Recent Activities of the Week

by Ellie Collins, CASLS Graduate Intern

The purpose of this activity is to help learners explore language varieties, analyze the differences among said varieties, and consider the value of language varieties in the world. In this activity, learners will explore features of language variety and research a specific language variety in the target language. Additionally, the group will discuss language varieties in general and consider the experience of interacting with someone who uses a different language variety than they do.

This activity was designed for intermediate learners. It can be completed in a face-to-face, hybrid, or remote learning environment.

Learning outcomes:
Learners will be able to:

• Demonstrate understanding of language variety in a group discussion.  
• Identify unique features of a particular language variety. 

Mode(s): Interpersonal, Interpretive, and Presentational

Materials: Language variety video, article on English varieties, computers or tablets and internet for students to research

Procedure:

1. As a group, watch the language variety video.
2. After watching the video, ask learners to brainstorm the language varieties they have encountered and strategies they have used when communicating with someone who speaks a different language variety than they do.
3. Next, direct learners to this Business Insider article about vocabulary variation in American English. Tell learners that there are many variations of English even inside the United States, and vocabulary differences are one indication of this language variation.
4. Then, open a discussion with learners about the value of language varieties using the following discussion questions. This can be done with a think-pair-share (physical environment) or small group discussion (remote environment). Here are some guiding questions:
   1. Why do language varieties exist?
   2. Do you think everyone should speak the same variety? Why or why not?
   3. How do you feel when you speak to someone who uses a different language variety than you do?
   4. What are some of the advantages of talking with someone who speaks a different variety than you?
5. Put learners into groups. Assign each group a language variety that exists in the target language. For example, one group could be assigned Uglish (Ugandan English) in a course for English language learners. Ask the group to research the language variety using the following guiding questions below. Novice learners can do this research in their L1; intermediate and advanced learners can be challenged to conduct the research in the target language. Here are some guiding questions:
   1. Have you heard this variety before?
   2. Where is this variety spoken?
   3. Who uses this variety?
   4. What features make this variety unique? 
6. After researching the language variety, ask each group to present their findings to the other learners.

Notes:

• To the extent that it is helpful, here are some examples of language varieties: English: Appalachian English (US), Uglish (Uganda); Spanish: dialecto paisa (Colombia), dialecto andaluz (Espana); Arabic: San’ani (Yemen), Sa’idi (Egypt)
• Modifications (tech): If resources are not available for learners to complete the research in class, the instructor can provide each group with a “fact sheet” about the language variety for them to present to the other learners. Wikipedia offers a short history and unique features of many language varieties including varieties of English, Spanish, Arabic, and Russian.
• Modification for advanced learners: Prior to conducting their research, the instructor can give each group a video of a language variety and have students write down their observations of the features of the variety. Then, have the learners research the features of their assigned variety online and compare the information that they discovered to their initial observations.

by Tigre Lusardi, CASLS Graduate Intern

This activity was designed to help learners recognize and understand an interlocutor’s reaction in a conversation in the target language. This skill falls in the Awareness quadrant of the IPIC (Intercultural, Pragmatic and Interactional Competence) Framework. This activity is appropriate for learners of all proficiency levels.   

Learning outcomes:

Learners will be able to:

• Recall what they said to someone else.
• Recognize up to three verbal and/or non-verbal cues the person gave in response. 
• Draw conclusions about how the person feels about what was said  based on the cues.

