How our language content changed after close collaboration with a leading proficiency expert.
At PopSuite, our mission is to create tools that enhance learning and support modern educators in delivering the best educational experiences. To achieve this, we collaborate closely with experts and teachers to deliver high-quality content effectively.
Proficiency-based learning, an idea in foreign language education since the 19th century, focuses on practical use in meaningful contexts. This approach, emphasizing communicative competence, functional language use, and contextual learning, contrasts with traditional grammar-heavy curriculums. Recently, more educators and curriculums, such as the ACTFL standards, have embraced this ideology.
We aimed to reflect this shift towards proficiency-based learning in our content. With the help of Devon Gunning from La Libre Language Learning, a renowned influencer passionate about proficiency, we’ve gained valuable insights that have significantly influenced our content development. Here’s what our team has learned from working with Devon!
Shifting to a Proficiency-Based Approach
One of the most impactful lessons we learned from Devon is the importance of moving away from a traditional grammar-heavy approach to a proficiency-based methodology. This shift focuses on real-life communication and context-rich language learning, which better equips students for practical use of the language.
Key Takeaway: Emphasize high-frequency terms and useful language "chunks" over isolated grammar points, making language learning more relevant and engaging.
Employing Effective Gameplay Design
Devon guided us in aligning our gameplay designs with the appropriate learning levels. For example, instead of asking novice learners to translate full sentences, we now focus on high-value phrases and vocabulary, enhancing listening comprehension and practical use.
Key Takeaway: Tailor gameplay and exercises to suit the learner’s proficiency level, ensuring that the skills being emphasized are appropriate and beneficial.
Reflecting Cultural Diversity
Through Devon’s influence, we’ve broadened our content to include a diverse representation of Francophone and Spanish-speaking countries. This approach enriches the learning experience by exposing students to various cultural contexts.
Key Takeaway: Incorporate cultural elements and diverse perspectives in language content to provide a more comprehensive learning experience.
Refining Lesson Content
We’ve overhauled our lesson library to focus more on skills, real-life communication, and common scenarios. Unnecessary lessons, such as those on shapes, have been removed, and more relevant topics like expressing opinions and current events have been added.
Key Takeaway: Center lessons around high-frequency vocabulary and practical communication needs, ensuring alignment with proficiency standards like ACTFL.
Balancing Core Concepts with Context-Rich Learning
While some lessons still cover core grammatical concepts, they are now presented within meaningful contexts. This approach helps students understand and apply grammar in practical situations rather than memorizing rules in isolation.
Key Takeaway: Blend traditional grammatical lessons with context-rich content to support both traditional and proficiency-oriented teaching approaches.
Practical Changes Implemented
Contextual Grammar Exercises: Replacing isolated conjugation drills with sentences that require comprehension and practical application.
Localized Content: Including culturally relevant terms and concepts specific to each language and its associated cultures.
High-Value Lessons: Introducing new topics like news, current events, and real-life interactions while phasing out less relevant ones.
Conclusion
Working with Devon Gunning has been a transformative experience for our content team. Her insights have helped us refine our approach, ensuring that PopSuite’s tools are not only effective but also engaging and relevant for today’s language learners. By focusing on proficiency-based methods, cultural diversity, and practical communication, we are better equipped to support educators and enhance the language learning experience for students.
Learn more about Devon and gain access to her exclusive tips and resources by visiting https://lalibrelanguagelearning.com/.
Visit PopSuite.io to learn more about how we’re revolutionizing language education.
