Elaisa Gomes

INTRODUCTION

For the final project of the PDPI program, I have chosen to develop a text set entitled The Kansas Experience, which presents an overview of my cultural and educational experiences in the state of Kansas. Through the texts included in this set, students will be introduced to the historical, cultural, and social dimensions of this remarkable American state.

The motivation for this project stems from my enriching personal experiences in the cities of Manhattan, Wamego, and Topeka. By sharing these experiences, I aim to promote intercultural awareness and appreciation among students, encouraging them to value and engage with cultures beyond their own.

This thematic unit aligns with all goal areas outlined in the World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages, with a particular emphasis on the “Cultures” and “Comparisons” standards. Additionally, it is informed by the 1st, 2nd, and 5th TESOL Principles, supporting the development of language proficiency through meaningful cultural content.

The text set is intended for students in the 10th and 11th grades, typically aged 15 to 17, with an average class size of 45 students. Due to recent changes in the curriculum, I currently have one 50-minute lesson per week with each group. Student language proficiency ranges from A1 to B1 on the CEFR scale; therefore, the materials have been carefully adapted to accommodate multiple proficiency levels.