MAT in Spanish Learning Outcomes

Goal 1.0

Language. Students will perform at least at the Advanced Low level of Spanish proficiency based on the ACTFL Guidelines in all areas of communication, with emphasis on oral proficiency.

1.1. Students will know the linguistic elements of the target language system, recognize the changing nature of language, and accommodate for gaps in their own knowledge of the target language.
1.2. Students will enhance their written and verbal skills in Spanish and will successfully function linguistically in the target language.
1.3. Students will continue to improve their Spanish proficiency after they complete the program with the understanding that language learning is a life-long process.
1.4. Students will document their proficiency at least at the Advanced Low level of proficiency using an ACTFL OPI or OPIc.

GOAL 2.0

Cultures, Literatures, Cross-Disciplinary Concepts.The program will equip students with knowledge of the culture and cultural manifestations of the language in literature to function effectively as teaching professionals.

        2.1 Students will be able to identify trends and characteristics of
        the literature and cultures of US Latino America, Latin America
        and Spain.

        2.2 Students will recognize the value and role of literary and
        cultural texts and use them to interpret and reflect upon the
        perspectives of the target cultures over time.

       2.3 Students will be able to identify and analyze characteristics of
       diverse cultures (history, linguistic variation, social institutions,
       etc.) to integrate them into foreign language instruction and
       identify distinctive viewpoints accessible only through the target
       language.

GOAL 3.0

Language Acquisition Theories and Instructional Practices.Students will demonstrate an understanding of language acquisition at various developmental levels and use this knowledge to create a supportive classroom learning environment that includes target language input.

3.1. Students will critically examine current theories of Second-Language Acquisition and a variety of methods of Spanish Instruction.

3.2. Students will be able to develop a variety of instructional practices that reflect language outcomes and address the needs of diverse language learners.

3.3. Students will be able to integrate technology into the teaching of Spanish to enhance students’ learning.

3.4. Students will develop detailed lesson-plans and assessment instruments, as well as effective activities and resources for teaching Spanish.

GOAL 4.0

Students will develop research skills, they will engage in professional development opportunities and become advocates with students, colleagues, and members of the community to promote the field.

       4.1. Students will be able write a research monograph on a topic
       of interest from their program of studies. They will expand skills
       for presenting research at settings such as the Graduate
       Research Symposium.

      4.2. Students will be aware of other forums through which to
      publish or present research or pedagogical application of
      research, such as the MaFLA Conference and the MaFLA
      Newsletter.

4.3. Students will achieve the initial or the professional level of
Massachusetts licensure in Spanish.

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