Writing at the Intermediate Level: Modes & Standards

Cori Anderson

University of Chicago

Overview

• Principles• Practices• Outcomes

Proficiency Guidelines

• After one year:– Novice High

• After two years:– Intermediate Mid-High

• In third year:– Push to Advanced

http://www.actfl.org/publications/guidelines-and-manuals/actfl-proficiency-guidelines-2012

Standards

• “5 C’s”– Communication– Culture– Connections– Comparisons– Communities

http://www.actfl.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/public/StandardsforFLLexecsumm_rev.pdf

Modes

• Interpersonal• Interpretative• Presentation

http://ckendall.wikispaces.com/Big+Picture

ModesInterpersonal Interpretive Presentational

Active negotiation of meaning among individuals

Interpretation of what the author, speaker, or producer wants the receiver of the message to understand

Creation of messages

Two-way communication One-way communication One-way communication

Adjustments and clarifications made accordingly

Beyond comprehension and translation; implies ability to “read between the lines”, from within cultural mindset or perspective

Presenter needs knowledge of audience’s language and culture for their successful interpretation

Speaking and listening (conversation)Reading and writing (text messages, social media)

Reading, listening, viewing of authentic materials

Writing, speaking, visually representing (video or PowerPoint)

Adapted from: https://www.actfl.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/PerformanceDescriptorsLanguageLearners.pdf

Three projects

• Russian Geography• Current events in Russia• Pen-pal with peer student of Russian• Other writing:

– Regular compositions– Semi-prepared writing on tests

Geography Project

• Goal: learn about a region of Russia outside of the capitals

• Four components– Two essays (300 words each, plus 150 word

biography)– Online wiki page with partner– Oral presentation with partner– Mini-debate with class

Geography Project - Evaluation

• Essays– Mechanics, organization, citations, spelling,

originality

• Oral Presentation:– Pronunciation, grammar, pacing, visual materials

• Debate:– participation, content, grammar

• Peer evaluation– products and processes

Sample Product

Sample Product

Sample Products

Sample Product

Geography Project

• Issues:– Vocabulary– Purpose of online component?– Continue as group project or individual

project?

Geography Project

• Modes:– Presentational– Interpersonal

• Standards:– Communication– Culture– Comparisons– Communities

Current Events Blog

• Goal: learn about modern Russia in an area of interest

• Two components– Four short blog posts (150 words)– Eight comments (25-50 words)

• Sources– At least one Russian– At least one non-Russian

Current Events Blog

• 2014: Sochi Olympics• Topics:

– Preparation & Infrastructure– Sporting Events & Results– Athletes– Non-sporting events– History & Geography of Sochi– International reaction– Tourism

Current Events Blog

• Typical topics:– Business & Economy– Social Issues– Domestic Policy– Foreign Relations– Ecology & Environment– Culture & Arts

Current Events Blog

• Evaluation• Blog entries:

– Grammar, Vocabulary, Originality, Organization, Citations, use of sources

• Comments– Grammar, content (on topic)

Blog - Homepage

Blog - Sample

Blog - citations

Blog - comments

Current Events Blog

• Modes:– Presentational– Interpretive– Interpersonal

• Standards:– Communication– Comparisons– Communities– Culture– Connections

Pen-Pal

• Goal: use Russian for interpersonal communication on topics of daily life and personal interest

• Four weekly letters (200 words), plus reading of partner’s emails

Pen-Pal Project

• Topics– Introductions– Free time & work– Home, dorm, travel– Russian culture

• Prompts in English

Pen-Pal Project

• Evaluation– Structure of letter– Mechanics– Vocabulary– Appropriateness– Creativity/originality

Pen-Pal Project

• Modes:– Interpersonal

• Standards:– Communication– Communities

Outcomes

• Increased command of TL– connectors– vocabulary– narrative skills

• Increased knowledge of TC• Technology skills

Questions?