Academic LanguageWhat is it?

Why is it important?

What are related TPA requirements?

What is Academic

Language?• the special language used in school and the professions• instructional language needed to participate in learning and assessment tasks • technical vocabulary: triangle, metaphor, metabolize• language that is appropriate for the purpose and audience

• the language used in the classroom and workplace• the language of text• the language of assessments• the language of academic success• the language of power

What makes it Academic?• it differs in structure and vocabulary from the everyday spoken language of social interactions

• it includes precisely-defined vocabulary to express abstract concepts and complex ideas

•technical meaning is different than everyday language: “balance” in chemistry, “plane” in mathematics, “ruler” in history/social science, “force” in science

What makes it Academic?• it includes more complex grammar in order to pack more information into each sentence

• there are a greater variety of conjunctions and connective words and phrases to create coherence among multiple ideas • it includes formatting conventions, graphics and organizational titles and headings to guide understanding of texts

Everyday vs. AcademicEveryday

Language repetition of words

sentences may start with “and” & “but”

use of slang terms: “guy”, “cool”, “awesome”

Academic Language

variety of words, more sophisticated language

sentences start with transition words: “however”, “in addition”, “therefore”

no slang is used

So, why is it important?

• Low academic language skills have been shown to be associated with low academic performance in a variety of educational settings  

• Students who do not learn academic language may:

– struggle academically – be at a higher risk of dropping out of

school

• The main barrier to student comprehension of texts and lectures is low academic vocabulary knowledge.

• Developing students’ fluency in academic language provides access to the “language of school” and academic success

• Students who master academic language are more likely to be successful in academic and professional settings 

• Mastering oral academic language will allow students to participate in:– academic discussions– debates– presentations in front of their peers

What is required in regards to Academic Language in the TPA?

The following slides contain the rubrics pertaining to academic content language for Secondary Math. Rubrics for additional content areas can be found in the TPA Assessment Handbook for each designated content area.

Academic Language Activities

for your College ClassroomPassage comparison is an effective way to teach students how to recognize the differences between social and academic language:

1. Give students 2 passages – one using informal language, and one using academic language

2. Ask students to compare the passages step-by-step in groups or with a partner

3. Have groups write a list of differences between the kinds of languages used, and discuss their findings

4.Repeat this exercise with numerous passages until students are able to recognize the differences between social and academic language

 

Academic Language Activities

for your College ClassroomHave the students analyze one or several math videos from the site linked below for usage of academic language. Students could also use a graphic organizer to compare examples of academic language and everyday language used in the videos.

http://www.learner.org/resources/series33.html - program_descriptions

 

Resources Academic Language.org

http://www.academiclanguage.org/Academic_Language.html

“What is Academic Language Proficiency?” by Stephen Krashen and Clara Lee Brown

Academic Language for English Learners, powerpoint by Reading Rockets

Teacher Performance Assessment Consortium, powerpoint by Andrea Whittaker and Nicole Merino

Teacher Performance Assessment Handbook for Secondary Mathematics