
Landing Linguistics: Master Airport and Travel Conversations
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we develop effective communication strategies and understand the necessary vocabulary to navigate the linguistic and cultural challenges in international airport settings, especially when dealing with customs?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How do you effectively communicate in an airport setting, especially when dealing with customs?
- What are the key vocabulary and phrases needed for smooth communication at airports and customs?
- How can understanding airport-related conversations enhance your travel experience?
- Why is it important to develop clear communication skills in diverse travel environments?
- What are the cultural considerations to keep in mind when communicating in international airport settings?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Develop effective communication strategies to navigate interactions in international airport settings, especially customs.
- Acquire key vocabulary and phrases necessary for smooth and clear communication at airports and customs.
- Understand the cultural considerations involved in communicating at international airports.
- Understand the cultural considerations involved in communicating at nail shops.
- Acquire key vocabulary and phrases necessary for smooth and clear communication at nail shops.
- Develop effective communication strategies to navigate interactions at nail shops
Common Core Standards
TESOL Standards
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsMystery Airport Scenario
Students are given a mysterious envelope containing travel documents for a surprise destination. To unravel the destination, they must follow a series of clues and decode conversations related to airport situations such as customs and immigration interviews.Customs Officer for a Day
Invite a real customs officer to the classroom to discuss their experiences. Students will role-play as both travelers and customs officers, experiencing first-hand the communication challenges and language needed for such interactions.Cultural Misunderstanding Investigation
Students receive a dossier detailing a series of cultural misunderstanding incidents at airports. In groups, they will research and present solutions on how to navigate the communication complexities of traveling between different cultural landscapes.Virtual Airport Tour
Through virtual reality, students embark on a fully immersive tour of an international airport, including the customs area. As they navigate the experience, they must identify key language and communication strategies crucial for efficient travel.Airport Role-play Game
Students participate in a role-play game designed to simulate various airport scenarios. Each scenario challenges them to apply appropriate communication strategies focused on customs and other travel-related dialogues.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Passport to Conversation
In this activity, students will create a 'passport' booklet containing essential vocabulary and phrases needed for navigating various airport and customs scenarios. This exercise will help them build a personal lexicon of terms essential for effective communication in international travel settings.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA personalized passport booklet with categorized airport and customs phrases.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with CCRA.L.6 as students acquire domain-specific vocabulary for airport communication.Cultural Context Clues
Through researching and discussing various cultural norms and behaviors, students will learn cultural nuances that influence communication in airport settings. This activity enhances understanding of how cultural sensitivity impacts communication effectiveness.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA group presentation on cultural considerations for airport communication.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with CCRA.L.3 by applying knowledge of language in different cultural contexts.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioLanding Linguistics Assessment Rubric
Vocabulary Acquisition and Usage
Assessment of student's ability to acquire, categorize, and apply domain-specific vocabulary relevant to airport and customs communication.Vocabulary Research and Organization
Measures the effectiveness of research and organization of relevant airport and customs phrases in a structured format.
Exemplary
4 PointsConducts comprehensive research identifying all essential phrases; organizes these clearly into well-defined categories with logical structure.
Proficient
3 PointsIdentifies most essential phrases with thorough research; organizes phrases into categories with clear structure.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies some essential phrases with basic research; categories are present but may lack clear structure.
Beginning
1 PointsMinimal research conducted; categories are unclear or incomplete, lacking logical organization.
Vocabulary Application
Assesses the application of acquired vocabulary in practical passport booklet or role-play scenarios.
Exemplary
4 PointsApplies all acquired vocabulary accurately and effectively in passport booklet and scenarios showing nuanced understanding.
Proficient
3 PointsApplies most acquired vocabulary accurately with minor errors, demonstrating good understanding.
Developing
2 PointsApplies some vocabulary with inconsistencies or errors that affect understanding.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to apply vocabulary correctly; frequent errors hinder communication.
Cultural Awareness and Interpretation
Evaluates the understanding of cultural considerations and ability to integrate this understanding into communication strategies.Cultural Research and Insight
Assesses depth of research and insight into cultural norms impacting communication.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates deep insight into cultural norms with extensive research; identifies key nuances and provides thorough analysis.
Proficient
3 PointsShows good understanding of cultural norms; research is solid and analysis insightful.
Developing
2 PointsDisplays basic understanding and research of cultural norms; analysis lacks depth.
Beginning
1 PointsLimited understanding and minimal research; analysis is superficial.
Cultural Application
Measures the ability to apply cultural insights to enhance communication effectiveness in presentations.
Exemplary
4 PointsIntegrates cultural insights effectively into communication strategies, demonstrating understanding and sensitivity.
Proficient
3 PointsApplies cultural insights appropriately with minor inaccuracies; mostly demonstrates cultural sensitivity.
Developing
2 PointsAttempts to apply cultural insights; some misinterpretations or lack of sensitivity present.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to apply cultural insights; frequent misunderstandings impact communication negatively.
Collaboration and Presentation Skills
Assesses group work dynamics, presentation quality, and communication skills demonstrated during group activities and presentations.Group Collaboration
Evaluates participation, cooperation, and collaborative dynamics within group activities.
Exemplary
4 PointsLeads collaboration with strong contributions; actively engages and supports group dynamics effectively.
Proficient
3 PointsParticipates actively with constructive contributions; works well within group settings.
Developing
2 PointsShows some participation; contribution is inconsistent, with room for improvement in engagement.
Beginning
1 PointsMinimal participation; relies heavily on group members with limited contribution.
Presentation Delivery
Assesses clarity, organization, and effectiveness of information delivery during presentations.
Exemplary
4 PointsDelivers presentations with clarity, and precise organization; engages audience effectively demonstrating exceptional communication skills.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents clearly with good organization; engages audience showing adequate communication skills.
Developing
2 PointsPresentation lacks clarity or organization at times; attempts audience engagement but with limited success.
Beginning
1 PointsPresentation is unclear or disorganized; struggles to engage audience effectively.