Materials Evaluation (Due Nov. 15)

SECOND LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION

 

TEXT EVALUATION FORM               Name ________________________________

 

Text  (Include author, title and publication data.):

 

 

Approach(es):

 

Proficiency Level/Age Level:

(Note whether text content and activities appropriately address targeted levels.)

***********

Identify the following and evaluate according to the following scale 4 - Excellent; 3 – Good;  2 – Fair; 1 – Poor;  0 - Lacking. Draw upon your theoretical knowledge as well as your practical experience in your evaluation. 

RATING

Language Skills:                                                 ______

 

Content Base:                                                    ______

 

Activity Types:                                                  ______

 

Sequencing:                                                       ______

 

Cultural Sensitivity/Appropriateness:                  ______

 

Language Functions:                                           ______

 

Language Structures /Grammar:                          ______

 

Learning Strategies:                                                   ______

Learner Variables (Identify the learning styles and modalities

and intelligences to which the text would appeal.)             ______

 

Supplementary Materials (Teachers Guide, workbook, tests, CDs, etc.):

       ______

 

Overall Fit with Curriculum:                               ______

 

       TOTAL RATING:                                           ______

 

Adoption Decision and Rationale:


METHODS ACTING ASSIGNMENT (Due 9/20 & 27)

 

The purpose of the methods acting assignment in this course is to give you the opportunity to experience a wide variety of teaching methods that have been – and still are – practiced in the field of second language instruction. The methods chosen for this assignment are ones that are either still in practice today in various ways (on their own or as components of other methods) or were particularly striking and ground-breaking for their times. Many of these methods are based not only on linguistic theory but also tap into the fields of psychology and sociology. You will need a good understanding of these methods for the Praxis ESL exam.

 

This assignment will be done in pairs. Each pair will sign up for a method on the first day of class. In addition to your oral presentation, please provide a handout for the instructor and your classmates that summarizes the main points of your presentation. Each presentation should be 10-12 minutes long. Please keep within time limits.

 

Choose one of the following methods to present:

 

Suggestopedia

The Direct Method (Berlitz)                             The Silent Way

The Audiolingual Method                                 Total Physical Response

Community Language Learning                        The Natural Approach

 

The following points should be included in your methods acting presentation:

 

1.   A short historical overview that includes the theory supporting the method (if any), the founder(s)/major proponent(s) of the method, and the methodís major instructional goal (e.g., conversational fluency; reading and writing; vocabulary; grammar).

2.   A brief statement on the unique characteristics of the method.

3.   An introduction to your lesson that includes its topic, major objectives, language level or grade level, and any additional information needed to provide context.

4.   A demonstration of the method. This demonstration should include: (a) your presentation using the methodís techniques; and (b) a short practice activity to engage your classmates.

5.   Briefly describe evaluation techniques compatible with the method.

6.   In your conclusion, state the strengths and weaknesses of the method.

 

Please refer to the scoring rubric for information on the assessment of this assignment.

 

Methods Acting Evaluation Rubric

 

Methods Acting

Exceeds the Standard

Meets the Standard

Approaches the Standard

1.

Historical Overview

A short and thorough historical overview is provided that includes the theory supporting the method, the founder(s)/major proponents of the method and the historical context in which the method was developed, and the methodís major instructional goal.

A short historical overview is provided that includes the theory supporting the method, the founder(s)/major proponents of the method, and the methodís major instructional goal.

A short historical overview is provided that may include the theory supporting the method, the founder(s)/major proponents of the method, or the methodís major instructional goal, but not all three, or some of the information is not accurately reported.

 

2.

Unique Points

A brief explanation is provided on the unique characteristics of the method.

A brief statement is provided on the unique characteristics of the method.

A brief statement is provided on the unique characteristics of the method, however some characteristics are omitted and/or some characteristics do not pertain to the method.

3.

Lesson Introduction

An introduction to your lesson is provided that includes its topic, major objectives, language level, grade level, and additional relevant information which helps to provide context for the lesson.

An introduction to your lesson is provided that includes its topic, major objectives, language level, and grade level.

An introduction to your lesson is provided that addresses some but not all of the following areas: lesson topic, major objectives, language level and grade level.

4. 