Mode(s): Interpersonal

Materials: Awareness video, two copies of the awareness notes page, two short video clips in the target language that show a short conversation between two people (Example 1 in English, Example 2 in English)

Procedure:

1. As a group, brainstorm situations in which learners tend to think about others’ responses to something they say. Possible answers could include “asking someone for a favor,” “offering an apology,” “asking for information,” and “ending a conversation.” Ask learners what cues exists to let them know how someone is reacting to what was said.  Write learners’ responses on the board, or, in online courses, document responses on a Google Jamboard.
2. Next, show learners the awareness video. After watching the video, ask learners to recall the three cues used to understand a response. Elicit from learners whether each cue is a verbal or non-verbal one.
3. Provide learners with the awareness notes page and go over instructions. Show learners your first video clip, repeating more than once as necessary. Discuss answers as a group.
4. Show learners your second video clip, repeating more than once as necessary. Divide learners into small groups to fill out another copy of the awarness notes page for this second video clip.
5. Back in the whole group, elicit worksheet answers from each small group. Ask whether others agree with the answers given, or whether there were other possible interpretations of the clip.
6. Ask learners, as a group, which of the three cues they find the most helpful to them in conversations, and why they think that is so. Ask learners to use examples from their own experiences.

Notes:

• Learners can fill out the worksheet by hand, on a computer, or can write their responses on a whiteboard function (eg. on Zoom). 
• Learners can write their responses with words or can draw pictures on the worksheet, depending on their proficiency level and preferences. 

This activity was designed for learners of all proficiency levels. In this activity, learners will practice the listening strategy of summarizing what they heard in order to demonstrate understanding.

Learning Outcomes:
Learners will be able to:

• Demonstrate understanding of an audio text through summary
• Compare and contrast understanding with a peer

Mode(s): Interpretive, Presentational

Materials: Summarize What You Heard Video, Yesterday’s News handout

Procedure: 

1. Introduce learners to the listening strategy of summarizing what they heard by showing them this video.
2. Provide learners with an audio text that aligns with curricular needs. For example, if delivering a unit on global issues, educators might select an audio text of a persuasive or political speech related to a core topic (e.g., global warming, immigration, or specific legislation). As they listen, ask learners to make notes using this handout. The handout walks learners through the Yesterday's News literacy strategy.
3. After listening, ask learners to write a news article about what they heard on the handout. It is a good idea to review structural and rhetorical devices that are typical of news articles (e.g., title, date, and byline) at this juncture.
4. Next, learners will swap their articles with a peer. They will compare and contrast their understanding on using the handout as a guide.
5. Debrief with the group by discussing the discrepancies learners discovered when comparing and contrasting their news articles. Clarify any misunderstandings collaboratively.

Notes:

• Step 2 can be easily scaffolded by slowing the playback speed or allowing multiple opportunities to listen to the text.

This activity was designed for learners of all proficiency levels; though, it is particularly beneficial for language learners who are just beginning their studies. In this activity, learners will practice the listening strategy of focusing on what they know and understand to draw conclusions about what they hear.

Learning Outcomes:
Learners will be able to:

• Practice focusing on what they understand to draw conclusions
• Write a story impression related to an audio text
• Compare and contrast understanding with other learners

Mode(s): Interpretive, Presentational

Materials: Pay attention to what you know video

Procedure: 

1. Introduce learners to the listening strategy of focusing on what they know and understand to draw conclusions about what they hear by showing them this video.
2. Provide learners with a listening text that aligns with curricular needs. For example, if you are studying friends and family, you may provide an interview in which a famous person discusses their family. As learners listen, ask that they try to jot down every word and phrase they understand from the listening passage and to keep the words and phrases they hear in order.
3. Learners will use their list of words and phrases to write a story impression. In this story impression, they must do their best to write an approximation of what they heard by using the words collected in Step 2 in order.
4. In small groups, learners will share their story impressions. As they share them, learners will document what commonalities they have as well as where their ideas seem to diverge.
5. As a class, listen to the text from Step 2 again. 
6. Ask each group to select which story impression was the most accurate.
7. One member from the group will present the story impression to the class. Clarify any misunderstandings as the story impressions are presented.

Notes:

• Given the speed at which words are spoken, this activity can become overwhelming if the audio text is longer than 1-2 minutes. 
• Step 2 is easily scaffolded by slowing the playback speed of the audio or providing multiple opportunities to listen.
• For learners who have never practiced this strategy or written a story impression, educators may find it helpful to do the entire activity as a class. If this approach is chosen, Steps 4 and 7 are no longer necessary. Step 6 should involve evaluating the accuracy of the collaborative story impression.

