Paving the Path to World Language Proficiency: Adopting a Can-Do Attitude

Presented by Michael Griffin, Director of Content Specialty, World Languages, Carnegie Learning; and Andrew Bowen, Director of Instructional Design, World Languages, Carnegie Learning

Sponsored by Carnegie Learning

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Many world language educators are faced with the challenge of implementing a more proficiency-based approach to language instruction but are limited by their traditional world language materials. Adopting a growth mindset can be the first step in overcoming this hurdle. Studies show that a growth mindset increases student motivation, achievement, and willingness to take risks—all vital skills to language acquisition. Building a growth mindset culture empowers students and teachers alike to view challenges as opportunities and celebrate their growth and successes.

As we apply this mindset to world language instruction, we flip the switch on traditionally structured lessons and take a deep dive into results-driven lesson design. We also consider how realistic goal setting with Can-Do statements can facilitate growth in proficiency. In this edWebinar, viewers take the next steps for their own growth by:

• Analyzing the benefits and strategies of fostering growth mindset skills in the language classroom
• Using Can-Do statements to prioritize performance and proficiency
• Setting skill-based goals for students and practicing backward design to elicit tangible evidence of student growth
• Workshopping content by breaking it into small “chunks” for students to use with communicative tasks

This recorded edWebinar is of interest to K-12 teachers and school and district leaders.

About the Presenters

Michael Griffin taught Spanish and French for 16 years before joining Carnegie Learning, Inc. He has taught at the elementary, middle, and high school levels and in both public and private school settings. He worked as a scoring leader for the Praxis French exam and was also an AP Spanish Language reader. As Director of World Language Content Specialty, Michael is responsible for leading the team that delivers world language presentations for state and local review committees. He has also developed educational content materials for Carnegie Learning world language programs and has presented at many regional and national conferences, including NECTFL, CSCTFL, and ACTFL.

As a former world languages educator and lifelong language learner, Andrew Bowen has devoted his professional (and at times, personal!) life to ensuring that all students have access to effective language learning resources. His current role as Director of Instructional Design for World Languages is led by his passion for languages being learned the right way, with students feeling empowered to put these important skills to practical use and having tangible evidence of their multilingual accomplishments. In addition to his classroom experience, Andrew has ten years of experience developing content for language acquisition in both K-12 and higher ed, connecting classrooms with proficiency-based learning and assessment materials, and advocating for the advancement of language programs across the nation. As part of his graduate studies with Middlebury College, he lived in both Spain and Latin America, and currently resides in the D.C. Metro Area.

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Carnegie Learning is shaping the future of education. Born from more than 30 years of learning science research at Carnegie Mellon University, the company has become a recognized leader in the ed tech space, using artificial intelligence, formative assessment, and adaptive learning to deliver groundbreaking solutions to education’s toughest challenges. With the highest quality offerings for K-12 math, ELA, literacy, world languages, high-dosage tutoring, professional learning and more, Carnegie Learning is changing the way we think about education, and creating powerful results for teachers and students alike.