Performance and Proficiency in the Language Classroom

World Language Classroom

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#148
What is your understanding of the word proficiency? This is a concept that we use all the time in our language classrooms. How about the word performance? This concept is also becoming more commonplace in our teaching vernacular. When we say that we are proficiency-oriented or teach toward proficiency, are we also able to assess proficiency in our language classrooms, or should we focus on performance, and what does that even mean? Well, that’s our topic for this episode….defining exactly what we mean by proficiency and performance, how they relate to each other and which one we should focus on and assess in our classrooms.

Topics in this Episode:

• Blog Post on Performance and Proficiency
• Proficiency: This term refers to a learner’s ability to use the language across various situations, regardless of familiarity with topics or contexts. It’s about what one can do with the language, no matter where, when, or how it was learned.
• Performance: On the other hand, performance is more about using the language within structured settings like classrooms. It involves applying “learned” language skills within familiar contexts and content areas.
• Do we assess Proficiency or Performance in the classroom?
• Preparing students for performance with high leverage teaching practices:
  • grammar as concept
  • backwards planning
  • appropriate feedback
  • authentic resources
  • use target language for teaching
  • communicative activities

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