ProficiencyBuilder Model
What Is It?
So, what is the ProficiencyBuilder Model, exactly, you ask? Whether you wish to convert to competency-based learning as an instructor or language program administrator, the ProficiencyBuilder Model is centered upon a blend of theoretically-sound educational trends.
Let's explore its features.
First, the ProficiencyBuilder Model has three core goals:
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Proficiency. To develop students' target language proficiency - that is, "...what individuals can do with language in terms of speaking, writing, listening, and reading in real-world situations in a spontaneous and non-rehearsed context...regardless of where, when, or how the language was acquired” (ACTFL, 2012)
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Course content. To build students' conceptual knowledge and academic or isolated language skills
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Participation and homework. To ensure students meet the expected on-task behaviors and out-of-class work that support language learning
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These three core goals are met through applying specific theoretical components found within three trends widely accepted and used in education today, in addition to considering real feedback from language students and educators:
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Communicative language teaching (CLT)
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Competency-based education (CBE) and competency-based language teaching (CBLT)
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Standards-based education (SBE)
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Student and instructor feedback
Let's examine Part I of the ProficiencyBuilder Model: communicative language teaching, or CLT. Click below to continue.