Poetry as Sound and Object

Teaching Strategies

Authentic Text

An authentic text is defined as one that was created to serve a specific social function within the language community it was produced.²⁵ The concept of authenticity emerged as a counter to the formulaic structures found in textbooks, with authentic genuine, non-pedagogical materials used to enhance learners’ communicative and cultural skills. These authentic materials encompass text originally created by native speakers for native speakers and can be repurposed for teaching. These materials are now understood to include ideas, words, phrases and expressions encountered in everyday life.²⁶

Authentic texts are naturally attractive to students and teachers of world languages. The experience of reading material created for native speakers can be motivating, and developing skills to handle these real-world texts allows students to read authentic target language texts more confidently outside of the classroom.²⁷

At any level of target language learning, authentic texts can be useful. Beginners need simpler texts compared to more advanced students with prior knowledge. Therefore, teachers should be very discerning, considering factors such a level of difficulty, relevance, and topics. Many aspects of authentic texts can be more complex than they first appear.

It is widely accepted academically that the use of authentic texts in the world language classroom greatly benefits student target language acquisition. First, these materials provide students with accurate examples of how native speakers or most speakers of the target language use the language. Second, authentic texts help support student confidence by showing them what is expected in real-life language use. By encountering words and expressions used in everyday contexts, students become better equipped for informal communication in the target language. Third, authentic materials are often more informal, socially relevant and widely utilized. They serve as valuable complements to the formal rules and patterns of the target language. Last, authentic texts offer insights into the target culture and present that culture’s viewpoints on various issues and events. The rich, genuine language used in these materials serves as a valuable source of input for target language learners to aid in their acquisition process.

Collaborative Learning

Collaborative Learning is a teaching strategy where students work in small groups to achieve shared academic objectives. This approach encourages student interaction, improves target language communication skills, and deepens their understanding of the material through mutual engagement. Employing this strategy in the World Language classroom enhances student communication skills by providing practice in speaking and writing in the target language. Collaborative activities often involve cultural elements, helping students appreciate and understand the context and nuances of the language they are learning. Students learn from each others’ strengths, offer support, and provide feedback creating a dynamic learning environment. Working on projects collaboratively like writing Calaveras Literarias encourages students to think critically and creatively.²⁸  Implementing collaborative learning for writing Calaveras Literarias not only enhances language skills but also deepens students’ cultural understanding and appreciation for the rich traditions of the target language.

Literary Analysis

Literary analysis involves examining and interpreting the elements of a literary work such as its theme, structure, language, and cultural context. Implementing this strategy in the World Language classroom strengthens student comprehension by encouraging them to delve deeper into the text, leading to a better understanding of the language and nuances of Calaveras Literarias. Analyzing the cultural context of these poems encourages students to appreciate Mexican tradition and the significance of the Day of the Dead. Learners develop critical thinking skills as they interpret themes, symbols, and poetic devices included in these poems. Through literary analysis, target language vocabulary, grammar, and overall language proficiency is improved. Including literary analysis as a teaching strategy in this unit, I am providing my students with a comprehensive understanding of these traditional poems, enhancing their language skills and cultural knowledge.

Modeling

Modeling demonstrates to the students what is expected of them. The teacher provides a framework by describing the skill or strategy, clearly describing features of the strategy or steps in performing the skill, chunking the skill into learnable parts, modeling using a variety of techniques, engaging students in learning through expressing enthusiasm, keeping a steady pace, asking good questions, and checking for student understanding. The teacher makes sure to clearly describe the concept, and then models the desired outcome by using visual, auditory, tactile, and/or kinesthetic instructional techniques while thinking aloud. The teacher can provide examples and non-examples (work that does not meet expectations) to show students the expectations and stop frequently to get student input or ask questions. This technique of modeling provides high levels of student-teacher interaction.²⁹ With teacher modeling, the students have a better understanding of the thought processes required for completing a task.

Realia

Realia is a term for concrete objects, real things, that are used in teaching to build vocabulary and background knowledge. It provides experiences on which to build along with providing opportunities for students to engage all of their senses in learning. Realia allows the student to feel, hear, see, smell, and even taste the object that is being investigated. If the actual object is unavailable then a replica of that object can be used such as a model, illustration, or photograph; however, more sensory engagement enhances the experience.³⁰

Technology Integration

The integration of technology in the World Language classroom incorporates the use of digital tools and resources to enhance the teaching and learning in and of the target language. When teaching Calaveras Literarias, technology can make the learning process engaging, interactive, and effective by utilizing various platforms and resources for learners to explore, create, collaborate, and share their work. Digital tools engage students through interactive and multimedia sources. Technology facilitates collaborative learning so that students are able to work together in real time, share ideas, and provide feedback. Digital resources are easily accessible, thus allowing students to learn at their own pace and revisit the materials as needed. Various platforms for creative expression are available, providing learners opportunities to create and share their own Calaverias Literarias using multimedia elements³¹.