This listening activity is designed to accompany videos on the internet. It is appropriate for all levels of language learners and is a useful strategy for improving interpretive communicative competence.

Learning outcomes:
Learners will be able to:

• Identify at least one way to adjust the speed of a video they watch
• Evaluate the utility of slowing down a video’s speed as it relates to improving comprehension

Mode(s): Interpretive

Materials: Listening online video, handout

Procedure:

1. Introduce learners to the various approaches to adjusting the online playback speed of videos by showing them this video.
2. As a group, discuss whether learners have tried to adjust playback speed before in the target language. Also, if they have adjusted playback speeds before, ask them to share their favorite methods.
3. Using the handout, ask that learners watch a YouTube video (one that aligns with your curricular needs) at a normal playback speed. For example, if you are studying environmental concerns, you may want to watch a Greenpeace video or a news segment. As they watch, learners will note what they understand on the handout.
4. After watching, give learners one minute to note any conclusions they can draw and the questions they have on the handout.
5. Debrief Steps 3 and 4 as a group.
6. Next, return to the handout. Learners will watch the video again at a slower playback speed and will add to their notes from their first viewing (page 2).
7. As a group, discuss what new understandings the learners have gleaned in their second attempt listening.
8. Finally, listen again at a normal speed. On the handout, ask learners to note any new understandings they have gained and to answer the reflection questions (page 3) related to the extent to which their understanding improved.

This activity is a pre-listening activity. It is for all levels of language learners and is a useful strategy for preparing to engage in interpretive listening.

Learning outcomes
Learners will be able to:

• Use visual clues to predict the content of a video before listening
• Evaluate the utility of predicting what they will hear as a pre-listening strategy

Mode(s): Interpretive

Materials: Predict what you will hear video, a video that aligns with your curricular goals and needs

Procedure:

1. Introduce learners to the listening strategy of predicting what they will hear using this video.
2. Explain to learners that they will practice the strategy by watching a video that aligns with your curricular goals. For example, if you are studying travel, you may choose to share an advertisement from a travel agency.
3. Provide learners with the title of the video or, if there is no title, a one-sentence summary of the video. 
4. As a group, brainstorm words, phrases, and structures that learners expect to hear in the video. If the learners come up with ideas they do know in the target language yet, use this step as an opportunity to model appropriate dictionary use. Depending on the proficiency level of learners, this modeling may entail exploring parts of speech and/or examining the various definitions of a word.
5. Show the video without sound. Ask learners to note any additional ideas that they want to add to the brainstorm as they watch.
6. Revisit the brainstorm together and add any additional ideas documented by learners as part of Step 4.
7. Show the learners the video again, but with the sound included. As they listen, ask them to keep a tally of how many predictions were correct.
8. On an exit ticket, ask learners to evaluate how well the strategy seemed to work for them compared to times they have watched videos without making predictions. Ask them to state whether they will use the strategy when they are enjoying target language media in other areas of their lives.

The purpose of this activity is to help learners prepare for their own interpersonal interactions via observation. It is appropriate for all proficiency levels and is a great strategy for guiding learners' intercultural awareness. It is also useful for helping learners improve their knowledge of critical content including vocabulary and grammar. 

Learning Outcomes:
Learners will be able to:

• Observe up to three conversations
• Draw conclusions from their observations
• Verify their conclusions by working with peers

Materials: Observe before interacting video, observation handout

Procedure:

1. Introduce learners to the language learning strategy of observing before interacting by showing them this video.
2. Discuss what learners want to understand from observing interactions. Depending on the proficiency levels and preferences of learners, these goals may include specific lexical items, pragmatic strategies for specific language functions (e.g., understanding when to mitigate a request), or improving their understanding of how a key contextual factor like social distance, or closeness, of speakers can impact their interactions.
3. Brainstorm places where learners can observe interpersonal interactions related to the goals articulated in Step 2. These places might include public and/or online spaces.
4. Ask learners to observe up to three interpersonal interactions and to document their observations on this handout. Once they are done observing, they will also use the handout to draw conclusions and to posit any questions they may still have.
5. In small groups, ask learners to work together to verify their conclusions and to answer the questions that they have. 

