Traverse cultures. Spark curiosity. Celebrate diversity
Transform how you teach languages using authentic texts to design inquiry-based,
real-world rooted learning experiences.
Traverse cultures. Spark curiosity. Celebrate diversity
Transform how you teach languages using authentic texts to design inquiry-based,
real-world rooted learning experiences.
Definition
authentic text
Authentic texts are defined as “written by members of a language and culture group for the same language and culture group” (Galloway, 1998, p. 133, as cited in Glisan).
In other words, these are texts that are published in real-world communicative contexts with the purpose of imparting information, providing entertainment, guidance, documentation, persuasion, etc.
Examples include written, spoken and visual materials such as magazine and newspaper articles, blogposts, museum websites, podcasts, video clips, commercials, paintings etc.sts, etc.
What’s all the fuss about authentic texts?
Simply said, research has shown that including real-world contexts in classroom instruction increases student engagement and encourages deep thinking.
Here’s what it looks like in a language classroom:
Real-world connected
Curriculum that is designed around content that is current, meaningful, and matters for students and to the world, making language learning relevant through thoughtfully chosen themes and topics.
Critical thinking
A language classroom oriented to thinking deeply where students develop higher level thinking skills as they encounter new ideas and make meaning of complex language and concepts.
Multi-disciplinary
Content that is connected to other disciplines allowing for an intersection of language and ideas from the world of art, science, history, social sciences, literature and others.
Authentic language
Inclusion of language that is not usually found in textbook-driven , commonly taught “sets of vocabulary and structures”. Students are exposed to real-world language that can add depth and complexity to their ideas.
Diverse perspectives
Immersion in culture through content created by native speakers for native speakers that allows students to explore varied cultural viewpoints as they also reflect on their own beliefs, practices and values.
Standards-based
Instruction that meets ACTFL’s world-readiness standards including the newly added standards for literacy, real-world application and 21st century skills.
If you’re already a fan of contextualized language teaching or if you’re curious to try it out, welcome to my space, built with care, for all language teachers.
Here you’ll find my teaching materials created around authentic language content that invite inquiry and cultivate thinking .
My Projects
Radio Ambulante Podcast
My podcast-based unit for Levels 3 and up of Spanish class. Students will dive into an ethical question as they sharpen their listening skills.
Guernica
A favorite to teach for many Spanish language teachers! Here is my version with a twist and a turn and lots of deep delving into Spanish history and culture.
La Mujer que brillaba aún más que el sol
Explore questions of identity, stereotypes and discrimination through a fantastical and vibrantly illustrated Mexican folktale.
