Module 3 – Shifts in Our Understanding of Second Language Learning: From the Teaching of Oral Skills to the Development of Oracy: A Focus on the Conversation with Alice Stott
By Aída Walqui
How has our understanding of the learning opportunities and curricular focus English Learners need in the 21st Century to become active and civically responsible participants in American society? This teacher education and professional development module unpacks the notion of “deep learning” and contrasts it to outdated conceptions of the education adolescent learners of English as an additional language require. Moving beyond the goal of “college and career readiness” this module explores the importance of oracy development. Using a conversation and video clips from our British colleague, Alice Stott from Oracy 21, the module proposes that along critical literacies, English Learners need a strong foundation in oracy.