Notes:

• Language functions vary in length and complexity. Educators are encouraged to consider these variances as they help learners decide how many conversations to observe. Additionally, given said variances, learners should be directed to consider whether they need to engage in additional observations once the activity is completed to draw conclusions.

The purpose of this activity is to engage learners in consideration of pauses during turn-taking in the target language. 

Learning Outcomes:
Learners will be able to:

• Evaluate the context surrounding pauses between turns in a conversation in the target language

Materials: pay attention to pauses video

Procedure:

1. Introduce the language learning strategy of paying attention to pauses by showing learners this video.
2. Ask learners to reflect on their experiences in conversations in the target language. As a class, make a list of the instances in which pauses between turns were surprising. 
3. Next, provide learners with an audio recording of a conversation. Ask that they mark how long the pauses are between turns the first time that they listen. Please note that they do not have to actually time the pauses, but rather make some denotation of whether pauses feel short or long.
4. Next, listen to the recording again. Ask learners to take notes about the context surrounding communication. Ask them to pay attention to tone, excitement, and other contextual factors that would increase their understanding of the length of pauses between turns.
5. As a class, analyze learners' observations. Work together to make generalizations of when pauses seem relatively short or long between turns in conversations in the target language.

Notes:

• During Step 2, it may be important to help learners differentiate between pauses due to the relative speed of processing and comprehension and pauses that are more typical of expert speakers communicating in the targeted language.
• The length of the audio sample should correspond to the proficiency level of learners. For Novice, you may want to select a one-minute sample, and for Advanced, a longer sample (three to five minutes) may be more appropriate.

The purpose of this activity is to engage learners in connecting written language to sounds. While useful for all learners, educators may find it particularly useful for beginning language learners as well as learners of a writing system that is distinct from that of their L1. It is also a beneficial activity for exploring regional differences in pronunciation.

Learning Outcomes:
The learner will be able to:

• Read along with a spoken text
• Identify regional variations in pronunciation in the target language and/or identify patterns in written language systems

Materials: connecting sounds to written language video, two short audio samples in the target language with accompanying transcripts

Procedure:

1. Introduce the reading/listening strategy of reading along with a transcript to draw connections between spoken and written language by showing learners this video.
2. Explain to learners that they will practice the strategy themselves. For learners of a language with a different writing system than their L1, you may want them to focus on understanding how a single letter or character can be written in different ways. For other learners, you may want them to focus on regional variances in pronunciation or pronunciation more broadly.
3. Play a short (see note below) audio sample in the target language. Learners will highlight or underline their transcripts as they read along the first time. If they have difficulty keeping up, slow the audio sample down and let them listen another time.
4. Play the audio sample again. This time, ask learners to mark anything that surprises them with a star. They may notice that the way a letter or character seems to be written is different than what they are expecting or that a consonant or vowel is pronounced differently than what they thought would be the case.
5. Discuss what learners noticed as a group.
6. Repeat Steps 3-5 with another short audio sample and transcript. Depending on the language, you may want to provide the transcript written in a different way than the first transcript. Alternatively, you may want to provide an audio sample that features distinct regional variances in pronunciation.

Notes:

• The length of the audio sample may correspond to the proficiency level of learners. For Novice learners, you may want to select a 30-second sample, and for Advanced learners, you may find that 2-3 minute samples are more appropriate.

The purpose of this activity is to guide learners in setting a personal language learning goal related to their needs. 