Demonstra-tion

The demonstration of your method is fully acted out, accurately reflects the method, uses techniques specific to the method, is logically presented and includes a short practice activity to engage your classmates.

The demonstration of your method accurately reflects the method, uses techniques specific to the method and includes a short practice activity to engage your classmates.

The demonstration of your method in some ways accurately reflects the method, however key techniques or components may be missing and/or the practice activity to engage your classmates is not entirely reflective of the method.

5.

Evaluation

The assessment designed is aligned with the objective(s) of the lesson and is fully described.

The assessment designed is aligned with the objective(s) of the lesson.

An assessment is designed but it is not compatible with the objectives of the lesson.

6.

Conclusion

The demonstration concludes with an elaboration of the strengths and weaknesses of the method.

The demonstration concludes with a statement of the strengths and

weaknesses of the method.

The demonstration concludes with a statement of strengths and weaknesses of the method, however some associated with the method are overlooked.

7.

Handout

The handout for classmates accurately addresses the following six areas:  Historical Overview, Unique Points, Lesson Introduction, Demonstration Description, Evaluation and Conclusion.  The handout also contains at leat five references, including articles authored by the founder(s) of the method.

The handout for classmates accurately addresses the following six areas:  Historical Overview, Unique Points, Lesson Introduction, Demonstration Description, Evaluation and Conclusion, and cites the sources of information.

The handout for classmates accurately addresses some of the following areas: Historical Overview, Unique Points, Lesson Introduction, Demonstration Description, Evaluation and Conclusion.

 


Standards & Content-Based Thematic Unit (due November 1)

Evaluation Rubric

 

Content Unit

Exceeds the Standard

Meets the Standard

Approaches the Standard

1.

Unit Theme

A broad theme is identified that is related to at least three different content areas in your unit lessons, and at least two different standards within each content area.

A broad theme is identified that is related to at least three different content areas in your unit lessons, and at least one standard within each content area.

A theme is identified that is narrow in scope and is related to fewer than three different content areas and standards.

2.

Plan Overview/

Unit Form

The thematic unit is coherent and sequenced appropriately; Detailed lessons for five regular class periods (55 minutes each) or three block periods (90 minutes each) are presented; Proficiency and grade level(s) of students is identified, and all unit lessons are linguistically and developmentally appropriate for the stated level(s).

 

 

The thematic unit is coherent however sequencing may require adjustment; Lessons for five regular class periods (55 minutes each) or three block periods (90 minutes each) are presented, and the majority of the lessons are detailed (4/5 or 2/3); Proficiency and grade level(s) of students is identified, and the majority of unit lessons (4/5 or 2/3) are linguistically and developmentally appropriate for the stated level(s).

The thematic unit requires greater cohesiveness and appropriate sequencing; Lessons for five regular class periods (55 minutes each) or three block periods (90 minutes each) are presented, and some of the lessons are detailed; Proficiency and grade level(s) of students is identified, and some of the lessons are linguistically and developmentally appropriate for the stated level.

3.

Objectives/

Standards

All teaching/learning objectives  contained in the unit lessons are specific, teachable and measurable, and all are aligned with TESOL/FL/State Standards.

The majority of teaching/learning objectives contained in the unit lessons are specific, teachable and measurable, and are aligned with TESOL/FL/State Standards.

Some teaching/learning objectives contained in the unit are specific, teachable and measurable, and/or some are aligned with TESOL/FL/State Standards.


4. 

Assessment by Teacher

Assessments created by the teacher are aligned with the stated content, language and learning strategy objectives in all three subject areas.

Assessments created by the teacher are aligned with the stated content, language and learning strategy objectives in at least two of the three subject areas.

Assessments created by the teacher are not aligned with the stated content, language and learning strategy objectives in at least two of the three subject areas.

 

5.

Content

Objectives

All teaching/learning content objectives include content knowledge and processes and higher order skills in the three subject areas.

 

The majority of the teaching/learning content objectives include content knowledge and processes and higher order skills in the three subject areas.

 

Some teaching/learning content objectives include content knowledge and processes and higher order skills in the three subject areas.

6.

Language

Objectives

Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking skills are integrated into activities, focusing on development of academic language, and a range of academic language features are included (see CALLA handbook).

Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking skills are integrated into activities, focusing on development of academic language, and some academic language features are included (see CALLA handbook).

Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking skills are integrated into activities, however the development of academic language is not emphasized, and few academic language features are included (see CALLA handbook).

 

7.

Learning Strategies

Objectives

Learning strategies that are appropriate to the task, foster metacognitive awareness and that are practiced are incorporated in all lessons of the unit.

Learning strategies that are appropriate to the task, foster metacognitive awareness and that are practiced are incorporated in the majority of lessons in the unit (4/5 or 2/3).

Learning strategies that are appropriate to the task, foster metacognitive awareness and that are practiced are incorporated in some of the lessons in the unit.

8.

Procedures and

Materials

Procedures for all teacher and student activities are included in the unit and are related to stated objectives; Copies of all materials used and identification of sources are included.

Procedures for the majority of teacher and student activities are included in the unit and are related to stated objectives; Copies of the majority of materials used and identification of sources are included.

Procedures for some teacher and student activities are included in the unit and are related to stated objectives; Copies of some materials used and identification of sources are included.

9.

Preparation Phase

All of the lessons in the unit begin with a preparation activity that activates prior knowledge, develops vocabulary and serves as an advance organizer.

The majority of the lessons in the unit (4/5 or 2/3) begin with a preparation activity that activates prior knowledge, develops vocabulary and serves as an advance organizer.

Some of the lessons in the unit begin with a preparation activity that activates prior knowledge, develops vocabulary and serves as an advance organizer.

10.

Presentation Phase

All of the lessons in the unit include a presentation phase in which the activities and learning strategies presented are comprehensible, motivating, explicitly taught and modeled by the teacher.

The presentation phase in the majority of the lessons in the unit (4/5 or 2/3) reflect the presentation of activities and learning strategies that are comprehensible, motivating, explicitly taught and modeled by the teacher.

The presentation phase in some of the lessons in the unit reflect the presentation of activities and learning strategies that are comprehensible, motivating, explicitly taught and modeled by the teacher.

11.

Practice Phase

The practice phase in all of the lessons in the unit reflects student use of content, academic language and learning strategies, and the use of cooperative learning, hands-on learning and/or inquiry based learning.

The practice phase in the majority of the lessons in the unit (4/5 or 2/3) reflects student use of content, academic language and learning strategies, and the use of cooperative learning, hands-on learning and/or inquiry based learning.

The practice phase in some of the lessons in the unit reflects student use of content, academic language and learning strategies, and the use of cooperative learning, hands-on learning and/or inquiry based learning.

12.

Self-Evaluation Phase

The self-evaluation phase in all of the lessons in the unit reflects student self-evaluation of content, academic language and learning strategies practiced in each lesson.

The self-evaluation phase in the majority of the lessons in the unit (4/5 or 2/3) reflects student self-evaluation of content, academic language and learning strategies practiced in each lesson.

The self-evaluation phase in some of the lessons in the unit reflects student self-evaluation of content, academic language and learning strategies practiced in each lesson.

13.

Expansion Phase

The expansion phase in all of the lessons in the unit reflects activities that are related to the content, language and learning strategies practiced, applicable to student lives, culturally sensitive and include parental involvement.

The expansion phase in the majority of the lessons in the unit (4/5 or 2/3) reflects activities that are related to the content, language and learning strategies practiced, applicable to student lives, culturally sensitive and include parental involvement.

The expansion phase in some of the lessons in the unit reflects activities that are related to the content, language and learning strategies practiced, applicable to student lives, culturally sensitive and include parental involvement.

 


Field Experience Journal (Due 11/22)

All candidates for ESL licensure participate in a 30-hour field experience in a school setting.  The purpose of this field experience is to observe and reflect on practicing language teachers and classrooms over an extended period of time. You should observe a variety of classes and levels, interacting with teachers and their students as suggested by the host teacher.

