top of page
Search
Writer's pictureMu Mei Hsueh
Dec 13, 20234 min read

Frameworks for Language Programs-ACTFL

The key components of ACTFL


The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) focuses on several key components:



1.Proficiency Guidelines: ACTFL provides guidelines for language proficiency levels, which are widely used in language education and assessment. These guidelines outline what learners can do with language in speaking, writing, reading, and listening at various proficiency levels.

(Image by ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines 2012 from https://www.actfl.org/educator-resources/actfl-proficiency-guidelines)




2. Standards: ACTFL develops and promotes standards for foreign language learning. These standards cover five core areas: communication, cultures, connections, comparisons, and communities.


(Image by ACTFL World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages. Retrieved from https://www.actfl.org/educator-resources/world-readiness-standards-for-learning-languages.)


3.Research: ACTFL supports and conducts research in the field of language education. This research contributes to the development of effective teaching methods, assessment tools, and understanding of language learning processes.


4.Publications and Resources: The organization publishes materials, textbooks, guidelines, and resources to support language educators and learners in achieving proficiency and understanding in various languages.


5.Professional Development: ACTFL offers resources, workshops, conferences, and professional development opportunities for language educators to enhance their teaching methods and strategies.


6.Advocacy: The council advocates for the importance of learning and teaching foreign languages in educational settings, workplaces, and society in general. This includes advocating for policies and practices that support language learning.


These components work together to support the overarching goal of improving the teaching, learning, and understanding of foreign languages in educational and professional settings.



How to apply ACTFL in lesson planning and instruction


Align Objectives: Use ACTFL proficiency guidelines to set clear learning objectives. Determine the target proficiency level for our students and tailor lesson activities accordingly.


  1. Cultural Integration: Integrate cultural elements into lessons to support learners in understanding and appreciating the cultures associated with the target language.

  2. Connections with other disciplines:  Making connections between the target language and other disciplines or areas of knowledge to help learners develop an understanding of the world and the role of language within it. 

  3. Communication-Centered Approach: Design lessons that prioritize real communication, encouraging speaking, listening, reading, and writing activities that replicate authentic language usage. This approach enhances students' ability to proficiently and appropriately apply language skills in real-life scenarios, allowing them to demonstrate what they can DO with the language, rather than focusing on theoretical knowledge. (Genova, M. M,2018.)

  4. Comparisons of Cultural and Linguistic: Develop lessons that prompt reflection on both the target language and learners' native or other known languages. Encourage students to analyze and contrast linguistic and cultural aspects across different languages, identifying similarities and differences to foster a comprehensive understanding of language systems and structures.

  5. Community Engagement for Language Learning: Using the target language, learners connect with local and global communities. Through real-life language practice, they gain diverse perspectives, build connections, and improve practical communication skills.

  6. Align Objectives: Use ACTFL proficiency guidelines to set clear learning objectives. Determine the target proficiency level for our students and tailor lesson activities accordingly.



How the framework of ACTFL addresses socio-cultural competence


ACTFL emphasizes that language learning is not solely about linguistic proficiency but also about understanding the cultural context in which the language is used. It integrates cultural elements into the communication standards, highlighting the significance of cultural awareness in effective communication.(National Standards for Foreign Language Education Project, 1999).




  1. Cultural Practices and Perspectives: The framework acknowledges the importance of understanding cultural practices and perspectives within the context of language use. It emphasizes that learners should be able to compare and contrast cultural practices and understand how these impact communication.

  2. Cultural Products and Perspectives: It encourages exposure to cultural products like literature, media, art, and historical contexts. This exposure helps learners understand different cultural perspectives, values, and beliefs, promoting empathy and a broader worldview.

In conclusion, ACTFL prioritizes the importance of valuing diversity and fostering an understanding of cultural differences without prejudice. This emphasis creates an inclusive and respectful environment among language learners. The integration of socio-cultural elements across standards—communication, cultures, connections, comparisons, and communities—reinforces that cultural understanding is intrinsic to language learning, not an isolated component (National Standards for Foreign Language Education Project, 1999).



Culture's produce, practices, and perspectives in a foreign language class


1. Culture as Product: In a foreign language class, "Culture as Product" involves teaching not only the language itself but also the cultural aspects associated with it. This includes customs, traditions, social norms, historical contexts, and cultural expressions that are inherent to the language being taught. The goal is to provide students with a well-rounded understanding of the language's cultural context.


2. Culture as Perspectives: "Culture as Perspectives" acknowledges that students in a foreign language class bring their own backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints to the learning process. Each student's unique perspective can influence how they perceive and engage with the new language and culture. Recognizing and appreciating these diverse perspectives enriches the learning experience and fosters cultural sensitivity.


3. Culture as Practices: "Culture as Practices" in a foreign language class refers to the instructional methods, activities, and interactions that help students acquire both language skills and cultural knowledge. Effective practices include immersive experiences, cultural projects, language exchange partnerships, and role-playing scenarios that simulate real-life cultural situations. These practices encourage students to actively engage with the language and culture in meaningful ways.



References:







39 views0 comments

Comments

bottom of page