Learning Outcome:
Learners will be able to:

• Set a goal based on their needs
• Brainstorm language knowledge needed to achieve that goal
• Refine knowledge needed to achieve the goal

Mode(s): Any

Materials: needs-based goal setting video, needs-based goal setting handout

Procedure:

1. Watch the needs-based goal setting video as a class.
2. Ask learners to brainstorm needs-based goals in the target language. Then, select a goal that is appropriate to the learning context. For example, for learners with access to the target-language speaking community, it may be important to learn about greeting sequences. For advanced learners working in community outreach, it may be important to learn how to construct an informational campaign about where to access a specific resource. 
3. Provide learners with the needs-based goal setting handout. Ask them to individually brainstorm grammar, vocabulary, and cultural knowledge that they may need to realize the goal.
4. As a class, discuss what learners brainstormed. Provide learners the feedback required to complete Step 3 of the handout. 
5. Ask learners to complete Step 4 of the handout, a step in which they will refine and update the knowledge they have brainstormed that they need to complete their goal.

Notes:

• In terms of critical modeling, it is a good idea to only use one example goal as a class the first time this activity is completed. However, subsequent iterations of the activity may involve learners grouping by goals or even individual learners completing the handout on their own.

The purpose of this activity is to expose learners to a variety of tools that will help them guide their own language study. It is appropriate for all levels of learners.

Objectives:
Learners will be able to:

• Think of a goal for their language learning.
• Consider tools they can access on their own to work towards that goal.
• Evaluate tools for language learning.

Mode(s): All

Materials: Beyond Proficiency video

Procedure:

1. Show learners the Beyond Proficiency video. Ask that they consider their own personal language goals based on the guiding questions in the video.
2. As a class, brainstorm tools for language learning that learners can access in their own study. Some tools might include music by particular artists, language learning apps, YouTube resources related to language learning, YouTube resources in the target language, video games, news publications, or textbooks. If you need other ideas, feel free to browse the language learning activities on the CASLS YouTube channel.
3. Next, work to develop three criteria for evaluating the resources you brainstormed. These criteria could include these examples:
   •             The resource provides information directly related to what I need or want to know.   
   •             The resource gives me the opportunity to practice communication in real time.
   •             I felt like I was learning when I used the resource.
4. Ask learners to engage meaningfully with two of the brainstormed resources for at least an hour over the next week. After engaging, they should evaluate which resources they liked using a Likert Scale. They can share the reasons they evaluated the resources as they did in either a personal reflection or a class discussion.      

Notes:

• In Step 3, it is appropriate to allow learners to brainstorm individualized criteria that are appropriate to their goals.

This activity was created for Advanced language learners. Its purpose is to engage and support learners in considering how to repair miscommunication in the target language.

Learning Outcomes:
Learners will be able to:

• Brainstorm language strategies for repairing miscommunication
• Analyze target language samples to identify strategies for repairing miscommunication

Mode(s): All

Materials: Advanced proficiency overview video, digital discussion board

Procedure:

1. Have learners watch the Advanced proficiency overview video.
2. As part of a class discussion, ask learners to share a time in which they experienced miscommunication (in the target language or in another language). Learners may offer examples of any type of miscommunication (e.g., unintentionally offending someone or using a target utterance incorrectly).
3. Pick three or four situations that the learners brainstormed and discuss strategies to repair the miscommunication as a class. Some strategies may include apologizing, explaining what happened, justifying one's choices, and appropriating responsibility. 
4. Ask learners to investigate one situation from Step 3 and to find two target language examples of repair in practice. Remind them to search in the target language.
5. Learners should post their examples along with explanations of the repair strategies to a discussion board or other shared, digital space. 
6. In either a synchronous or asynchronous discussion, ask learners to review some of the samples posted and identify what they have learned about nuances and expectations related to repair in the target language.

This activity was created for Intermediate language learners. It engages learners in brainstorming Advanced descriptors with the goal of supporting their development into Advanced communicators.

