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1. Department of Curriculum and Instruction / ELT Unit
College of Education
Sultan Qaboos University
Reflection paper:
Applying Standard one of
ACTFL, through my
studying at College of
Education
Done by:
Tasneem AL Tubi - 106430
Course code and name: CUTM4500 - Teaching practice
Practicum school: Aiysha Al Rasybia for Basic Education (5-9)
Supervisor: Ms. Nada Al Washahi

2. Course name; Speaking Lanc
2014, SpringYear/ semester;
The assignment was designed for speaking lanc.it was group work assignment. It was
our first time to try such assignment. The idea was centered in three steps. The first
step was that we heard from the instructor the following question, what do you think
about shopping via internet? Therefore, we had to understand the topic and analyses
the situation. Second step was to discuss with the group what we thought about the
topic. Moreover, we negotiated about the topic and entered on a conversation among
it. The final step was to present what we had agreed in front of other students.
For my point of view, this assignment meets the first standard of ACTFL Program
Standards for the Preparation of Foreign Language Teachers. The first standard
focuses on language proficiency: Interpersonal, Interpretive, and Presentational. Since
this standard related to language proficiency through the four main skills reading,
writing, listening, and speaking.
This standard feeds three types of communications. First, interpretive
communication, where the student through this part is watching or listening to a
position. Alternatively, it is possible to read a particular problem. The recipient should
understand the subject, explain the event, and analyze the situation. As the recipient

3. must communicate with the speaker, in order to be aware of the situation to be
interpreted clearly. As for the second, interpersonal communication, learners have to
discuss among themselves about the subject or idea. After listening and analyzing the
situation, the learners come up with it. They then negotiate the ideas until they reach a
compromise and unify ideas. In addition, learners negotiate the destination by oral or
written conversations. As learners exchange different opinions, reactions and feelings.
For the third type, the presentational communication, the learners provide the
information, ideas, and concepts they have reached the masses. As learners are
obliged to tell the attendees what they have reached. They also have their own
creative space. Where they must convince the audience with their ideas. They are also
entitled to use different and appropriate media to convey their message. They also
need to find the appropriate way to adapt to their audience.
It is clear that the work is closely linked to the first criterion. Where the work went
through three stages, the first stage of listening to the professor, analyze the situation
and understand well. Second, the interpersonal stage, in order to negotiate on ideas
and discuss them in different concepts and feelings. Third, present the final ideas, and
convince the masses around. In contrast, also the sequence of the first standard is
cohered and logical. The learner must apply his cognitive and linguistic skills in
communication of all kinds. They have to communicate with the professor to
understand the situation. Second, communicating with individuals to achieve unity
and negotiation of ideas. Finally communicate with the masses to present the subject
in a creative way.
I chose this work for several reasons. First is that it can be applied during the training
period at school. It also helped to promote and develop my understanding of
education in line with the first specialized standard. These standards broadly serve the
basic skills of language: writing, reading, listening, and speaking. We have to get
students to talk in different ways. Students in Grade 9 must apply writing skills and
talk about their opinions. Therefore, they have to develop this skill. Where I realized
that in order to achieve the linguistic proficiency in the expression must be integrated
between different communication skills of all kinds: interpretative, interpersonal and
presentational. In order to achieve the best results with students, I must first make

4. them communicate with the teacher to understand the problem or event. It is also
important that they think, analyze and understand the situation. They then move on to
a negotiating phase and exchange views on the subject. Finally to familiarize them
with the presentations and communicate with the audiences, to convey the final idea.
Therefore, this standard has been strengthened. Making it easier to understand the best
way to deliver such lessons to students.
In overall, this work helped me to apply, similar mini work in the classroom. The
work was comprehensive, precise, and easy for students. As the student will be able to
pass through the stages of communication using effective language in the best way.
The method is interrelated, sequential and integrative. It also opens the door of
knowledge. I did not know the different skills to communicate. With this work, I
expanded my perceptions and understanding. However, if I had the opportunity to
improve this work, I would have asked students to take the final stage of the
presentation in front of a larger wider audience. As I will ask them to present their
idea to an audience outside the classroom. Because this method will return them to
meet a different audience, and develop the skill of communicating with the outside
community on a wider scale.