All the linguistic and social knowledge required for effective human-to human interaction is encompassed in those ten words. Formerly, most teaching in foreign language classrooms concentrated on the how(grammar) to say what (vocabulary). While these components of langauge are indeed crucial, the current organizing principle for foreign language study is communication , which also highlights the why the whom, and the when. So, while grammar and vocabulary are essential tools for communication, it is the acquisition of the ability to communicate in meaningful and appropriate ways with users of other languages that is the ultimate goal of today's foreign language classroom.
Standards
Content Standard: What all students should know and be able to do?
The standards in the document "Standards for Foreign Language Learning" are CONTENT STANDARDS.
Performance Standard: How well students demonstrate competency in subject matter?
The ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines reflect PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
Goals for Foreign Language Learning
- Communicate in Language Other Than English
- Gain Knowledge & Understanding of Other Culture
- Connect with Other Disciplines & Acquire New Information
- Develop Insight into the Nature of Language & Culture
- Participate in Multilingual Communities at Home and Around the World
Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities are five goal areas for foreign language learners to develop their language competence. These five C's goals offer a vision of what students should know and be able to do with another language. In order to attain these goals, students require a foreign language program that provides rich curricular experiences. Students should be given ample opportunities to explore, develop, and use communication strategies, learning strategies, critical thinking skills, and skills in technology, as well as the appropriate elements of the language system and culture.
| Communication |
Standard 1.1
Students engage in conversation, provide and obtain information, express feelings and emotions, and exchange opinions.
Standard 1.2
Students understand and interpret written and spoken language on a variety of topics.
Standard 1.3
Students present information, concepts, and ideas to an audience of listeners or readers on a variety of topics.
| Cultures |
Standard 2.1 Students demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the practices and perspectives of the cultures studied.
Standard 2.2 Students demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the products and perspectives of the cultures studied.
| Connections |
Standard 3.1 Students reinforce and further their knowledge of other disciplines through the foreign language.
Standard 3.2 Students acquire information and recognize the distinctive viewpoints that are only available through the foreign language and its cultures.
| Comparisons |
Standard 4.1 Students demonstrate understanding of the nature of language through comparisons of the language studied and their own.
Standard 4.2 Students demonstrate understanding of the concept of culture through comparisons of the cultures studied and their own.
| Communities |
Standard 5.1 Students use the language both within and beyond the school setting.
Standard 5.2 Students show evidence of becoming life-long learners by using the language for personal enjoyment and enrichment.
Three communicative modes that place primary emphasis on the context and purpose of the communication (Brecht & Walton, 1994) are used for the standards. The three modes are: (1)Interpresonal, (2) Interpretive, and (3) Presentational. Each mode involves a particular link between language and the underlying culture that is developed gradually over time.
| Interpersonal Mode |
It is two-way communication, but both the interpersonal and negociated dimensions can be realized through reading and writing, such as the exchange of personal letters or E-mail messages.
| Interpretive Mode |
It is receptive communication through listening and
reading, such as radio, TV or newspapers/novels.
| Presentational Mode |
It is formal, one-way communication to an audience of listeners or readers through a speech, oral report, paper or newscast.
Targeted Standards
1.1 Interpersonal Communication
1.3. Presentational Communication
2.1 Practices of Culture
3.1 Making Connections
5.1 School and Community
5.2 Lifelong Learning
Newscast
In the Spanish II class, students work in groups to write, produce, and videotape a fifteen to twenty minute news show that includes current events; a live, on-the-scene report; weather; sports; and commercials. The news events include items from the Spanish-speaking world, the U.S., state, and local areas.
Reflection
1.1 Students work in group to produce the newscast.
1.3 Students present the newscast.
2.1 Students reflect a perspective from the culture studied in the news stories.
3.1 Students develop news items using information from many fields.
5.1 Students create a context for using the language in the classroom.
5.2 Students develop insights necessary for media literacy.
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