Learning Outcomes:
Learners will be able to:

• Brainstorm nuanced and specific descriptors
• Implement nuanced and specific descriptors in communication

Mode(s): All

Materials: Intermediate overview video, word wall 

Procedure:

1. Ask learners to watch the Intermediate overview video.
2. Engage in a brief classroom discussion regarding how to get over the Intermediate hump. Mention employing nuanced and specific language.
3. Divide learners into three groups. Provide one group with the word interesting, one group with the word good, and one group with the word bad. Then, ask learners to brainstorm more advanced words for each descriptor (e.g., heavenly, helpful, or exemplary for good). 
4. Groups will share their lists to make a classroom “wall” (physical or digital) of meaningful descriptors.
5. Ask learners to review a previous work sample (e.g., a writing prompt or a recording) from class. They will rewrite it or re-record it with more advanced descriptors by using the word wall.
6. In future revisions of written, spoken, or signed language, include a step in which learners evaluate the quality of their descriptors.

Notes:

• In Step 3, allow learners to look up words in the target language that they do not already know. 

This activity was created for Novice language learners. Its purpose is to help learners understand the variety of ways in which Novice learners can communicate. These considerations will result in personal goal setting.

Learning Outcomes:
Learners will be able to:

• Demonstrate understanding of the ways in which beginning language learners are able to communicate
• Set one personal goal
• Reflect on progress for one personal goal

Mode(s): All

Materials: Novice overview video, SMART goal template

Procedure:

1. Provide learners with a brief description of the Novice proficiency level (or the corresponding description from the framework that you use in your classroom).
2. Ask learners to brainstorm important descriptors of beginning communication. For example, they might mention memorized language, lists of words, single words, short phrases, or predictable or supported utterances.
3. Ask learners to think of three ways that they use language in their real lives that involve Novice proficiency levels. They may mention filling out personal information on a form, reading photo captions, asking questions about events at school, or making lists when planning a party.
4. Have learners watch the Novice overview video to verify their predictions and to add to the list of ways that new language learners can communicate.
5. Learners will consider the various ways to communicate that were discussed in class and will write one personal goal. The goal will be documented using the SMART goal template.
6. Once a week for a month or so, ask learners to write a brief reflection on their progress toward the goal. In these reflections, they should 1) document their progress (for example, using photos of their work); 2) evaluate how well they are performing; and 3) identify next steps.

This activity invites learners to consider their own proficiency levels and draws them to make connections between language proficiency and proficiency in other activities in the surrounding world. While it can be used at any level, it was designed with beginning users in mind.

Learning Outcomes:

• Identify their own (ACTFL) proficiency level
• Set a long-term language proficiency goal for themselves

Mode(s):  Interpretive, Interpersonal

Materials: language proficiency overview video, handout

Procedure:

1. Introduce learners to the idea of language proficiency using this overview video. Pause the video when the LinguaFolio graphic is shared (around 1:11) so that the learners can do a quick self-evaluation of where they are in their language study. Ask learners what they selected and why. Next, ask them to document what proficiency level they would like to ultimately achieve.
2.  Next, provide learners with the handout. In groups of 3-4, they will use the handout to consider the brief descriptions of each language proficiency level and to write their own descriptions for a different activity of their choice (e.g., playing a specific sport, developing skill in a performance art).
3. On the same handout, learners will document the effort that one must undertake to progress from one level to the next level of the activity they chose in Step 2.
4. Next, as a class, have learners consider what they think language learning will entail. The teacher will guide the discussion and supplement language strategies when appropriate.
5. Finally, learners will revisit the long-term goal they documented in Step 1. On an exit ticket, they will share their goal with the teacher and will write a brief overview of how they intend to achieve the goal.

by Carla Consolini, UO Graduate Student

This activity was created for learners of all proficiency levels, though discussion may need to be supplemented by reflection in the L1 for learners at lower proficiency levels. The activity focuses on recognizing the meaning of an utterance in relation to the contextual information surrounding it and identifying how meaning is construed with information beyond the words used.

