SYLLABUS FLAN 542 (Part I)
PRACTICUM in WORLD LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION - ELEMENTARY
Professor:
Anne Grundstrom Nerenz, Ph.D.
Office:
Office Hours:
344 Alexander
Monday
Wednesday
Friday
And by appointment
Office
Departmental Office (Messages only)
Home before 9:00 p.m. daily
anerenz@emich.edu
Telephone:
8:00 - 9:30 and 3:45 - 4:30
8:00 - 9:30 and 3:45 - 4:30
8:00 - 9:30 and 11:30 - 12:30
(734) 487-0191
(734) 487-0130
(734) 668-0097
e-mail:
4
Description
FLAN 542 is a three-credit practicum course designed to prepare teacher candidates of
Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, or Spanish for careers as world language
teachers in elementary schools. Students participate in weekly guided discussion sessions
based on concepts and theories learned in FLAN 612, prepare and present micro-teaching
lessons in mentored small-group settings, and complete a minimum of 45 hours of guided
observing master teachers in a variety of approved K-5 auxiliary, elementary, exploratory,
and immersion world language programs.
Prerequisites: FLAN 611 Theory and Methods of Modern Language Instruction
FLAN 541 Practicum in Modern Language Instruction – Secondary
Co-requisite: FLAN 612 Teaching Modern Languages in the Elementary Grades.
A. Course Goals and Objectives
Teacher candidates will deepen the knowledge, skills and dispositions needed to teach
world languages in a variety of K-5 standards-based, modified immersion settings and
programs. Specifically, teacher candidates will be able to:
• compare and evaluate varied program models and goals;
• analyze the impact of program type, curriculum, and teacher use of language on
students’ level of proficiency in the world language;
• compare and evaluate language-based versus content-based curricula;
• analyze and design developmentally-appropriate teaching strategies and
activities;
• analyze the role of cultural practices, products, perspectives and comparisons;
• describe and compare classroom management systems and strategies;
• design formative and summative assessments based on authentic print and audio
texts.
B. Outline of content to be covered
See the attached course syllabus for a detailed outline of content to be covered.
C. Student assignments and presentations
Students are expected to:
• present a minimum of five original micro-teaching lessons;
• spend a minimum of 45 hours observing in approved K-5 auxiliary, elementary,
exploratory, and immersion world language programs;
• prepare detailed written notes and reflections on each observation;
• summarize reflections and lead discussions on assigned themes from FLAN 612 lectures,
e.g. teachers’ and students’ use of the target language, classroom management, engaged
learning time.
• demonstrate and lead discussions of teaching strategies and activities that they have
observed;
• write a10-page analysis and reflection comparing programs and strategies observed;
• write a 5-page research paper identifying the benefits of teaching world languages in K-5
settings;
and
• prepare a research paper on children with special needs and present key findings to
the class.
See course syllabus Part II for a detailed list of discussion themes and assignments.
D. Method of evaluation
Discussions led by teacher candidates, class participation, written homework, teaching
demonstrations, observation notes and reflections, and both major papers are evaluated using
rubrics. Rubrics are made available to teacher candidates prior to each assignment.
Graded course work is weighted as follows:
Homework, in-class presentations and quizzes
Teaching demonstrations
Observation log, written notes and daily reflections
Rationale paper
Review presentations and participation in discussions
Final reflection paper
Graduate research paper and presentation
E. Grading scale
A+
A
A-
97-100
93-96
90-92
B+
B
B-
87-89
83-86
80-82
10%
10%
15%
15%
20%
20%
10%
C+
C
C-
77-79
73-76
70-72
D+
D
D-
67-69
63-66
60-62
E
0-59
F. Special Requirements
None
G. Bibliography and Reading List
Languages and Children: Making the Match (4th edition)
Helena Curtain and Carol Ann Dahlberg
Pearson, 2010
Standards for Language Learning
ACTFL, 2010
Michigan Guidelines for World Language Learning
Michigan Department of Education, 2008
Michigan Standards and Benchmarks for World Languages
Michigan Department of Education, 2008
H. Other pertinent information
Scheduling: FLAN 542 is offered in the winter semester, and sometimes also in the spring
semester, of each academic year and is a co-requisite with FLAN 612 Teaching Modern
Languages in the Elementary Grades.
K-12 Certification: Teacher candidates seeking K-12 certification in Arabic, Chinese,
French, German, Japanese or Spanish must complete a major in the language and
demonstrate oral proficiency on the ACTFL OPI at a level of Advanced Low (French,
German, Spanish) or Intermediate High (Arabic, Chinese, Japanese).
K-8 Certification: Teacher candidates seeking K-8 highly qualified status in Arabic,
Chinese, French, German, Japanese or Spanish may complete a major or minor in the
language and demonstrate oral proficiency on the ACTFL OPI at a level of Advanced Low
(French, German, Spanish) or Intermediate High (Arabic, Chinese, Japanese).
Course and University Policies
LiveText subscription
All students seeking teacher certification or endorsement are required: 1) to subscribe to LiveText and 2) submit
portions of their work via LiveText; a subscription to LiveText is required for these students. Contact the College
of Education to obtain a key code that will allow you to purchase LiveText at a discounted rate.
Academic dishonesty
Academic dishonesty, including all forms of cheating and/or plagiarism, will not be tolerated in this class.
Penalties for an act of academic dishonesty may range from receiving a failing grade for a particular assignment
to receiving a failing grade for the entire course. In addition, you may be referred to the Office of Student
Judicial Services for discipline that can result in either a suspension or permanent dismissal. The Student
Conduct Code contains detailed definitions of what constitutes academic dishonesty, but if you are not sure
about whether something you are doing would be considered academic dishonesty, consult with the instructor.
Classroom Management Issues
Students are expected to abide by the Student Conduct Code and assist in creating an environment that is
conducive to learning and protects the rights of all members of the University community. Incivility and
disruptive behavior will not be tolerated and may result in a request to leave class and referral to the office of
Student Judicial Services (SJS) for discipline. Example of inappropriate classroom conduct include repeatedly
arriving late to class, using a cellular phone, or talking while other are speaking. You may access the code online
at www.emich.edu/sis
Student and Exchange Visitor Statement (SEVIS)
The Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) requires F and J students report to the Office of
International Students, 229 King Hall within 10 days of the event:
Changes in your name, local address, major field of study, or source of funding.
Changes in your degree-completion date.
Changes in your degree level (ex. Bachelors to Masters).
Intent to transfer to another school.
Prior permission from OIS is needed for the following:
Dropping ALL courses as well as carrying or dropping BELOW minimum credit hours.
Employment on or off-campus.
Registering for more than one ONLINE course per term (F-visa only)
Endorsing I-20 or DS-2019 for re-entry into the USA.
Failure to report may result in the termination of your SEVIS record and even arrest and deportation. If you have
questions or concerns, contact the OIS at 487-3116, not your instructor.
Special Needs Accommodations
If you wish to be accommodated for your disability, EMU Board of Regents policy #8.3 requires that you first
register with the Disability Resource Center, 240 Student Center.. You may contact the Disability Resource
Center by telephone at 487-2470. Students with disabilities are encouraged to register with ASO promptly as you
will only be accommodated from the date you register with them forward. No retroactive accommodations are
possible.