Here is what Catharina wrote to Robert. Hopefully it creates a discussion here that, in spite of eight years and almost 30,000 comments by us, we have never had. Hopefully, this starts it off:
Wait Robert before you take a break. Take a minute to read what I have to say.
Didn’t I give Eric the perfect opportunity to prove his point about authentic texts:
Teacher’s Handbook, Shrum & Glisan, pages 170-174.
Go read!
It is irrefutable that ACTFL endorses a methods course (taught by Dr. June Phillips). It is on their website.
It is irrefutable that the course is based on the Teacher’s Handbook as stated above, Shrum & Glisan.
In that same course students are to read those 4 pages and discuss the content. No matter what, says the professor, do not edit the text of an authentic resource, oral or written. You would be depriving the students from learning.
I was that student, I should know.
If you want a lengthy, dry, dense explanation why we should never ever ever edit the text go read! All based on empirical studies.
I found you the research.
It is exactly what we should NOT be doing in class. It is exactly WHY so many kids have those sad faces when they go to FL class.
Did I not answer Eric’s question? Why aren’t any of you picking up on this very important point?