Learning Outcomes:
Learners will be able to:

• Identify how context impacts the meaning of utterances
• Create one example of an utterance in which meaning changes across contexts

Mode(s): Interpretive, Presentational

Materials: Multimodal communication video, a video example of an utterance, a sarcastic meme with the same utterance (see example), and a written conversation with the same utterance (see example)

Procedure: 

1. Introduce learners to the idea of multimodalities using the multimodal communication video.
2. In pairs or groups of three, learners will consider examples of the meaning of a particular utterance. These examples are provided for “I’m fine” in English. 
   
   Ross is fine video (starting around 2:00 minutes) 
   A sarcastic meme with “I’m fine” (see example)  
   A written conversation between friends (see example)
    
3. As a class, brainstorm the clues that let learners know each of the different meanings of the target utterance (e.g., "I'm fine."). What visual, aural, or spatial clues inform everyone’s understanding?
4. In pairs or groups of three, ask learners to think of a different utterance and how they can craft a context to change the meaning of the utterance. They should draft or record examples in the two contexts: create a meme, record a conversation, transcribe an asynchronous chat, etc.
5. Post the examples on the wall in a physical classroom or in a shared online space like Google Jamboard or Google Drawings in virtual classes.
6. Learners will engage in a gallery walk and place stars (anonymously) on their three favorite examples.
7. As a class, debrief the favorite examples. Unpack the clues that existed, beyond the actual words, to help convey differentiated meaning.

Notes:

In face-to-face classrooms, you may have to use a computer or tablet to share recorded examples. Learners can document if the recordings are their favorites by placing their stars on a piece of paper placed with the computer or tablet.

by Carla Consolini, UO Graduate Student

This activity was created for learners of all proficiency levels, and we recommend that it be conducted in the L1. The activity provides learners with the opportunity to explore and understand the ACTFL modes of communication.

Learning Outcomes:
Learners will be able to:

• Identify the ACTFL modes of communication across different examples  
• Identify some skills that are related to each mode of communication
• Brainstorms examples from their own lives of engagement in each of the modes

Mode(s): Interpretive, Presentational

Materials: ACTFL modes of communication video, examples handout, and brainstorm handout

Procedure: 

1.  In pairs or groups of three, learners will consider examples of different instances of communication from the examples handout and decide how communication is achieved in each example (e.g., which of the ACTFL modes are at play) and think of related skills.
2. Learners will watch the ACTFL modes of communication video.
3. In their groups, learners will consider whether they need to revise their answers from Step 1 based on the video.
4. Next, learners will brainstorm 1-2 examples of each mode of communication from their daily lives using the brainstorm handout.
5. To close, debrief as a class about learners' favorite examples. 

Notes:

• It is important to mention to students that the images in Step 1 are imperfect representations of communication since they are static images.

by Carla Consolini, UO Graduate Student

The purpose of this activity is to help learners think about the ways that language learning is relevant to their lives. It is ideal to complete this activity at the beginning of a school year, term, or program to reorient learners toward a purpose. For beginning learners, this activity is best completed in the L1.

Learning Outcomes:
Learners will be able to:

• Articulate at least two ways that language learning is relevant to their lives

Mode(s): Interpersonal

Materials: Butcher paper/posters and markers of various colors (face-to-face), Google Jamboard (online), why learn a language? video

Procedure:

1. Create a physical space for writing (e.g., poster) or a digital space for writing (e.g. Google Jamboard with various slides) and write a single concept in the center of each space: Community, Change, Creativity, Culture, Communication, Identity, and Relationships. Make sure to leave enough space for a brainweb around each word.
2. Round 1 of Museum/Gallery Walk: In groups of 3-4, ask learners to brainstorm what each word means to them. Provide one minute per poster/Jamboard slide, and ask that each group use a distinct assigned color. As they complete the activity, they may add new ideas or build off the ideas of other groups, but they may not repeat ideas. However, they may circle the ideas that are already written that they have as well. They may draw images or write words as they complete this step.
3. Hold a brief (less than 5 minutes) discussion about learners’ answers. Ask for clarification and highlight the common threads and most unique points.
4. Round 2 of Museum/Gallery Walk: In the same groups, ask learners to think about how each word relates to what they learn in school. They should consider each subject area.
5. Debrief as a group. Ask learners to highlight their favorite ideas from the second round of the gallery walk. Debrief by discussing the connections among disciplines that learners considered.
6. As a group, create a final brainweb about language learning. Ask learners to consider all the ways that it is relevant to their lives. Remind them that learning is about process, so they should not consider content alone, but rather skills they might develop along the way.
7. Finally, ask learners to predict three ways in which language learning will help them in all domains of their lives. Then watch the why learn a language? video.
8. To close, have learners write an exit ticket in which they identify the benefit of language learning that is most exciting to them.

