User:Tlaver/sandbox

== "Learning other languages and understanding the culture of the people who speak them is a 21st Century skill that is vital to success in the global environment in which our students will live and work". ==

=== Benefits of Learning a Second Language ===


 * The ability to communicate in a new language
 * The brain undergoes a change in electrical activity
 * Superior memory function
 * Increased mental ability
 * Increased problem-solving abilities
 * Greater comprehension for how language works and is used
 * Pprevents the deterioration of brain functioning over time
 * Increased ability in digital literacy

World Languages is one of the key disciplines the Partnership for 21st Century Skills (P21) feels is essential for students of the 21st century. Moving past academic performance educators are starting to focus on equipping students with learning and innovation skills, information, media and technology skills, and life and career skills that relate to interdisciplinary themes.

Interdisciplinary Themes

 * Global Awareness
 * Financial, economic, business and entrepreneurial literacy
 * Civic literacy
 * Health literacy
 * Environmental literacy

Learning and Innovation Skills

 * Communication
 * Collaboration
 * Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
 * Creativity and Innovation

Information, Media and Technology Skills

 * Information Literacy
 * Media Literacy
 * ICT Literacy

Life and Career Skills

 * Flexibility & Adaptability
 * Initiative & Self Direction
 * Social & Cross-Cultural Skills
 * Productivity & Accountability
 * Leadership & Responsibility

P21 has developed a skills map to show the intersection between World Languages and 21st Century Skills, providing examples of how these skills can be incorporated into the classroom at the novice, intermediate and advanced levels. One of the examples for the novice level when applying communication is "Students interview family members to find out the ingredients in their favorite recipes. They make a list of the ingredients and then compile a book of popular recipes in the target language".

Along with teaching 21st century students comes the integration of technology. In Ontario, the World Language that is taught is French. The Ontario Ministry of Education has broken down the French as a Second Language Curriculum into four strands: Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing. Not all of these strands lend them self well to the use of technology, however technology can enhance and supplement instruction.

Useful Programs and Applications for a 21st Century World Language Educator

 * Quizlet
 * Kahoot
 * Plickers
 * Duolingo
 * Minds Snacks
 * Word Reference
 * Sesame
 * Idello