The seven dichotomies
Gain vs. loss
Innovations vs. established routines
expectations vs. reality
language generalists vs specialists
relative homogeneity vs. mixed ability
standards vs. native speaker norms
self-assessment vs. teacher assessment
Gains vs. losses
o “Opening the world of a new language”
o We are not the ones introducing the students to English
o Innovative methods
o Holistic and communicative principles
o Not just talking about something but using/showing/touching it (e.g., key: holding it in hand, using it)
Expectations vs. reality
o Limited instruction time (2 x 45 min. / week)
Generalists vs. language specialists
Teachers’ skills
Relative homogeneity vs. mixed ability
o But: new school types (Oberschule)
Standards vs. native speaker norms
o Appreciate what learners already know (e.g., different varieties)
o CEFR, Bildungsstandards and -pläne
Self-assessment vs. teacher-assessment (no grades in elementary school)
o self-assessment: reflecting on own abilities —> language portfolio, what DO I know
Strategies I
The state/national level
· National standards for primary school level
· New language curricula
· Pick-up tasks in course books
· In-service teacher education programs
The regional and local level
· cooperation between feeder schools and their respective secondary schools
o Mutual visits (elementary school)
o Expectations
o Assessment (diagnosing what the children can do instead of what they cannot do)
o decisions at the administrative level
The individual level
· primary school teachers:
o Knowledge about standards at secondary schools?
o Description of pupil’s skills?
o Methods used? (e.g., total physical response —> touch your left leg with your right hand à nice warm up)
o pupils: presentation of knowledge?
o Reflect/work on own language competence!
Strategies II
· Secondary school teachers:
o Expansion of primary topics?
o Consolidation of previous knowledge/skill?
o Listening/speaking -> reading/writing?
o Building up on language structures?
o Maintain motivation?
o Routines?
o Appropriate methods for mixed ability groups?
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