 

Keep a detailed record of your observations and use it to write a reflective journal about the experience, addressing the topics stated below. Your journal should be about 12 pages in length. Please refer to the attached rubric for the criteria that will be used to evaluate your journal. This assignment counts for 10% (10 points) of your final grade. This journal is due November 22

 

1)    Make a chart that describes the ESL program, including levels, length of classes, classes per week, types of instruction (e.g., language-based ESL, content-based ESL, other). Provide enough detail to give a clear picture of the schoolís ESL program. (1 point)

 

2)    Describe and critique the instructional approach of one ESL teacher, including methodology, use of TESOL Standards, teaching style, teacher beliefs, and teacher effectiveness. Do not identify the teacher by name (you may invent a name). (2 points)

 

3)    Describe an ESL studentís cultural background and how it might affect his/her language learning. Discuss the studentís proficiency level, personal approach to language learning, including learning strategies, attitudes, self-efficacy, and motivation. Comment on the studentís strengths and needs. Do not use the studentís real name. (2 points)

 

4)    Talk to a mainstream content-area teacher about his/her views (attitudes) on working with ESL students in a content subject classroom.  Ask the teacher to discuss any specific techniques used to assist ESL students in learning the class content and the successes and challenges he/she has encountered in working with ESL students in a mainstream classroom environment.  Summarize your findings and comment on the teacherís strengths and needs.  Do not use the teacherís real name. (2 points)

 

5)    Make a chart that describes and critiques the instructional materials adopted for different levels of ESL.  Examine both teacher guides and student materials and indicate their appropriateness for: exemplifying TESOL standards, language proficiency level, age, cultural sensitivity, suggestions for differentiating instruction, activities for different learning styles/intelligences, learning strategy instruction, fit with type of curriculum (i.e., language-based, content-based, other). (1 point)

 

 

6)    Make a chart that describes the assessment procedures used for initial placement, promotion to the next language level, and exit from ESL program. Include standardized tests and authentic assessments. Evaluate each assessment for: adherence to TESOL standards, fairness, and usefulness to the teacher. (1 point)

 

7)    Based on your classroom and school observations, and what you have learned about language, culture, and ESL methodology, describe your philosophy of teaching English language learners. (1 point)

 

Field Experience Journal Evaluation Rubric

 

Field Experience: Exceeds

the Standard

Meets

the Standard

Approaches

the Standard

 

1. Chart describing ESL program includes all 4 types of information listed in assignment and provides a detailed picture of the schoolís ESL program.

 

 

2. Description of ESL teacherís instructional approach includes all 5 types of information listed in assignment and the critique provides deep reflection supported by 2 or more examples of the teacherís approach.

 

3. Description of studentís cultural background is accurate and unbiased;  approach to language learning includes 7 types of information listed in assignment and provides 2-3 specific examples of studentís strengths and needs.

 

4. Description of mainstream content-area teacher includes all 4 types of information listed in assignment and the critique provides deep reflection supported by 2 or more examples of the teacherís strengths and needs.

 

5. Chart of instructional materials includes all 8 types of information listed in assignment; chart describes and critiques the instructional materials adopted for different levels of ESL.

 

 

6. Chart of assessment procedures includes all 3 types of information listed in the assignment and all 3 evaluation topics.

 

7.  Personal philosophy of teaching English language learners is deeply reflective and draws on observation experiences and prior knowledge about language and learning.

 

 

1. Chart describing ESL program includes all 4 types of information listed in assignment and provides some detail of the schoolís ESL program.

 

 

2. Description of ESL teacherís instructional approach includes  4 types of information listed in assignment and the critique provides a general impression supported by only 1 example of the teacherís approach.

 

3. Description of studentís cultural background is accurate and unbiased;  approach to language learning includes 5-6 types of information listed in assignment and provides 1-2 general examples of studentís strengths and needs.

 

4. Description of mainstream content-area teacher includes 3 of the 4 types of information listed in assignment and the critique provides a general impression supported by only 1 example of the teacherís strengths and needs.

 

5. Chart of instructional materials includes 7 types of information listed in assignment; chart describes and critiques the instructional materials adopted for different levels of ESL.

 

 

6. Chart of assessment procedures includes 2 types of information listed in the assignment and 2 evaluation topics.

 

 

7. Personal philosophy of teaching English language learners is somewhat reflective and draws on observation experiences, but does not integrate prior knowledge about language and learning.

 

1. Chart describing ESL program includes fewer than 4 types of information listed in assignment and provides few details of the schoolís ESL program.

 

2. Description of ESL teacherís instructional approach includes fewer than 4 types of information listed in assignment and the critique provides vague impressions not supported by examples of the teacherís approach.

 

3. Description of studentís cultural background is stereotypic or biased;  approach to language learning includes fewer than types of information listed in assignment and provides very general comments about studentís strengths and needs with no examples.

