Language 4044 Language Teaching Methods

Spring, 2007

(Prepared: December 26, 2006; Last Change: Jan 13, 2007)

Assignments

I. Class Topics - A. Standards

Introduction

• A. Standards
• B. Student Learning
• C. Methodology
• D. Assessment / Testing
• E. Profession
• F. Lesson Plan / Micro-Teaching

As you read for each assignment, take notes of the main ideas. Be ready to lead and participate in discussion about these ideas, about what you like and don't like, about what you want clarified or what you question, about how to put the ideas into action. At times we will work in class applying the concepts to concrete teaching plans.

World Language Teaching

Subtopics

• National (Communication, Culture, Connections, Comparisons, Community)
• ACTFL Proficiency / Performance Descriptions
• Progress Indicators
• State/Local
• Licensure (http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/arule/8710/4950.html)

Assignments

1. Teaching Language in Context, 3rd ed (pp. 1-19)
2. http://www.actfl.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=4236 (open Speaking and Writing) OR http://www.seasite.niu.edu/Tagalog/PDFACTFLGuidelines/links_to_actfl_guidelines.htm (open Speaking and Writing)
3. http://www.sil.org/lingualinks/LANGUAGELEARNING/OtherResources/ACTFLProficiencyGuidelines/contents.htm (open Listening, Reading)
4. http://www.actfl.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3327 (Performance Guidelines)
5. Languages and Children..., 3rd ed (pp. 481-90)*

Discussion

1. What are the different competencies discussed in the readings and how do they differ?
2. What is meant by proficiency?
3. How is proficiency assessed/measured? What categories are involved, and which modes?

4. What do you notice about the different proficiency levels of each modality, and among the four modalities?

5. What will the time-line be for gaining proficiency?