Portland Public Schools Second Languages Standards (pdf., 194K)

Oregon University System PASS (Proficiency-Based Admissions Standards System) Second Language Standards (pdf, 1MB)

optional: PASS Standards for other core subject areas (link to PASS site)

-continuation of discussion of language learning theories;

-lesson planning & discussion of Rifkin article; maybe videos of classrooms;

-group project (continuing);

-introduction of major individual assignment (grammar/ guidelines/ textbook review);

-assignment: reflection piece in place of midterm (topic: what makes for good language learners and good language learning, according to the current thought in the profession?)

The assignment was outlined in the class handout for 22 January. Here are the detailed procedures and specifications (pdf, 75K), and here - posted earlier elsewhere on the site - the scoring guide (pdf, 12K)
due 12 February (postponed from 5 February)

This week the main topic is theories of second-language acquisition.

Main goal: There are methodS of language teaching, not just an art or knack of teaching language. Methods are systematic, they have implications, and they are based on assumptions. For language teaching to succeed, the method must fit the goals. The most common goal in our contemporary educational system is now communicative competence (or "proficiency").

Preparation for this meeting includes a trial version of what we intend to make a standing weekly assignment: Find out what your chosen textbook has to say about the main topic of the upcoming meeting and be prepared to summarize its information. If your book has nothing to say, be ready to explain why not, and try to find another source of information.

Modules:

1) More about ACTFL Guidelines and demonstration of Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI)

2) Language teaching methodologies: principles and history

3) Second-Language Acquisition research: principles and examples

4) Our "clients" - who they are and why they come to us

5) Upcoming assignments: rate your own proficiency; locate and critique an article (details to follow); check your email link on the course website.

Next meeting: major learning theories; cooperative learning in the classroom; introduction of language modalities (speaking, listening, reading, writing, culture, grammar)

Meetings #1 - January 15

Read the draft course description (2002 version) (PDF, 103K)

First assignment: choose a language pedagogy textbook, obtain it, and justify your choice (PDF, 60.8KB)

Scoring Guide for above assignment (PDF, 12.4KB)

Go to the ACTFL website, take a tour, and find/download the "ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines"

You should do all of this within the first week of the course. Because of the snow delay, we will be more specific at the meeting on Thursday, 15 January.