https://padlet.com/waggonka/phudxcyrgy1m7i0x Van Lier & Walqui's model; An example of a Sociocultural Theory en-us 2020-05-13 19:01:16 UTC 2020-05-13 19:51:48 UTC hello@padlet.com waggonka https://padlet.com/waggonka/phudxcyrgy1m7i0x/wish/570987204 Language is action is a sociocultural theory adopted by Van Lier and Walqui which combines the idea of both the form and function of language; it is connected to all parts of human action. Therefore, language can be defined as an action and an expression, combining elements of culture, history, and social factors.
(https://ell.stanford.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/academic-papers/04-Van%20Lier%20Walqui%20Language%20and%20CCSS%20FINAL.pdf)
One article that contributes to this idea, (https://hci.stanford.edu/winograd/papers/language-action.html) makes an interesting comment about the description of language is action and a contrasting idea. It states "People act through language" which I believe is the premise of this theory that students need opportunities to connect the ideas, thoughts, and content with actionable items because a language is much more than just speech. However, this article follows with "As a contrast, consider the more predominant perspective that People process information and make decisions". I believe that these ideas actually go hand in hand, and it is important to consider that language is much more than how we think, process, and obtain information, it's also what we do with it and how we act on it. Without specific actionable items, language is confined and not used in both the form and function.
I found another article that showcases different "acts" that are taken when performing language - an  utterance  act,  a propositional act, and an illocutionary act. (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/329814625_Language_as_Action_Fundamentals_of_the_Speech_Act_Theory) I thought this definition really contributed to the theory and explanation as it shows there is so much more to language than just learning the words, there is a lot that contributes to language and language acquisition which needs to be considered.]]> 2020-05-13 19:03:22 UTC https://padlet.com/waggonka/phudxcyrgy1m7i0x/wish/570987204 waggonka https://padlet.com/waggonka/phudxcyrgy1m7i0x/wish/570987930 Teaching ELL students should be approached with the mindset that language is action - and incorporate strategies that are action-based: learning activities that allow students to discuss, interact, problem-solve, and more (https://ell.stanford.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/academic-papers/04-Van%20Lier%20Walqui%20Language%20and%20CCSS%20FINAL.pdf). 
When evaluating this theory, it is important to consider all the different factors that contribute to an action-based learning experience for ELL students in the classroom. As a teacher, when incorporating this theory into the classroom, it is important to build strong relationships with students so you understand what learning activities and experiences in the classroom best fit the needs of the student so you can provide them the supports, resources, and tools for them to be successful. All students learn differently, so when using this theory, it is important to reflect on the student's progress and continually adapt instruction to fit their strengths.
Simply learning about the verbs, words, or forms of a language will not allow students to learn the language effectively because there is so much more to a language than just the verbs. It is verbal communication, nonverbal communication, culture, history, and many more elements. All of these factors and elements contribute to language and how it is learned, which is how this theory was adopted.]]> 2020-05-13 19:03:43 UTC https://padlet.com/waggonka/phudxcyrgy1m7i0x/wish/570987930 waggonka https://padlet.com/waggonka/phudxcyrgy1m7i0x/wish/570989807 When students learn a new language, it is important that the content is relevant to their lives and is helpful (Think of the students asking - What's in it for me?" "When would I use this outside the classroom?")
"Speech acts" highlight this important point that language is connected with the things that we do in the real-world. (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/329814625_Language_as_Action_Fundamentals_of_the_Speech_Act_Theory)
Teachers should make the content they are teaching practical and helpful - framing the content in a way that students can easily translate outside the classroom and apply it to their individual lives. (IE - teach students the language they would use in everyday life).
This theory capitalizes on this idea, and uses relevance, helpful, and relatable tools to teach students new language. This theory also focuses on this importance of applications in the classroom and allowing students to interact and engage with the content in different ways, which creates a more meaningful and personal experience for the students because of their connection with the material through the application experience. John Dewey, a theorist, connects with this idea and states that "Learning is doing" and that learning should incorporate experiences int he classroom that mimic the real-world (https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1158258.pdf). 
Regarding ELL students, I think it is important to consider ]]> 2020-05-13 19:04:34 UTC https://padlet.com/waggonka/phudxcyrgy1m7i0x/wish/570989807