AoA–External Resources
These external resources have been curated based on the suggestions and experience of teachers and academics across Canada, and they include more detailed information on AoA concepts, tools to create activities, and adaptable materials.
eBooks and handbooks đź“–
Action-oriented Approach Handbook (cost)
This paid resource is a comprehensive guide to AoA published by CASLT. It includes all relevant concepts, how to create AoA tasks, and numerous sample scenarios.
Action-oriented Approach Infosheet – Council of Europe
This 2-page PDF resource provides a clear and complete written introduction to the Action-oriented Approach. Created by the Council of Europe in connection with the CEFR.
Action-oriented Approach Toolkit (cost)
This paid Action-Oriented Approach Toolkit provides an overview of the CEFR; sample action-oriented tasks for the A1, A2, B1, and B2 levels; a fully developed A2 scenario with a selection of ready-to-use/modifiable subtasks; and a walk through of scenario development.
Action-oriented Plurilingual Task Template (Galante, 2023)
This document is a fillable template that teachers can adapt and edit for their own use. It is designed to support teachers in developing action-oriented, plurilingual tasks.
Plurilingual Lab AoA Overview Booklet
This downloadable PDF booklet provides a detailed explanation of plurilingual strategies in the action-oriented approach and provides sample tasks. Includes 10 adaptable sample tasks.
Task-based Learning in Durham Region
This project, funded by the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration – Municipal Immigration Information Online (MIIO), was a joint venture between Dr. Enrica Piccardo, OISE – University of Toronto, the Regional Municipality of Durham, and the Durham District School Board.
User/Learner as a Social Agent Infosheet – Council of Europe
This 2-page PDF resource provides a clear and complete written introduction to the user/learner as a social agent. Created by the Council of Europe in connection with the CEFR.
Podcasts and videos 🎙️📹
AoA Video Capsule – Council of Europe
This is an 8 minute introductory video on the Action-Oriented Approach. It provides a visual and auditory overview of the Action-oriented Approach from the Council of Europe.
Action-oriented Scenario Template Tutorial – LINCDIRE
This 13 minute video tutorial explains how to use the AoA Task Template and takes users step by step through creating and developing a scenario. Includes examples for each step in the scenario creation process.
ELT is full of disasters – Enrica Piccardo
This podcast episode includes a discussion on the shortcomings of methodologies/ approaches presently used in ELT/ESL and in language education in general; mediation; and plurilingualism in the classroom.
Tutorial on the AoA – LINCDIRE
This 5 minute tutorial from the LINCDIRE project provides a visual and auditory dive into the Action-oriented approach. This overview introduces learners as social agents, competences, tasks, and the implications of the Action-Oriented approach.
Websites 🛜
Action-oriented scenario webs
A collection of fully developed CEFR scenarios from the Ontario CEFR Eastern REgion Working Group. Specifically, it provides task-based modules for Core French and French Immersion educators from Grades 4-10.
AoA Overview – CASLT
A concise introduction to AoA with key concepts briefly explained, a brief intro to planning/assessment, and additional resources linked for futher exploration. From the Canadian Association of Second Language Teachers (CASLT).
AoA scenarios (French) – FIDE
The FIDE scenario database is divided into eleven fields of action. Each of them centers on an important area of ​​everyday life (e.g. Children, Work or Administration) and comprises several scenarios.
CEFR Website
The website includes: the CEFR new edition (2020) in multiple languages; short videos on plurilingualism; the learner as a social agent; the Action-oriented approach; short texts on the key concepts; recording of web workshops with handouts and PPTs in English and French on practical applications of plurilingualism, the AoA etc.
Course modules on Plurilingualism – Apatche
This resource helps university instructors and teacher developers to embed plurilingualism in their courses, and to understand the core tenets of plurilingualism. It includes course modules for teacher professional development.
En route vers la littĂ©ratie: Cheminement pour les dĂ©butants – OMLTA
Un projet collaboratif, créé par des enseignants de FLS pour les enseignants d’immersion française de première année de l’Ontario. Les modules et les leçons ont été conçus autour de l’utilisation d’une tâche orientée vers l’action afin de développer le langage oral des élèves en début d’apprentissage.
Language Quests for the German Class (German)
German resource. Excellent examples of Sprachenquests which are small projects (very similar to scenarios) all complete with materials and guidance. Each example includes a downloadable PPT and PDF.
Lingu@num How To Website
This project allows teachers to discover and learn to develop digital tasks to use with your students. It includes modules for teachers, trainers, and learners. Focus on technology-driven action-oriented tasks.
The action-oriented approach – CEFR Website
This webpage includes a short introductory paragraph on the AoA and provides links to comprehensive videos, workshops, documents and articles on the action-oriented approach. Eleven different links to additional learning in total.
UNICollaboration Virtual Exchange
Some resources are only available to members. A professional organization and resource site that promotes the integration of virtual exchange in language education and other areas. The site also hosts an area for teachers to find virtual partners and includes a list of resources/projects.