Instructional Practices

Core Practices of Proficiency-Based Learning for World Languages

These Core Practices are highly effective and research-based teaching methods designed specifically for the world language classroom by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language (ACTFL). They provide clear guidance for classroom instruction in achieving a shift towards a proficiency model and focus on teacher actions.  

1. Facilitate Target Language Comprehensibility – Students and teachers speak, listen, read, write, view and create in the target language 90 percent or more during classroom time: comprehensible input, context and interactions
2. Design Oral Interpersonal Communication Activities and Tasks – Teachers design and carry out interpersonal communication tasks for pairs, small groups and whole class instruction.
3. Teach Grammar as Concept and Use in Context – Teachers teach grammar in providing multiple opportunities for students to acquire and use the concept in context. Students focus on meaning before form.
4. Guide Learners through Interpreting Authentic and Cultural Resources – Present interactive reading and listening comprehension task using authentic cultural texts with appropriate scaffolding while promoting interpretation.
5. Plan with Backward Design Model – Instructors identify desired results, then determine acceptable evidence, and then plan learning experiences and instruction.
6. Provide Appropriate Oral Feedback – Oral corrective feedback in speech or writing elicits output beyond a simple 'yes' or 'no' response.  
   
   

Adapted from:  American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages ACTFL “Building Your Core:  Effective Practices for Language Learners and Educators”