Writing at the Intermediate Level: Modes & Standards
Cori AndersonUniversity of Chicago
Overview
• Principles• Practices• Outcomes
Proficiency Guidelines
• After one year:– Novice High
• After two years:– Intermediate Mid-High
• In third year:– Push to Advanced
http://www.actfl.org/publications/guidelines-and-manuals/actfl-proficiency-guidelines-2012
Standards
• “5 C’s”– Communication– Culture– Connections– Comparisons– Communities
http://www.actfl.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/public/StandardsforFLLexecsumm_rev.pdf
Modes
• Interpersonal• Interpretative• Presentation
http://ckendall.wikispaces.com/Big+Picture
ModesInterpersonal Interpretive Presentational
Active negotiation of meaning among individuals
Interpretation of what the author, speaker, or producer wants the receiver of the message to understand
Creation of messages
Two-way communication One-way communication One-way communication
Adjustments and clarifications made accordingly
Beyond comprehension and translation; implies ability to “read between the lines”, from within cultural mindset or perspective
Presenter needs knowledge of audience’s language and culture for their successful interpretation
Speaking and listening (conversation)Reading and writing (text messages, social media)
Reading, listening, viewing of authentic materials
Writing, speaking, visually representing (video or PowerPoint)
Adapted from: https://www.actfl.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/PerformanceDescriptorsLanguageLearners.pdf
Three projects
• Russian Geography• Current events in Russia• Pen-pal with peer student of Russian• Other writing:
– Regular compositions– Semi-prepared writing on tests
Geography Project
• Goal: learn about a region of Russia outside of the capitals
• Four components– Two essays (300 words each, plus 150 word
biography)– Online wiki page with partner– Oral presentation with partner– Mini-debate with class
Geography Project - Evaluation
• Essays– Mechanics, organization, citations, spelling,
originality• Oral Presentation:
– Pronunciation, grammar, pacing, visual materials• Debate:
– participation, content, grammar• Peer evaluation
– products and processes
Sample Product
Sample Product
Sample Products
Sample Product
Geography Project
• Issues:– Vocabulary– Purpose of online component?– Continue as group project or individual
project?
Geography Project
• Modes:– Presentational– Interpersonal
• Standards:– Communication– Culture– Comparisons– Communities
Current Events Blog
• Goal: learn about modern Russia in an area of interest
• Two components– Four short blog posts (150 words)– Eight comments (25-50 words)
• Sources– At least one Russian– At least one non-Russian
Current Events Blog
• 2014: Sochi Olympics• Topics:
– Preparation & Infrastructure– Sporting Events & Results– Athletes– Non-sporting events– History & Geography of Sochi– International reaction– Tourism
Current Events Blog
• Typical topics:– Business & Economy– Social Issues– Domestic Policy– Foreign Relations– Ecology & Environment– Culture & Arts
Current Events Blog
• Evaluation• Blog entries:
– Grammar, Vocabulary, Originality, Organization, Citations, use of sources
• Comments– Grammar, content (on topic)
Blog - Homepage
Blog - Sample
Blog - citations
Blog - comments
Current Events Blog
• Modes:– Presentational– Interpretive– Interpersonal
• Standards:– Communication– Comparisons– Communities– Culture– Connections
Pen-Pal
• Goal: use Russian for interpersonal communication on topics of daily life and personal interest
• Four weekly letters (200 words), plus reading of partner’s emails
Pen-Pal Project
• Topics– Introductions– Free time & work– Home, dorm, travel– Russian culture
• Prompts in English
Pen-Pal Project
• Evaluation– Structure of letter– Mechanics– Vocabulary– Appropriateness– Creativity/originality
Pen-Pal Project
• Modes:– Interpersonal
• Standards:– Communication– Communities
Outcomes
• Increased command of TL– connectors– vocabulary– narrative skills
• Increased knowledge of TC• Technology skills
Questions?