What is PLUMA?

PLUMA is a narrative-based language learning program designed for the first three levels of college Spanish. It provides a complete curriculum that can stand on its own. Organically aligned with ACTFL, PLUMA uses Can-Do Statements as an organizing framework, helping both learners and educators personalize the learning experience. The program is rooted in storytelling, drawing from real-life experiences and historical and cultural perspectives. Storytelling serves as a model for learners to share their own narratives, explore cultural perspectives, reflect on their viewpoints, and develop communication skills in diverse contexts.

The curriculum follows a carefully structured sequence of targeted comprehensible input, with integrated formative and summative assessments. Lesson plans are embedded into the design, eliminating the need for additional manuals or materials while giving instructors the flexibility to incorporate their own materials and teaching preferences as needed. The pedagogical approach also removes the need to restrict student access to assessments, ensuring complete transparency for all users.

PLUMA incorporates a variety of content and pedagogical practices to support learners in developing communicative proficiency through meaningful engagement. The learning process mirrors first-language acquisition, using recursive loops of contextualized input and feedback, which are accelerated by the learners' existing life experiences and points of reference.

PLUMA is accessible, mobile-friendly, and seamlessly integrates into LMS platforms and apps. Email me for Screenreader accessible DOCX version of PLUMA. Click on the Embed Code tab to copy and embed PLUMA into your LMS course.

3 VOLUMES. 5 eMagazine ISSUES PER VOLUME

• Volume 1, issues 1-5, prepares learners to communicate in Spanish at the Novice-high level (ACTFL).

• Volume 2, issues 1-5, prepares learners to communicate in Spanish at the Intermediate-low level.

• Volume 3, issues 1-5, prepares learners to communicate in Spanish at the Intermediate-mid level.

CONTENTS OF EACH ISSUE

1. Can-Do: Each PLUMA opens with a “Can-Do” statement describing what the learner will be able to do by the end.

2. Preparación comunicativa: 

• Videos: The basic communicative skills for the Can-Do Statements are introduced through contextualized short videos, including both original and curated content, to help learners interpret meaning within the stories. 

• After each video, students complete brief activities to reinforce what they just watched, with their responses serving as notes they can later use for assignments. The program also includes engaging and sometimes humorous curated videos designed specifically for language learners, offering additional input opportunities that can be used for further learning activities.

• Historias (stories): Learners read and listen to nonfictional and semi-fictional stories relevant to the Can-Do Statements, gaining insight into Spanish-speaking cultures and the immigrant experience in the United States.

• Crea Historias (create stories): Using these stories as a model, learners are encouraged to share similar information through conversations, presentations, and written narratives of their own.

3. Ahora tú conversa: The questions and prompts from the peparación comunicativa and historias pages come together in one place to provide students with direction as they practice speaking proficiency relevant to the overarching Can-Do in each issue, and can be used to assess proficiency at the end of a course.

4. Vocabulario: Vocabulary lists are provided on the preparación comunicativa and historias pages but, increasingly throughout the volumes, learners are encouraged to create their own personalized lists of vocabulary useful to them in their everyday lives.

5. ¿Puedes hacerlo?: This page is meant to encourage students to self-reflect on their progress.

• Used in all 1st-3rd semester classes at Miracosta College, Oceanside, CA.
• Alverno College, Milwaukee, WI
• American River College, Sacramento, CA.
• Citrus College, Glendora, CA. (Spring 25 Study Abroad in Sevilla)
• Coffeyville Community College in Coffeyville, KS.
• Estrella Mountain Community College in Avondale, AZ.
• Irvine Valley College, CA. (starting Fall 25)
• Morgan Community College, Fort Morgan, Co.
• Motlow State Community College, Smyrna, TN.
• San Diego Mesa College, CA.
• Santa Monica College, Santa Monica, CA.
• Sierra College, Rockland, CA.
• Saint Anselm College, NH.
• University of California, Davis
• University of Buffalo, New York
• University of Mobile, AL
• IDENTITÀ - an adaptation of PLUMA for the Italian program at MiraCosta College, Oceanside, Ca.