Learner-
Focused Program
Design
Creating and nurturing motivated learners is essential to 21st century program design in any discipline, but it is particularly so in world language learning.
Reaching even a conversational level in another language takes time, and without a commitment to learning, students will not even reach that fundamental milestone. Achieving the goal of motivated learners means that those responsible for program design must understand the central role that student interest and relevance play in learning. Highly engaging content accompanied by a growing skillset of being able to communicate in another language are the most important building blocks in creating language learning experiences that will motivate learners to engage in the long path to second language acquisition.
Steps to Learner-Focused Program Design
Leaders and teachers must . . .
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Study, understand, and internalize the important messages to be found in the World Readiness Standards for Learning Languages.
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Apply information found in the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines (2024) to create realistic proficiency targets for learners the various courses offered by the school or district.
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Internalize important messages discussed in both general education and discipline-specific research regarding planning for and delivering high quality learning experiences.
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Apply research-based approaches and strategies to lesson delivery and student learning.
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Collaborate with coaches to curate high-quality lesson delivery, proof of learning, and self-assessment of established goals.