Das BioHaus has inspired several teachers to develop units based on environmental issues.

 

Here, Wencke searches for authentic materials in German to supplement her IPA.

The focus of the Teacher Seminars course today was the development of an Integrated Performance Assessment (IPA). The IPA is basically a way of organizing the various components of what goes into a theme-based or content-based unit, beginning with an essential question that should be answered by the end of the unit, or perhaps even throughout. The participants were walked through the IPA process through the use of a template. We started with a brainstorming session with several examples of curriculum mapping, leading to a unit overview and later the goals and outcomes of the unit. Teachers worked with their colleagues to contemplate and discuss how to integrate tasks that utilize the the 3 modes of communication (interpretive, presentational, and interpersonal) as well as the 5 C’s. Today’s activities are ongoing throughout the rest of our time together, as teachers will continue to build their units based on further class discussions, lectures, Village visits, and work with colleagues. For many, this is a new way of planning, utilizing the idea of “backwards design,” answering an “essential question” and integrating the National Standards, language and content, the 3 modes of communication, and purposeful assessment, all in a meaningful, relevant manner. It can be difficult, but the teachers are up for the challenge! 

 

 

“I think that the more we can connect kids to the interesting world outside through meaningful topics, the more successful our teaching will be. I am especially interested in paralleling my units with science topics that will be emphasized at our grade level.” - Chris, middle school Spanish teacher from Minnesota

“What I find most beneficial so far is the IPA. This is a great format for planning a unit. It makes me really stop and think of what the outcomes should be when I teach a topic or theme, and in simple terms, helps me to incorporate the National Standards into my teaching.” Dawn, high school German teacher from Virginia