S4 vi • Preface What is the Dicho y hecho approach? Dicho y hecho is a class-tested program based on sound communicative language principles that are supported by Second Language Acquisition research findings. Communicative competence. Contemporary and compelling topics motivate learners to engage with texts and with each other, while a variety of activities, tools, and strategies support the development of their communicative competence in all modes of communication: interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational. Cultural and intercultural competence. Carefully integrated, culturally rich content helps learners gain cultural awareness and appreciate the cultural products, practices, and perspectives of a diverse range of people in their own community and around the world. Input processing. Learners process new language best when they first encounter vocabulary and structures in contextualized input through illustrations and/or text. New language is practiced through a carefully designed pedagogical sequence, moving from meaningful input-based activities, through guided output, to open-ended, creative production. Focus-on-form. Form-meaning connections are a core component of the learning process. Language instruction is at the service of communication. Task-supported language instruction. Purposeful tasks support learners to produce new language independently and creatively as they work toward a tangible goal or outcome. Engaging and meaningful themes promote self-expression and creativity, and provide opportunities to use the language in real-world tasks. Visible learning. Learners perform better when they understand the goals for the tasks and when they have clear expectations of the outcomes. Preface
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjUyNzA0NQ==