 

4. Description of mainstream content-area teacher includes 1-2 of the 4 types of information listed in assignment and the critique provides vague impressions not supported by examples of the teacherís strengths and needs.

 

5. Chart of instructional materials includes 6 or fewer of the types of information listed in assignment; chart  describes but does not  critique the instructional materials adopted for different levels of ESL.

 

6. Chart of assessment procedures includes only 1 of the 3 types of information listed in the assignment and does not address the evaluation  topics.

 

7. Personal philosophy of teaching English language learners is superficial and unrelated to observation experiences and prior knowledge about language and learning.

 


ESL/FL Knowledge Base Assessment (Due 12/6)

 

Purpose

 

The purpose of this assignment is to provide you with an opportunity to demonstrate what you have learned in TRED 251: Second Language Instruction.

 

Directions

 

1.   Work with a partner.

2.   Identify what you believe are the major concepts, terms, approaches, methods, individuals, and teaching procedures addressed in this course (only this course).

3.   Develop a demonstration or exhibition of your understanding of this information. Examples of demonstrations are: posters, games, web sites, PowerPoint (or similar) presentations, videos, tests, study guides, songs, skits, and graphic organizers. Other types of presentations can also be effective.

4.   Prepare copies of a brief handout that describes your demonstration/exhibit. You will share these handouts with the people who visit your exhibit. Be sure to provide the instructor with a copy of your handout.

5.   We will be joined by the other Tuesday section of TRED 251 for the poster session. One class will present their demonstrations during the first half of the class and the other class will present during the second half.

6.    Your instructor will circulate during the poster sessions to evaluate the completeness of the information you present and the effectiveness of the method of presentation. This evaluation will be supplemented by your handout to arrive at a grade for this assessment.

7.    Project presentation should appear:

Professional (professional appearance in writing, preparation, neat, clear)

Easy to follow without verbal explanation (definitions written or given without authors there)

Demonstrate effort (time, extra references, etc.)

Suggestions: Poster (conference presentation), Journal, Magazine, PowerPoint Presentation, Play, Poem, Song, Video, Game, Annotated Photo Essay, etc.


 

Micro Teaching Assignment (Due in November)

 

The purpose of the micro teaching component of this course is to provide you with an opportunity to practice teaching a short activity to your peers.  For your micro teaching assignment, you and a partner will prepare a short (15 minute) activity on the assigned topic and teach it to your classmates, who will provide feedback and suggestions.  You may select an activity from your Content-based Thematic Unit for your micro teaching presentation. You and your partner will present a micro teaching activity on one of the following six topics:

 

1.   Learning Strategies Activity

2.   Cooperative Learning Activity

3.   Listening Comprehension Activity

4.   Speaking and Oral Communication Activity

5.   Grammar Activity

6.   Vocabulary Development Activity

 

In preparing your micro teaching activity, please follow these guidelines:

 

1.   Prepare a 15-minute activity that is designed for one of the 5 phases of the CALLA instructional sequence (Preparation, Presentation, Practice, Evaluation, Expansion)

 

2.   Provide copies of your complete lesson plan to your classmates. Use the format CALLA Instructional Guidelines on the reverse of this sheet.  Complete the objectives that are appropriate for your lesson (e.g., if you are teaching a grammar lesson, you might have only language objectives - not content or learning strategy objectives). Write a 1-2 sentence description of each of the 4 phases that you do not demonstrate. Write a complete plan for the phase that you do demonstrate. This plan should include sufficient detail so that others can teach it.  Indicate the source of your lesson (original, teacher, book, the Internet, etc.).

 

3.   Provide a VERY brief introduction to the lesson. You should spend most of your time teaching it! Your handout should provide background information such as topic, language level of the students, grade level and any additional information needed to provide a context.

 

4.   Your micro teaching presentations should include materials (visuals, tapes, games, handouts, etc.) needed for teaching it.

5.   Teach the activity as if your classmates were actual ESL or Foreign Language students.

6.   Use your classmatesí written comments to modify your micro teaching presentation so that you can use it with your own students.

