This webinar explores the purposes and uses for performance assessment in world language classrooms. Many language instructors and learners want to know the extent to which an assessment can capture how well a student will be able to complete real-life tasks when using the target language (Bachman & Palmer, 1996; Stoynoff & Chapelle, 2005). The webinar will begin with a description of performance assessment, how it aligns with learning and teaching purposes, and its uses for the classroom. Next, we will explore how to integrate performance assessment into language classrooms, including developing tasks and rubrics that will support such activities (Norris et al, 2008). During this part, we will examine one or more typical performance assessment tasks, and we will discuss how to adapt them to your needs. Finally, we will discuss the logistics of performance assessment and brainstorm ways to integrate meaningful performance assessment within the constraints of available resources
This site is an excellent resource for lesson plans, PowerPoint presentations, class activities for communication in the target language. Teachers share several artifacts which can be used in the classroom to enhance student engagement both inside and outside the classroom. There is also a Forum where world language teachers blog about useful tips and issues in the world language classroom. Lots of current topics discussed such as using technology in the classroom.
The FLTmag is a practice-oriented online publication dedicated to the field of foreign language technology. Its goal is to provide useful and practical information about technology integration in the classroom such as emerging technologies, interesting books, classroom projects, institutional initiatives, conferences and symposiums and language centers worldwide. Its hoping to become a public forum promoting engaged and productive discussions around burning issues in the field of language technology in the U.S. and beyond
Currently there is very few things posted, but I see this as eventually becoming the 'go-to' site
Uclass is an online portal for classroom connections around the globe. Similar to ePals, this site allows teachers to create a virtual classroom and then request to connect with other classrooms for pen-pal exchanges or project collaboration. This site promotes cultural awareness and opportunities to easily connect with other classes around the world to arrange projects and virtual exchanges.
Once teachers create a site (register) they can add students to the class to create student accounts. From there, one can search for other classes seeking pen-pals. Teachers can post messages for all users to view, suggesting topics of interest to language study or project proposals. Students can send direct messages to other students in other classes and within their own class, provided that the teacher has permitted this function within the class. Easy tool for getting started with global project collaboration and communication exchanges in the target language.
Are you looking for ways to use Skype simply beyond making calls in the classroom? Jeff Dunn, through Edudemic, created a list of 50 ways to use Skype in the classroom.
This is an awesome YouTube channel by Sylvia Duckworth. I would use her Chansons au Powerpoint to pre-teach vocabulary and then reinforce the learning with the music/PowerPoint combination. Other videos offer a plethora of topics that can be used in your classroom. Her use of GoAnimate inspires me to have my students create similar projects to tell stories. Although in French, the ideas are easily used in Spanish and other WL classrooms.
I included this web-page because it mentions a Twitter group I like to check out called #langchat. It also archives chat sessions. Lots of practical-in-the-classroom idea sharing, especially regarding assessments.
A video which offers perspectives on using virtual worlds in the classroom as a learning experience. Targets differentiating in the classroom using technology.
Fabulous compilation of key suggestions for How-Tos on literacies, rubrics, PLNs, website creation, collaboration and tools for creating classroom products.
These rubrics are especially helpful! Thanks! I like the fact that you can edit the rubrics as necessary for what you are doing in your classroom. I used some of them for my students' final presentations in June. Great resource! Not to mention there are other wonderful resources on the site as well
Comprehensible Input Classroom - blog with links, ideas, activities, curriculum plans, etc. for teacher ideas. Can be used by teacher to add depth and interest to curriculum planning and lesson steps.