Ramblings from the Road: Technology and Language Modeling in a K-3 Classroom
28 Mar 2017 by Becky DanisWhen I am not on the road training teachers, researchers, and coaches on the CLASS tool, you can often find me in the home office. There, I'm busy writing blog posts (like this one!), learning new age levels (did you know we have an observation tool for each age group from Infants through Secondary?), and fielding questions and concerns from the Reliability Support helpline. A few weeks ago a question came through the Reliability Support queue that made me stop and think. After answering it, I realized that there are probably other observers out there who are struggling with this same question, or one similar. So here is the question and my thoughts on it.
“The Kindergarten children I observed this week were in the computer lab for one interval. They each had headphones, listening to their interactive literacy games. Does that count as Language Modeling?”
It can be tempting to try and find a "place" in the K-3 CLASS tool to put an activity like independent literacy-based computer games. Because, in this case, the students were engaging in an enriching game, versus just playing--so it must be of some value! However, a few critical characteristics of the Language Modeling dimension are missing in the scenario.
The CLASS manual describes Language Modeling as "the teachers' use of language stimulation or language facilitation techniques." This definition is helpful, but let's dig even deeper, right to the indicators.
Our first stop is frequent conversations. These are conversations between teacher and student, or student to student. The literacy game is lacking in these face-to-face human interactions.
Other indicators, such as repeating students' words and phrases, and engaging in self- and parallel talk (mapping actions with words) require intentionality on the teacher's part, and are also likely to be missing in a literacy-based game, even an interactive one!
And finally, the advanced language indicator considers whether the teacher is introducing new vocabulary. The game may be, but CLASS is asking us to measure those human, face-to-face interactions in the classroom. So, if the teacher isn't actively stimulating and facilitating language, but rather passively watching or monitoring a listening activity, and children have few opportunities to use language, then this scenario is an example of low range Language Modeling.
- Has this or something similar ever happened to you when observing?
- How did you handle it?
- Have you had a question like this come up in observation or MMCI trainings?
- What other questions does this scenario make you think of?
I am looking forward to reading your thoughts and comments on this topic. I am sure with the increased use of technology in the classroom, we will have to think more about these kinds of questions and the role computers and technology play in the lives of young children. While we do so, let’s all agree to keep one thing in mind: Interactions Matter.
Keep those questions coming!
Carmen C. Virginia
Have CLASS, will travel
Related Posts
CLASS® Makes an Impact in Puerto Rico
Teachstone continues to fulfill the important role of supporting Spanish-speaking partners who implement CLASS in their programs and communities. In an effort to strengthen our reach to this key base, Teachstone recently hosted a regional conference in Caguas, Puerto Rico. The regional conference offered several CLASS trainings in Spanish as well as translation services for English trainings. Trainings were held from November 4–8 at the headquarters and facilities of Camera Mundi Inc. Camera Mundi is the largest and most comprehensive provider of products, equipment, materials, and services to the educational sector in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.
¡Tengo clase! Reflections from the Field
Many teachers will agree that their first year of teaching can be one of the most grueling, challenging, and stressful experiences for them as they take on the task of educating our youth. In my first year of teaching, I was not familiar with the CLASS tool and its impact in the classroom. I was not aware of the dimensions, indicators, and the tremendous power of interactions. Looking back, I recognize the many ways the CLASS tool was reflected in my classroom, but I also see the value in how familiarity with the CLASS tool could have benefitted my classroom. Although many external forces impacted my role as a high school Spanish teacher, the CLASS tool’s invaluable purpose could have made a profound impact on my first year teaching.
Reflection and Application in MMCI: Adding “Do” to “Know and “See”
As a CLASS Group Coaching (MMCI) instructor, the sections of any given two-hour session may feel, at times, very goal driven. These sections titled "Know," "See," and "Do” are interconnected. In particular, it is possible to consider "Do" within "Know," and "See." When an instructor supports in-the-moment experiences that connect new knowledge to current practice, they make the CLASS dimensions more relevant to the educators' daily work. But how can we infuse more “Do” into “Know” and “See?” First, let's re-cap what happens in each section.
Quiz: What is Your CLASS Observation Training Style?
Of course every CLASS Observation Training covers the same material, but every trainer puts their unique spin on it. Find out what your strength is as a CLASS trainer. Take our fun quiz to find out what yours is!