Embedded Files
What is proficiency-based instruction?
What is proficiency-based instruction?
CARLA (Center for Advanced Research on Language Acquisition ) has a wonderful, simple description of what proficiency entails:
Proficiency-oriented language instruction is a general framework for organizing instruction, curriculum, and assessment, rather than a method or a theory. Within this framework, language learners practice the four modalities (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) in order to communicate meaningfully, effectively, and creatively in their target language for real-life purposes. A proficiency orientation promotes intercultural communication by exploring the mosaic of language and culture, so that students can communicate 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.
Taken from: http://carla.umn.edu/articulation/MNAP_polia.html
What do Proficiency levels look like in Wilmington ?
What do Proficiency levels look like in Wilmington ?
The Wilmington World Languages Department aims to provide a proficiency-based classroom environment for all of our students. We strive to focus on a student's ability to read, write, listen, and speak in the target language.
In this chart we articulate our proficiency targets based on recommended instructional time to move students by one proficiency level to the next.
The average recommended instructional time is 125-150 hours of class time per level from Novice Mid through Intermediate Low. After that, the recommended time jumps to almost double that for levels of Intermediate Mid and higher.
What level of Proficiency do you have?
What level of Proficiency do you have?
Below are some brief, simple descriptions of what some of our students' proficiency levels might look like and what that means as far as what they can do with the language.
Novice Level Proficiency Communication
Novice Level Proficiency Communication
Below are some brief, simple descriptions of what some of our students' proficiency levels might look like and what that means as far as what they can do with the language.
Novice Low: The Parrot
I can…
Repeat single words or short phrases I’ve heard and memorized
Greet others
Recognize some words that I have heard before
Give my name
Name a few things around me
Answer questions with “yes” or “no”
Count to 10
I’m working on…
Learning more words and phrases
Understanding more things that I read or hear
Asking some simple questions
Novice Mid: The Toddler
I can…
Use different words and phrases I’ve heard and memorized
Introduce myself
Greet others in different ways
Name some of my likes and dislikes
Name different activities
Ask simple questions
List things, like colors, animals, numbers
Give time, date, and weather info
Awkward wording like “Me like” is OK!
I’m working on…
Speaking in simple but full sentences
Explaining words I don’t know
Asking more kinds of questions
Hesitating less when I speak
Novice High: The Fighter
I can...
Provide info using words, phrases and short sentences
Confidently speak on practiced subjects like giving basic info about myself
Describe surroundings and people
Giving opinions on things I like/dislike
Use words like “is,” “like” and “have” and connect sentences with “and” or “with”
Ask simple questions
Read/listen and understand main ideas
I’m working on...
Speaking in complete sentences
Using correct verb forms
Directing conversations into new directions
Handling new questions or situations
Intermediate Level Proficiency Communication
Intermediate Level Proficiency Communication
Intermediate Low: The Creator
I can…
Generally speak confidently in complete sentences.
Create with language and answer open-ended questions
Mostly use present tense verb forms correctly
Describe things and people in detail and give opinions on various topics/situations
Clarify your opinions with “because” or “but”
Correct myself when I misspeak
Ask some appropriate/pointed questions
I’m working on…
Quantity and quality: using lots of different language and using it correctly
Improving my use of present tense verb forms and adjectives
Not hesitating too much when I speak
Intermediate-Mid: The Explainer
I can…
Communicate with confidence
Use extended, connected sentences
Quickly access lots of vocabulary to describe many different subjects
Mostly use correct present tense and begin to use future and past tenses
Describe, explain and compare
Ask pointed, relevant questions
Use topic sentences and linking words like “even though” or “however” to bring structure to my language
Talk around words I don’t know and be understood
Self-correct when I misspeak
Recognize when a speaker uses different tenses
I’m working on…
Fewer pauses when speaking
Using multiple time frames (past, present and future)
Speaking in detail about specific interests or aspects of my life
Intermediate-High: The Storyteller
I can…
Communicate with ease and confidence on any subject that relates to me
Talk in depth about particular interests, aspects of life
Narrate and describe in all major time frames (past, present, future) - often, but not necessarily all the time
Tell stories using words like “then” and “later on”
Can handle everyday situations like getting/giving directions, making purchases, and even handle unexpected complications
Can understand the main idea and some supporting details or follow the storyline of a fluent speaker
I’m working on…
Speaking correctly in various time frames
Participating in conversations that go beyond my everyday life
Below are some examples of non-native speakers in English at various levels of proficiency described above
Below are some examples of non-native speakers in English at various levels of proficiency described above
Sample of Novice in English
Sample of Intermediate in English
Sample of Advanced in English
Report abuse