How do I teach Spanish at South?
This year in our Spanish class we will continue implementing the O.W.L. method to teach Spanish among other methods.
*What is O.W.L.?
O.W.L. stands for Organic World Language. The premise of the method is to teach language organically in an immersion environment. The focus is proficiency, not perfection.
*What are the 5 O.W.L. goals?
- To participate and be part of a community
- To not be afraid of a second language environment
- To take risks and break down the filter (make mistakes)
- To be able to infer and use circumlocution
- To use the second language for most part of the class.
*Where are the desks?
In an O.W.L. classroom, students stand or sit in a circle. The structure allows for accountability, and flexibility for pairs and groupings to take place. Students move around the circle to speak with the maximum number of students to interact and learn from one another.
*Why all the "silly" games?
In order to break down the filter, we strive to build a strong community where students feel free to make mistakes and take risks in Spanish. Silly transitions that get students outside of their comfort zone and into the learning zone help them become more comfortable with the community and the language. Studies also show that students learn more through play.
*What is proficiency?
Proficiency is the ability to use language to communicate and give meaningful information in a spontaneous, acceptable, and appropriate manner to native speakers.
The ACTFL (The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) has written specific proficiency guidelines.
In order for a student to earn an "A" in the summative portion of his/her grade, he/she must prove that he/she has met his or her goal of language acquisition. (ex. Novice Low to Novice Mid., Novice Mid to Novice High). Students will do this through providing data (videos, writing) throughout the school year as well as input from teacher interviews and journal.