After teaching foreign language for 10 years, here is what I have found. I can teach a concept in class, for example the article "the" (el, la, los, las) and I can have kids do numerous activities using the concept including filling in a million blanks with the correct form of "the" in Spanish. However, what I found is that even though most students would successfully pass a quiz/test on this concept the students don't use it in the application of the language. When they start writing sentences, paragraphs, interview, etc, the students will write "la clases".
With that said, what I am hoping is that we create as many opportunities as possible in the classroom for the students to really apply the language and put it all together. Teaching individual concepts and testing singleton ideas doesn't always give a clear idea of if the students actually understand the concepts and if they can apply the concepts.
So my question to all of you is are you starting to really apply the language now in year one (with a good month behind us)? My students turned in their first essay (letter to me) yesterday. It included their name, date, the weather what they like and don't like to do in the various months/seasons, when their birthday is, etc.
Students should be creating and applying the language all the time. This also helps constantly review concepts. Even though I have taught articles, I circle them in every application when the students misuse them giving the students the opportunity to constantly review how to use articles. I would like anyone who can to share some assignment ideas to get the students applying the langage (essays, translations, interviews, etc).
Click here for one of my ideas for application (ME BOXES ch1a year one Spanish). The students fill out the me boxes in complete sentences. I use them as a prewriting, then they write me their first letter.
2 comments:
Barb, I am so glad you brought up this topic! At the middle school PLC this morning we were discussing the difference between being able to fill in the blanks correctly and actually being able to USE the language or skill correctly. While it is nice be able to answer multiple choice questions, or fill in all the blanks, it is much more important that we focus on the actual application of the language! Therefore, our PLC goal is focused on writing, and I am very excited to see how much our students improve their writing over the course of the year and apply what they are learning in class.
I am excited to hear that the middle school PLC is focusing on writing and application of the language ;) Please bring what you have been working on to District Council in November to share. Are you all using the same prompt and rubric? I would love to see it!
Post a Comment