This activity focuses on the characteristics of human language and was created for learners of all proficiency levels. It should be delivered in the first language at the lower proficiency levels in order to facilitate deep thinking.

Learning Outcomes:
Learners will be able to:

• Identify and summarize the characteristics of human language  
• Create examples of the characteristics of human language

Mode(s): Interpretive, Presentational

Materials: characteristics of human language Video, characteristics of human language handout, characteristics of human language examples, and characteristics of human language fill-in template

Procedure: 

1. Ask learners to read each definition on the first page of the characteristics of human language handout and try to predict which of the terms on the second page corresponds with each definition. 
2. Next, ask learners to verify their predictions with the characteristics of human language video. 
3. After watching the video, in pairs or groups of three, give learners the first page of characteristics of human language examples.
4. Ask the pairs or groups of students to label each of the pictures with one of the characteristics from Steps 1 and 2.
5. Review answers as a class.
6. Have learners return to groups and use the characteristics of human language fill-in template to create their own examples of each characteristic in practice.
7. Debrief by having each group share their favorite example.

Notes:

• The handouts have answers on the second page. Be aware before you print!
• It is fine to complete this activity with only a few characteristics at a time over a series of class periods.
• In completing Step 6, learners may wish to use magazines or another print medium (if doing this activity with pencil and paper) or pictures from the Internet (in doing this activity in the virtual classroom).

In light of COVID-19, many learners spend the majority of their days on digital devices. The purpose of this activity is to help them be more intentional about their use of digital technologies and to reset any automatic use habits they may have developed. The goal is to reduce burnout and overload through intentional reflection on the use of technology.

Learning Outcomes:
Learners will be able to:

• Recognize their own habits with digital technologies, reset, and make any changes they wish to make going forward
• Identify the ways in which their language use is mediated by digital technologies and take a break from those that cause stress or tension

Mode(s): Interpersonal

Materials: avoiding digital burnout video, self-reflection templates (Activities 1 and 2)

Procedure:
Note: These activities can be combined or used separately and are intended to take 5 -10 minutes at the beginning or end of class.  

Activity 1 - Digital Device Use

1. Learners will watch the avoiding digital burnout video.
2. Learners will take a screenshot of their screen time report for the week and record what they find using the self-reflection template. 
3. For five categories on the screen time report (e.g., messages), learners will use the template to indicate how the activity makes them feel. They should also note any instances of interference in their daily life. 
4. Also on the template, learners will think of one way to reduce a digital activity with which they have negative feelings associated for the following week. 
5. Finally, learners will write their goal in the goals space in the template.
6. One week later, return to the screen time report and ask learners to compare their findings, specifically focusing on the goal they set. Did it change as expected? Did they forget about it?  

Activity 2 - Language in Digital Devices

1. Have students watch the avoiding digital burnout.
2. Using the self-reflection template, have learners brainstorm the ways in which they use language via digital devices: text messaging, social networks, digital games, reading news, watching media, and so on. 
3. After they brainstorm, have learners use the template to highlight the language uses they enjoy and find beneficial, as well as those with which they have negative perceptions. 
4. For those that cause anxiety (e.g., much research social media interactions can be a source of anxiety), learners will document at least one way in which they might reduce that type of language use on the template. Encourage them to try out their solutions for a week.
5. The following week, in small groups, have learners discuss ways their language was the same or different this week and re-evaluate their language reflections from the previous week.