Methods Preliminary Chapter Assignment September 9th 2009 Caitlin Piper Task 1 - Associations American Association of Teachers of French

(AATF) is dedicated to spreading appreciation and awareness of education of French language and culture. It aims to further these studies by connecting, informing, and inspiring French teachers. To join this organization, one must pay a $55 yearly fee for a general membership; other resources and literature are available at a higher fee for those who desire these features. Members must be French educators. This membership offers several benefits such as access to workshops, seminars, and an annual convention aimed to enhance professional development. These meetings focus on important topics relevant to improving French education such as the incorporation of internet in the classroom. The annual convention features respected educators and authors of the francophone world. It is held in a French speaking area that allows members to further their travel and language experience. Members of the AATF receive national bulletins, a copy of The French Review, and availability to other literary resources online. The AATF also connects members with other French teachers and AATF commission members to analyze and identify key areas of instruction that require attention. The AATF has several awards, contests, and scholarship opportunities that members and their students may be eligible for. The AATF would be an excellent source to further my professional growth. It would serve as a means to connect me to others in my field where I would be able to brainstorm various lessons and teaching strategies, as well as offer me support in targeting, resolving, and improving problems in the classroom. Building these relationships can also help me refresh my language skills by having opportunities to speak French with others. The seminars, convention, and

workshops can keep me updated on new techniques and information in my concentration that I can apply to my classroom. Joining the AATF would help me establish myself as a professional in French education. Task 2 - Conferences The Northeast Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (NECTFL) is the regional conference offered to language teachers in my area. Its head quarters are located in Carlisle, PA. The next conference that they are offering is March 25-27, 2010 at the New York Marriott Marquis in New York City. This conference will emphasize the importance of solidifying the connection of all roles contributing to the language learning process (parents, administration, teachers, and other influences). Forming these connections provides support for teachers campaigning for language studies. There will also be exhibits and workshops relating to the importance of inspiring students and tools that can help create an effective program. At the convention, there will be teachers from various areas displaying their lessons and teaching ideas. This will give language teachers the opportunity to interact with one another to strengthen their curriculum. Attending this conference would help me obtain a well-rounded perspective on teaching a foreign language because it extends to educators of all languages from many different locations. The opportunity to meet with and view other teachers programs is essential to successfully implementing a diverse curriculum. Hearing others speak about their viewpoints and teaching experience can inspire and motivate teachers to strengthen their commitment to education and their students. Even when college studies are complete, learning within ones concentration and on education should never stop. By attending activities such as regional conferences, teachers are

able to further their knowledge of their careers, remain inspired, and stay updated on new techniques. Task 3 - Resources FLTEACH is a valuable resource that can provide help to foreign language teachers in: 1) Creating lesson plans by utilizing the various resources listed. 2) Accessing technology (radio, websites, online dictionaries, teaching using the internet etc.). 3) Forming connections with other language teachers by participating in the discussions offered. 4) Obtaining important accredited literary information (French newspapers, articles, journals etc.) for lessons and personal studies. Task 4 Standards Part A: Comparing Standards ACTFL Program Standards Standard 5 of ACTFL focuses on assessments of the target language both culturally and linguistically. This standard asks the teacher to review students assessments and reform their teaching based on the results. Giving students performance-based assessments provides the teacher with the information he or she needs to improve their program based on the level of their students. This standard also requires teachers to test using various methods. One form of this that is necessary when teaching a foreign language are speaking assessments. In order for the students to speak well in their course language, the teacher must first demonstrate a high quality and accuracy in his or her own speaking and oral proficiency within their target language and within directions and information given during instruction.

Standard 4 of ACTFL requires the teacher to be capable of applying the standards to the teaching process. This involves creating effective curriculums directed towards addressing the key areas required of Foreign Language Learner Standards (involving culture knowledge and communicative skills etc.). This standard ties into the idea of professionalism because an effective teacher creates his or her program around language learning expectations and holds a commitment to him or herself to meet these requirements. This standard speaks to a teachers responsibility to utilize effective instructional strategies in order to meet the expectations of the Foreign Language Learner Standards as well as the teacher standards. TESOL/NCATE Standards The TESOL/NCATE standard explained in Domain 1 focuses on the foreign language teachers having a strong understanding and ability within the target language as well as the ability to communicate instruction, classroom management etc. in English. In order to do this the teacher must have excellent oral proficiency skills in order to communicate in the course language (as applicable to language teachers) and with students in English. Another key aspect of TESOL/NCATE as shown in Domain 2 is the importance of culture. Teachers must have an understanding of social dynamics and an understanding of various cultures in order to be able to relate to his or her students. This cultural understanding can help teachers build positive relationships with their students, which will contribute to the students scholastic success. For the foreign language teacher, the ability to master a cultural understanding of all groups is essential because they are responsible for teaching students from various backgrounds about the target languages customs and must form connections between different cultures. These standards also place an importance on professionalism as shown in Domain 5.

Part B: Reaction to Standards I think that all sets of standards address the key aspects of effective teacher performance. I appreciate the INTASC standards because it goes more in depth than other sets of standards. For example, there is an emphasis on community, which seems less important within the ACTFL and TESOL/NCATE Standards. I think that building relationships with other teachers, parents, administration etc. to form a solid learning environment and language appreciation. I think that community should be a component of all teaching standards. Aside from that, key aspects of the standards all include themes of professionalism, effective instructional planning, and a commitment to students learning. A teacher from any background, concentration, or classroom environment is capable of maintaining these guidelines. I think that these are reasonable expectations that will serve as a solid foundation to any teacher throughout his or her career.