CALLA+Approach

CALLA Approach

The Cognitive Academic Language Learning Approach (CALLA) is a research-based, cognitive-social theoretical model. It's implementation includes academic language that focuses on literacy and explicit instruction in learning strategies. The CALLA curriculum content draws on students' prior experiental and cultural knowledge. It involved hands-on activities and cooperative learning. The CALLA focuses on literacy in all subject areas and aims at the developing language awareness.

CALLA has four components:
 * Cognitive learning model: Learning is mentally active and based on prior knowledge.
 * Curriculum content: Content topics are aligned with national and state standards.
 * Academic language: Langauge development is integrated throughout the curriculum.
 * Learning strategies: Metacognitive awareness, explicit instruction, and scaffolding.

CALLA:
 * Promotes academic and language development.
 * Benefits diverse students.
 * Draws on higher level thinking skills.
 * has been documented as effective.
 * motivates students.

CALLA has five phases:
 * 1) Preparation
 * 2) Presentation
 * 3) Practice
 * 4) Self-evaluation
 * 5) Expansion

The following link is to a list of resources about the Cognitive Academic Language Learning Approach. http://www.gwu.edu/~calla/website/references.html