During this workshop, presenters will discuss the linguistic profiles of intermediate and advanced Chinese heritage writers, as well as the instructional implications that derive from these profiles. Given that heritage language learners (HLLs) typically complete most of their formal education in English, it makes sense that writing (together with reading) is the area in which these learners display lower levels of proficiency in Chinese. Therefore, when HLLs arrive in college language classes, one important goal for them is to develop literacy skills and most academic courses reflect this aim with a curriculum heavily focused on writing. One way to support this classroom goal is to understand patterns in HLLs’ writing abilities and to implement instructional strategies that develop the weaker linguistic areas for these writers while taking advantage of their strengths.

In this workshop participants will (1) become familiar with or refresh their knowledge of the ACTFL proficiency guidelines for writing; (2) examine the linguistic profiles of Chinese HLLs illustrated through writing samples at intermediate and advanced levels, with a discussion on the strengths and weaknesses of these two levels; and (3) brainstorm concrete strategies and activities that will support progress toward achieving higher proficiency in writing.

During this workshop, presenters will discuss the linguistic profiles of intermediate and advanced Spanish heritage writers, as well as the instructional implications that derive from these profiles. Given that heritage language learners (HLLs) typically complete most of their formal education in English, it makes sense that writing (together with reading) is the area in which these learners display lower levels of proficiency in Spanish. Therefore, when HLLs arrive in college language classes, one important goal for them is to develop literacy skills and most academic courses reflect this aim with a curriculum heavily focused on writing. One way to support this classroom goal is to understand patterns in HLLs’ writing abilities and to implement instructional strategies that develop the weaker linguistic areas for these writers while taking advantage of their strengths.

In this workshop participants will (1) become familiar with or refresh their knowledge of the ACTFL proficiency guidelines for writing; (2) examine the linguistic profiles of Spanish HLLs illustrated through writing samples at intermediate and advanced levels, with a discussion on the strengths and weaknesses of these two levels; and (3) brainstorm concrete strategies and activities that will support progress toward achieving higher proficiency in writing.