 

CALLA INSTRUCTIONAL SEQUENCE GUIDELINES

 

Theme/Topic______________Grade/Language Level _________

Content Objectives:

Knowledge ______________ Processes/Skills ________________

State/TESOL/FL Standards _______________________________

Language Objectives:

Language Awareness _____________ Language Use ____________

TESOL/FL/State Standards ___________________________

Learning Strategies Objectives:

Metacognitive Awareness _______________________________

Strategies to Learn/Practice________________________________

TESOL/FL/State Standards _______________________________

Materials: ________________________________________________


 

PROCEDURES

Preparation:        

How will I find out what my students already know about this content topic and what related prior experiences they have had? How will I find out what language skills and learning strategies they already know for this type of task? What vocabulary needs to be taught?

Presentation:        

What is the best way to present this content so that students understand the concepts? What language skills will they use? What learning strategies do I need to model, explain, and/or remind them to use?

Practice:  

What kinds of activities will help my students apply the new information? What language skills will they be practicing? How will they apply learning strategies during practice activities?

Self-evaluation:

What is the best way for my students to assess their own learning of language, content, and learning strategies?

Expansion:        

How can I connect the topic of this lesson to studentsí own lives, culture, and language? How does this topic connect to other content areas? How can parents become involved? How can I help students transfer what they have learned to new situations?

 

ASSESSMENT

 

How will I find out what students know and are able to do as a result of this instruction? How will I know if students have met the objectives of this lesson or unit?


 Micro Teaching

Evaluation Rubric

 

Micro-Teaching

Exceeds the Standard

Meets the Standard

Approaches the Standard

1.

Relevance

 

The objective of the micro teaching lesson is aligned with state English language proficiency standards and with state academic content standards.

The objective of the micro teaching lesson is aligned with state English language proficiency standards

The objective of the micro teaching lesson is valuable but is not aligned with the state English language proficiency standards and/or state academic content standards.

2.

Classroom Presence

 

The teacher engages with students, is enthusiastic about the material s/he is teaching, pleasantly interacts with students and fully teaches the lesson as though the classmates were actual ESL/FL students.

The teacher is engaged and pleasantly interacts with students.

The teacher presents the micro teaching lesson but lacks genuine engagement with students and the material being taught.

3.

Organization

 

The lesson is well-sequenced and illustrates the activity topic (learning strategies, cooperative learning, listening comprehension, speaking and oral communication, grammar, or vocabulary development), and the lesson plan is well sequenced.

The lesson is well-sequenced and illustrates the activity topic (learning strategies, cooperative learning, listening comprehension, speaking and oral communication, grammar, or vocabulary development).

The sequencing of the lesson is disjointed and/or the activity topic (learning strategies, cooperative learning, listening comprehension, speaking and oral communication, grammar, or vocabulary development) is not appropriately illustrated

4.

Preparation

 

The materials for the micro-teaching demonstration are well-suited to the lesson, well-organized and there is evidence of planning.

The materials for the micro-teaching demonstration are well-organized and there is evidence of planning.

 

There are materials for the lesson, however they are not presented or used in an organized manner and there is little evidence of planning.

5.

Effectiveness

 

The directions are clearly explained, the pace of the lesson is appropriate for the stated language and grade level, and the teacher models good language with correct grammar and clear enunciation.  The activity enhances comprehension, balances listening, speaking, reading and writing, and promotes the given topic (learning strategies, cooperative learning, listening comprehension, speaking and oral communication, grammar, or vocabulary development).

The directions are clearly explained, the pace of the lesson is appropriate for the stated language and grade level, and the teacher models good language with correct grammar and clear enunciation.  The activity promotes the given topic (learning strategies, cooperative learning, listening comprehension, speaking and oral communication, grammar, or vocabulary development).

The micro teaching demonstration incorporates some, but not all, of the following features:  The directions are clearly explained, the pace of the lesson is appropriate for the stated language and grade level, and the teacher models good language with correct grammar and clear enunciation.  The activity promotes the given topic (learning strategies, cooperative learning, listening comprehension, speaking and oral communication, grammar, or vocabulary development).

6.

CALLA Phase

 

The micro teaching demonstration is a good example of the indicated CALLA phase, and the activities that have preceded and/or follow in the other CALLA phases of the lesson are clearly explained.

The micro teaching demonstration is a good example of the indicated CALLA phase.

The micro teaching demonstrates a valuable activity, however it is not a good example of the indicated CALLA phase.