Developing & Assessing the Three Modes of Communication
Dates: Saturday, August 20 or Wednesday, August 24
ACTFL Presenters: Rebecca Aubrey & Tonja Byrom

Begin by developing a shared understanding of what language proficiency is across levels and how to support learners’ progress towards proficiency goals. Develop a toolbox of strategies to design purposeful units and performance tasks in the three modes of communication (Interpretive, Interpersonal, and Presentational) and identify day-to-day learning activities that support language goals. Apply the principles of backward design and the use of authentic resources to effectively plan meaningful learning experiences in the target language. Explore the assessment of language skills in each mode of communication as well as strategies for involving learners in self-assessment for ongoing proficiency growth.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this workshop participants will be able to:

list key differences between performance and proficiency as they relate to language use and assessment.
give examples of what students can do with language in authentic contexts across proficiency levels and modes of communication.
identify and apply the principles of backward design.
explain what an authentic resource is (and is not).
establish a classroom climate that supports target language use by all students and teachers.
use models to develop activities and strategies that lead with culture to develop and assess language proficiency in each mode of communication. 
locate and effectively use Can-Do Statements to set learning targets and assess target language use in each mode of communication.
use rubrics to provide all students with feedback and opportunities to self-assess for ongoing proficiency growth.

For more information visit https://www.actfl.org/learn/individual-workshops/classroom-instructional-strategies