The CSArts World Language Department has adopted a teaching methodology based on Comprehensible Input (CI). It was found that in using a more traditional textbook-based teaching methodology, students were learning long lists of vocabulary words and verb conjugations rather than being provided with the vast amounts of comprehensible messages (CI) needed for them to get a feel for the language and communicate effectively.  They were being required to produce language before they were ready to do so.  Moreover, the focus on constant error correction was hindering students’ attempts to use the language. CSArts embraces a language-acquisition based approach to teaching world languages which emphasizes providing students with understandable and contextualized language and encourages understanding and risk taking.  

Teaching with Comprehensible Input involves high-frequency, sheltered vocabulary with lots of repetition in reading and listening in order to improve fluency and competency in the language.  In order for this to be an effective teaching tool, students have to understand the teaching process and they need to participate actively.  

All lower level language classes at CSArts are conducted 90% in the target language.  If you were to pop into a lower level language classroom at CSArts, you would see teachers delivering comprehensible input through storytelling, class conversations, reading, singing and other interactive activities.  Students show comprehension through drawing, choral responses, acting and meaningful interaction in the target language with the teacher and their peers.  Students in the lower levels are taught grammar and vocabulary implicitly by being exposed to its use and using it to communicate and they are not explicitly taught the language, e.g., verb charts, grammar drills, etc. until they have developed an ear for the language first.  This is of utmost importance in the first two years.

In the upper levels, instruction continues to be 90% in the target language and input, while at a higher level, continues to be comprehensible. However, more explicit instruction of grammar can occur. Students, having spent the previous years being exposed to grammar in various contexts are now engaged in language manipulation, i.e., using various linguistic structures to create original output. While communication is still the main focus, communicating with greater accuracy becomes a focus. Additionally, the curriculum is developed and delivered under the umbrella of the College Board’s thematic AP framework in order to continue to prepare students for success at the college level and beyond. Some of the tasks you might see performed in the upper levels are literature circles, daily news story presentations from the countries studied, students teaching culture through class presentations, film studies, song analysis, deepening reading comprehension of authentic texts through enactment strategies and many collaborative and whole class exchanges of ideas.