Work and Travel: Language in the Real World

Learning Resource Type

Learning Activity

Subject Area

World Languages

Grade(s)

7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Overview

This activity is intended for students to see how the study of languages can have a positive impact on their futures. Students will research ways to utilize language in their personal lives as well as in the future careers. The final product will be a video from each student discussing their research findings.

This activity was created as a result of the World Languages Course of Study Resource Development Summit.

Phase

During/Explore/Explain
World Languages (2017) Grade(s): 07-12 - World Languages

WL17.WL.L5.3

Present information on a wide variety of both familiar and new topics using varied vocabulary and more complex sentence structure in various time frames and moods.

UP:WL17.WL.L5.3

Knowledge

Students know:
  • the target language vocabulary for specific topics.
  • how to communicate in a variety of tenses and moods.

Skills

Intermediate Mid & High Level
Students are able to:
  • create materials about their community for visitors from the target culture.
  • prepare stories or brief written reports about personal experiences, events, or other school subjects to share with others.
  • create and narrate a presentation on a current global concern.
  • prepare an oral or written summary of the plot and characters in selected pieces of literature.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • effective communication requires knowing how when and why to say what to whom.
  • the purpose of language study is to communicate so one can understand others and be understood.
  • other understandings will depend on the theme being taught.
World Languages (2017) Grade(s): 07-12 - World Languages

WL17.WL.L5.10

Interact using the target language within and beyond the classroom using complex sentence structure.

UP:WL17.WL.L5.10

Knowledge

Students know:
  • how to communicate in a variety of tenses and moods.
  • the target language vocabulary for specific purposes.
  • the cultural practices and perspectives related to communication in the target language.

Skills

Intermediate High Level
Students are able to:
  • use target language vocabulary and grammatical structures to communicate with target language.
    • speakers inside and outside of the classroom across a variety of contexts.
  • use target language vocabulary and verbs in a variety of tenses to simulate real world interactions in the target culture.
    • communicate with native speakers of the target language or role-play interactions.
  • communicate in the target language in a variety of time frames and moods.
  • interact with members of the local community or with contacts made electronically to hear how they use the language in their various fields of work.
  • participate in language club activities which benefit the school or community.
  • write and illustrate stories to present to others.
  • perform for a school or community celebration.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • learning a second language will open doors for you professionally and personally.
  • using the target language to converse with the target language speakers and simulate real world interactions builds confidence for using the langauge globally.
  • the target language is used around the world every day in many different contexts.
  • the target language can help one better understand the world around them.
  • the study of world languages expands one's opportunities.
  • language is a tool to connect with the world.
  • other understandings will depend on theme being taught.
World Languages (2017) Grade(s): 07-12 - World Languages

WL17.WL.L5.11

Explore opportunities to use the target language beyond the classroom environment in a variety of contexts.

UP:WL17.WL.L5.11

Knowledge

Students know:
  • how to communicate in a variety of tenses and moods.
  • the target language vocabulary for specific purposes.
  • how to navigate digital resources in the target language
  • cultural products, practices and perspectives related to events.

Skills

Intermediate High Level
Students are able to:
  • interpret authentic materials.
  • use digital tools in the target language to search for materials.
  • identify and plan authentic experiences involving the target language and culture.
  • consult various sources in the language to obtain information on topics of personal interest.
  • exchange information around topics of personal interest.
  • use various media from the language and culture for entertainment.
  • attend or use media to view cultural events and social activities.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • language connects people.
  • they can use the target langauge inside and outside of the classroom for a variety of purposes.
  • learning another language helps you to become a better global citizen.
  • the target language is used around the world every day in many different contexts.
  • the target language can help one better understand the world around them.
  • the study of world languages expands one's opportunities.
  • language is a tool to connect with the world.
  • other understandings will depend on theme being taught.

Learning Objectives

Students can exchange information related to areas of mutual interest.

Students can present about school and academic topics.

Students can understand the main idea and a few supporting facts.

Students can write about work and career topics.

Students can present their point of view and give supporting reasons.

Students can use the target language inside and outside the classroom in a variety of time frames and moods, either in person or virtually.

Students can explore ways to use the target language for real-world purposes in a variety of time frames and moods.

Students can use the internet to find and analyze authentic materials.

Activity Details

Based on the research they did outside of class, students will work with partners to discuss the career advantages one could gain by studying, traveling, or working in the target country. Students should select careers in which they are interested and not be assigned careers ahead of time.  

After some time, the teacher will bring the class together and have a larger discussion on what the students found through their research from outside of class and in their small group discussions. 

If the class is long enough or over a few class periods, the student will be split into small groups and will utilize their phones, tablets, or other available cameras in order to create a video presenting their research findings. Students will need to use some type of editing software (iMovie, YouTube, etc.) to put together a final product with subtitles. The videos will be viewed by their peers and should be shown to school administration, parents, and the community. Subtitles can be included, in English, to make the video accessible to everyone.

Assessment Strategies

Observe the students as they research their target cultures to ensure they are on the right track.

As the students discuss the topic with their partners, the instructor should listen making sure the conversation does not become stagnate. The instructor can ask leading questions to get the students on track if needed.

Formative assessment - observing the students as they interact in the discussion. Instructors could also have students provide a script for their video in order to provide some feedback before the final product is produced.

Summative assessment - grade the final video for language accuracy and content.

 

Background / Preparation

At the beginning of the semester or unit, it may be good to take a survey and see what professions interest the students or to see what their goal is for learning the language. Being in Level 5, it will not be to complete a requirement. This will help you lead the assignment and subsequent assigning of partners/groups.

Before using this activity, students will utilize the internet to search for places to study, travel, or work in a country where the target language is spoken. The student will also come up with how studying the target language would be helpful to a career in which they are interested (students can select more than one career).

Approved Date

Owner (Author)

nsgossett1
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