ACTFL+90%+use+of+Target+Language+position+statement

= Use of the Target Language in the Classroom =

ACTFL Position Statement on the use of the target language in the classroom

Research indicates that effective language instruction must provide significant levels of meaningful communication* and interactive feedback in the target language in order for students to develop language and cultural proficiency.

The pivotal role of target-language interaction in language learning is emphasized in the K-16 Standards for Foreign Language Learning in the 21st Century. ACTFL therefore recommends that language educators and their students use the target language as exclusively as possible (90% plus) at all levels of instruction during instructional time and, when feasible, beyond the classroom. In classrooms that feature maximum target-language use, instructors use a variety of strategies to facilitate comprehension and support meaning making.

For example, they:
 * 1) provide comprehensible input that is directed toward communicative goals;
 * 2) make meaning clear through body language, gestures, and visual support;
 * 3) conduct comprehension checks to ensure understanding;
 * 4) negotiate meaning with students and encourage negotiation among students;
 * 5) elicit talk that increases in fluency, accuracy, and complexity over time;
 * 6) encourage self-expression and spontaneous use of language;
 * 7) teach students strategies for requesting clarification and assistance when faced with comprehension difficulties; and
 * 8) offer feedback to assist and improve students’ ability to interact orally in the target language.
 * Communication for a classical language refers to an emphasis on reading ability and for American Sign Language (ASL) to signed communicative ability. Approved by the ACTFL Board of Directors 5-22-10
 * Communication for a classical language refers to an emphasis on reading ability and for American Sign Language (ASL) to signed communicative ability. Approved by the ACTFL Board of Directors 5-22-10

The Language Educator: Going for 90% plus: How to stay in the target language:

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More resources and ideas to stay in the target language at all levels
 * 1) Strategies for Staying in the Target Language with Beginners
 * 2) Ohio Dept. of Ed. World Languages: how to stay in the target language strategies[[file:OHIO WL StrategiesUsingTargetLanguage_MCwebsite(1).pdf]] media type="custom" key="28094787"