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.
- 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
- Design Oral Interpersonal Communication Activities and Tasks – Teachers design and carry out interpersonal communication tasks for pairs, small groups and whole class instruction.
- 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.
- 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.
- Plan with Backward Design Model – Instructors identify desired results, then determine acceptable evidence, and then plan learning experiences and instruction.
- 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”