Keeping the Classroom in the Target Language

1
Keeping the Classroom in the Target Language

• Shuhan C. Wang, Ph.D.
• with Carol Ann Dahlberg, Ph.D.
• STARTALK, Chicago
• October 2008

2

• Instructional Implications
• Why keep the classroom in the Target Language?
• How can we keep the classroom in the Target
  Language?

3
Why keep the classroom in the Target Language?

• Students need
• 1. to be surrounded with comprehensible
• language in order to learn the language.
• 2. opportunities and reasons to use the language.

4
Why keep the classroom in the Target Language?

• 3. Target Language instruction is
• brain-compatible instruction.
• Learning through connections
• Purposeful
• Meaningful
• Real

5
Why keep the classroom in the Target Language?

• 4. Language is the key to culture.
• Language is culture in action

6
How do we keep the classroom in the Target
Language?

• Use the target language consistently.

• Show that the target language is important to
  you.
• Surround students with the new language.
• Keep track of and assess target language use.
• Use a reinforcement system.

7
How do we keep the classroom in the Target
Language?

• 2. Separate the native language
• from the target language.
• Use signs or signals to mark the boundary of
  languages
• Teach routine commands (e.g., Listen, Look over
  here)

8
What is the role of English in a world language
classroom?
intentional
for a purpose
conscious decision
9
What portion of the class time should be spent in
the target language?
98
95 ???100 of the time!
10
Shall I Use English?

• Can I find a way to communicate the new idea
  in the new language?

• Can I simplify?

• Can I enrich the context?

• concrete materials

• visuals

• experiences

11
Shall I Use English?

• Can I substitute a different concept?

• Can I delay this topic until we can deal with
  it in the target language?

• Can I ask the classroom teacher to follow up?

12
? ?
Is this really important enough to sacrifice
valuable time in the new language in order to
speak English?
13
How do we keep the classroom in the Target
Language?

• 3. Make the language comprehensible.
• Monitor comprehension.
• Maintain a physical classroom and school
  environment to support the target language.

14
How do we keep the classroom in the Target
Language?

• 4. Teach functional chunks of language.
  (prefabricated language)
• Passwords and language ladders
• Rhymes, poems and chants
• Songs
• Games
• Gouin series

15
How do we keep the classroom in the Target
Language?

• 5. Use Strategies for Conversational
• Management and Routine Commands
• I dont understand.
• Would your repeat that, please?
• Did you mean ?
• Could you please speak more slowly?
• How do you say _______?
• What does _______ mean?

16
How do we keep the classroom in the Target
Language?
6. Use partner and small group activities.
informal pairs
pairs or small groups
interactive tasks
17
Six Principles for Target Language Use in the
Classroom

• Use the target language consistently.
• 2. Separate the native language from the target
  language.
• 3. Make the language comprehensible.
• 4. Teach functional chunks of language.
• 5. Use Strategies for Conversational
• Management and Routine Commands
• 6. Use partner and small group
• activities.

18
Implications for Teacher Development

• Useful topics or courses
• Second language acquisition
• The structure of the target language
• Approaches and methods
• Standards- and performance-based curriculum and
  material design
• Reflective practices

19
Context