maria. 2006 Attrition in the Foreign Language Classroom: Possible Causes and Solutions (unpublished dissertation).
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