Course: Making the Shift to Proficiency-Based Instruction
Description
Rather than focusing on vocabulary lists, grammar rules, and cultural tidbits, proficiency-based instruction promotes learners practicing the three modes (interpretive, presentation, interpersonal) in order to communicate meaningfully, effectively, and creatively in their target language for real-life purposes. This type of instruction also promotes intercultural communication by exploring the intersection of language and culture with students communicating appropriately and accurately in authentic contexts in the foreign language. Proficiency-based instruction is student-centered and builds upon what students need, already know, and can do, and it respects diverse learning styles, while encouraging the development of a wide range of skills and learning strategies.
Content Topics
Competencies
Rather than focusing on vocabulary lists, grammar rules, and cultural tidbits, proficiency-based instruction promotes learners practicing the three modes (interpretive, presentation, interpersonal) in order to communicate meaningfully, effectively, and creatively in their target language for real-life purposes. This type of instruction also promotes intercultural communication by exploring the intersection of language and culture with students communicating appropriately and accurately in authentic contexts in the foreign language. Proficiency-based instruction is student-centered and builds upon what students need, already know, and can do, and it respects diverse learning styles, while encouraging the development of a wide range of skills and learning strategies.
Content Topics
- Use the target language to communicate
- Align goals with student abilities – and share with students and parents
- Emphasize mastery over grades
Competencies
- Knowledge: What is proficiency? What are characteristics of a proficiency-based class vs. a content-based class?
- Skills: Use of target language to propel instruction
- Mindset: World Language courses use language for instruction instead of considering language to be a content topic