World Language Program Adopts ACTFL Framework
November 26, 2024
There are so many positives to learning a language!
Additional languages open social, educational, and professional options for people. Thinking in a new language expands your problem solving skills. Switching between languages strengthens your cognitive function. When you learn a language you learn its culture too – the nuance of certain words and phrases connects you to specific regions of the world.
“French is used in many countries,” Sua said. She explained that she chose to learn the language because it opens future opportunities for her, including in her own country of Canada. Sei, another French student, said that in middle school she liked the idea of living in Paris.
The World Languages program encourages international mindedness. We want our students to develop intercultural competence and empathy. Learning another language and culture connects you to your own language and culture too as you identify similarities and differences.
Middle school Spanish students start each class seated in a circle to practice conversational skills. Language games add fun too!
Last school year the middle and high school World Language teachers reviewed their curriculum and explored the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) framework. This approach to teaching and learning a language recognizes that most learners quickly acquire basic vocabulary and grammar. After that first burst, it’s easy to plateau if you are not challenged or if you are frustrated – a common experience for a mixed-proficiency class. KIS World Language teachers decided to create an opportunity for students at similar proficiency levels to learn together.
Now, rather than moving from Spanish 1 to 2 to 3, students progress as novice, intermediate, and advanced language learners. Grouping by proficiency is proven to better meet the needs and abilities of language learners – including through multi-year courses.
A note on multi-year courses. Because learning Chinese is like learning two languages at once – the spoken and written – Chinese courses were essentially multi-year before this World Language redesign. This time allows the full development of speaking, listening, and writing skills at each proficiency level. Now World Language teachers are excited for how this shift can support all KIS language learners.
Hannah and Joonsung are two students who benefit from the ACTFL framework. Both started learning Spanish in middle school and are now in eleventh grade. Hannah took AP Spanish last year but continues developing her fluency as an advanced student. Spanish helped her meet Spanish-speaking friends here in Korea. When she traveled to Spain she appreciated what she knew about the language – and recognized what she still wanted to learn. Joonsung plans to take AP Spanish next year but didn’t want to rest his language practice this school year either. The learning experience KIS Spanish teachers create may be one reason why he continues to take classes. Joonsung says, “Teachers want you to feel how it is to speak Spanish and interact with Spanish culture.”