Curriculum Design
Curriculum Design
For my reflections on curriculum design and how my thinking has evolved around this topic, click here
Communicative LAnguage Teaching
One of the things I have struggled with language teaching is how to effectively teach grammar with Communicative Language Teaching Approach (CLT) goals in mind. One of the ways I have found helpful in implementing this method is by focusing on types of activities where relevant information is exchanged and authentic language is used.
An example of an authentic conversation would be to asking for and giving directions. Thus, I used our campus map in Spanish, and student pairs took turns applying the vocabulary and commands (mandatos informales) I scaffolded them with and had authentic conversations they might have if they encountered a Spanish speaker on our campus.
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Another activity I love to use is playing Battleship to practice verb conjugations. While playing Battleship may not happen all too often, students learn some basic vocabulary they need to stay in the target language during a game. They are also much more motivated to learn and practice conjugations when activities are fun and this is no exception!
Implementing
Backward Design
Through the methods course, I was able to practice implementing Backward Design to create lesson plans ahead of time that more clearly revealed: 1. what enduring understandings I wanted my students to leave the unit with and 2. if the essential questions in the unit were being answered and fulfilled within each lesson plan's activities and homework assignments.
Below is the first lesson plan I created implementing backward design and was intended for my Spanish II class. In it, you can find the map practice I explained before <-- and the Cloze activity for "Ven a Bailar" by Jennifer Lopez. -->
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Also below is the last lesson plan assignment I created for my Methods course wherein I chose to apply the PACE model. Some of the changes between the two lesson plans are: 1. the range of activities I offered; 2. more reflection on how and why I chose the activities; and 3. better understanding of timing and pacing of said activities.
Music Integration
As music is integral to culture, and culture is embedded in language learning, I bring in music to my teaching. From playing music while students are settling into class to Cloze activities, my students get exposed to a variety of genres and rhythms. I have learned to supplement my lessons with music where possible to engage students and give them more cultural exposure. For example, I often use Cloze activities to review specific grammar or vocabulary we are studying so students can see how they are used in a different context or even just to hear the same language in a different accent!
One example is the following Cloze activity I use while teaching commands. The song "Ven a Bailar" by Jennifer Lopez ft. Pitbull has many commands for her audience to dance and celebrate life. Similar to the map activity, it was intended for further review of this concept as well as to use and utilize an authentic resource. Students loved the opportunity to hear a modern song -- especially since many have heard the English version "On the Floor" -- from a popular artist.