In-depth inquiry is key to Project-Based Learning, according to the Buck Institute for Education, but in-depth inquiry is tricky in a novice language class striving for ACTFL’s recommended 90%. I, for one, have my novices do a lot of research with infographs, which you really can’t beat for novice authentic Read more…
How can I build a unit around a real-world problem with a real-world audience and maintain maximal target language usage? So much of Project-Based Learning revolves around developing so-called 21st century skills like research, critical thinking, and collaboration, yet we in world languages are tasked with conducting 90% of our class Read more…
I once thought my training as an English teacher handicapped me as a Spanish teacher. Actual tears were shed over my inability to see what New Schools Project best practices like literature circles had to do with my grammar and vocabulary lessons. I was baffled by the prospect of calling Read more…
The first day, I’ll give students a survey to let them rate the which Driving Questions capture their interest the most on a scale of “Now that I know this is an option, I cannot enjoy class without exploring this” to “I could get into this” to “Please, I think Read more…
El tradicional teatro de papel japonés es narrado en Perú al estilo andino Fusion is the name of the game. Peruvian artist José Cabana combines the puppet theatre of Japan known as Kamishibai with the imagery of artisan arts of northern Peru. But why stop there? Students in an advanced Read more…
If teachers are safecrackers, each assessment is a number in the combination that helps us unlock the treasure. Assessments are not whole combinations unto themselves, if done correctly. We should have to listen carefully, find the right tools to detect when we hit the number we need next. If the Read more…
I’m getting some Problem-based learning (PBL) training straight from the Buck Institute less than 2 miles from my house! Free bonus: a longtime #langchat buddy is helping deliver the instruction! Speaking of delivery, we’re to come away from each of the 3 sessions with a “deliverable,” or a demonstration that Read more…