Imagina - PROGRAM SAMPLER

Imagina and the World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages Since 1982, when the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines were first published, that seminal document and its subsequent revisions have influenced the teaching of modern languages in the United States. Imagina was written with the concerns and philosophy of the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines in mind. It emphasizes an interactive, proficiency-oriented approach to the teaching of language and culture. The pedagogy behind Imagina was also informed from its inception by the Standards for Foreign Language Learning in the 21 st Century . First published under the auspices of the National Standards in Foreign Language Education Project , the Standards are organized into five goal areas, often called the Five C’s: Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities. National Standards annos appear on the pages of your IAE to call out sections and activities that have a particularly strong relationship with the Standards. Since Imagina employs a communicative approach to the teaching of Spanish, the Communications goal is an integral part of the student text. Diverse formats (discussion topics, role-plays, interviews, oral presentations, and so forth) promote authentic communicative exchanges in which students provide, obtain, and interpret information, as well as express emotions or opinions. Interactive Comunicación, Síntesis, and Análisis activities allow students to synthesize grammatical, cultural, and thematic material to expand their communicative abilities. In addition to oral skills, written communicative skills are strengthened through a wide array of practical and creative tasks. Imagina also stresses cultural competency and the ability to make connections as invaluable components of language learning. Cortometraje, Imagina, Cultura, and Literatura all give the opportunity to acquire information, expand cultural knowledge, and recognize distinctive viewpoints. Through connections with multiple disciplines such as film, literature, and art, students are exposed to various cultural practices and perspectives of the Spanish-speaking world. Nota cultural sidebars provide additional opportunities for students to connect to language through culture. Students develop further insight into the nature of language and culture through comparisons with their own. Compelling discussion topics throughout the text encourage students to compare new information with familiar concepts and ideas. Finally, Imagina encourages students to expand their use of language beyond the classroom setting and participate in broader, richer Spanish-speaking communities. In the Imagina section of each lesson, outside projects, multimedia resources, and online information and activities provide access to a wealth of opportunities for students to expand their use of Spanish outside the classroom. As you become familiar with the Imagina program, you will find many more connections to the World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages . We encourage you to keep its goals in mind and to make new connections as you work with the text and ancillaries. IAE-27 STANDARDS S 9