Performance and Proficiency in the Language Classroom

Send me text and let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast. #148What is your understanding of the word proficiency? This is a concept that we use all the time in our language classrooms. How about the word performance? This concept is also becoming more commonplace in our teaching vernacular. When we say that we are proficiency-oriented or teach toward proficiency, are we also able to assess proficiency in our language classrooms, or should we focus on performance, and what does that even mean?  Well, that’s our topic for this episode….defining exactly what we mean by proficiency and performance, how they relate to each other and which one we should focus on and assess in our classrooms.Topics in this Episode:Blog Post on Performance and ProficiencyProficiency: This term refers to a learner’s ability to use the language across various situations, regardless of familiarity with topics or contexts.  It’s about what one can do with the language, no matter where, when, or how it was learned.Performance: On the other hand, performance is more about using the language within structured settings like classrooms.  It involves applying “learned” language skills within familiar contexts and content areas.Do we assess Proficiency or Performance in the classroom? Preparing students for performance with high leverage teaching practices:grammar as conceptbackwards planningappropriate feedbackauthentic resourcesuse target language for teachingcommunicative activitiesConnect with Joshua and the World Language Classroom Community: wlclassrom.comX (aka Twitter):  @wlclassroomThreads: @wlclassroomInstagram:  @wlclassroomFacebook:  /wlclassroomWLClassroom Facebook Group__________________________Interested in having Joshua work directly with your department, school or district?  Look at options for collaborating in person or remotely.______________________________Sign up for Talking Points to get  tips, tools and resources for your language teaching.______________________________Join Joshua as a guest on the podcast.______________________________Join Joshua for a Leveling Up Coaching Episode  on the podcast.