STUDENT CENTERED LEARNING ///
DRIVEN BY
STUDENT
CHOICE
One of the most essential skills for foreign language students to practice is speaking. Therefore, finding creative ways for students to talk, and for me to be able to listen and assess is at the core of formative and summative assessments. Videos and oral assignments are incredibly important tools in my classroom. Here a student explains his daily routine.
Allowing student voice and choice is an important part of dailing up student engagement levels, no matter the topic.
Three students' put a new spin on Marc Anthony's "Vivir Mi Vida".
In Spanish class, students are often allowed to make creative choices related to projects or work done for class. Whether it be choosing how to be creative in a video project, what Hispanic dish they would like to prepare, what country they would like to study or what food they want to serve at their imaginary restaurant, the excitement level is palpably increased when students have ways of inserting their own voice into their work.
Here is a sample of a Día de los Muertos homework with lots of options. Students were asked to complete 3 of the eight items over the course of two weeks and bring in evidence. (Click the image to enlarge)
One of the highlights of Spanish C is the opportunity to take creative control of producing and directing a music video while working to develop their iMovie prowess.
Dawson's newest boy band croon laments of unrequited love.
Students work in class on their filming.
These students couldn't even wait until the actual class project to show off their video making skills. They used one of their weekends to make a new version of a favorite song we listen to in class about a boy who doesn't want to get ready and go to school.
INFLUENCED BY STUDENT INTEREST
Foreign languages are a great subject to gamify. The images to the left show a videogame that I worked with Erik Nickerson on in which the students have to try to make it to the target location, using their stem changing preterite skills to open doors and at the same time, dodging coffee-wielding "teachers".
MEETING STUDENTS WHERE THEY ARE
It is impossible to have a class where every student is ready for the same level of challenge. It is important to meet students where they are each and every day. I try to push each student at the "goldilocks" level of challenge - the one that is the perfect level for them.
PUTTING RELATIONSHIPS AT THE CORE
Relationships are at the heart of all the work we do with students. I work hard to establish personal connections with each of my students so they feel known and supported.