As a student, I learned in a very traditional classroom setting. I could conjugate verbs and memorize vocabulary lists, but I struggled to actually communicate. I wanted a different experience for my students and began investigating ways I could support their growth as intercultural communicators.
I teach in a very traditional department and test that students must take, but I adjust those lessons to begin with input, include authentic resources, and focus on real-world goals that students can accomplish.
How do I promote proficiency? I believe that using student-friendly can-do statements, such as those modeled in the ACTFL Performance Descriptors, that allow students to engage in real-world scenarios.
How do I engage and motivate learners? I believe that 21st century learners want to be involved in the language creation process. They also want to have options on how to express what they can do with the language. I incorporate student choice whenever possible, whether it's input on what celebrity to describe, what name to give a class character, or what activity they will complete to show their knowledge.
How do I teach grammar and vocabulary? In many language classes, grammar explanations are in the students first language and require them to simply follow a formula, possibly without any understanding of what they are doing. Grammar in my class is a cooperative process based on what students need to accomplish a goal. Grammar is then inductively learned using the PACE method.
How do I raise intercultural awareness? In the past, I taught culture as knowledge about different countries. Now culture is a multifaceted concept. incorporated into every lesson, every day. One way to accomplish this naturally is to begin with authentic texts, podcasts, videos or other materials.