Introduction to Orientation in Space and Time
In your MYP Language Acquisition course, we don't just learn words and grammar rules in a vacuum. We use Global Contexts to give our learning meaning. This chapter focuses on Orientation in Space and Time. This context helps us explore "where" and "when" we are. We look at personal histories, journeys, discoveries, and how our past shapes our present.
Whether you are just starting (emergent), getting comfortable (capable), or highly skilled (proficient), this guide will help you understand how to use English to talk about the world around you and the history behind it.
What does "Orientation in Space and Time" actually mean?
Think of this context as a map and a timeline of human life. It covers three main areas:
1. Personal Histories: Your own story, your family's journey, and your home.
2. Human Journeys: How people move from place to place (migration, travel, and exploration).
3. Turning Points: Big moments in history or discoveries that changed how we live today.
Did you know? Language changes over time! The way people spoke English \(100\) years ago is different from how we speak it today. Studying "time" helps us see how language evolves.
Key Vocabulary and Concepts
To succeed in this chapter, you need to use language that describes position (space) and sequence (time).
1. Talking about Space (Where)
In Criterion D (Writing), you will use prepositions of place and descriptive adjectives to explain where things are. Example: "The ancient ruins are located beyond the mountains, near the coast."
2. Talking about Time (When)
You will use different tenses to show when things happened. - Past Tenses: To talk about history or your childhood. - Present Tenses: To talk about current geographical facts. - Future Tenses: To talk about upcoming journeys or the future of our planet.
3. Related Concepts: Word Choice and Idioms
The words you choose change depending on your audience and purpose. - Formal: "The migration patterns of the \(19^{th}\) century..." - Informal: "My family moved here a few years ago because..."
Quick Tip: Look out for idioms related to time and space, like "time flies" (time goes fast) or "on top of the world" (very happy).
How You Will Be Assessed
In the MYP, you are graded on four equally weighted criteria. Here is how "Orientation in Space and Time" fits into each one:
Criterion A: Listening
You might listen to a spoken multimodal text, such as a travel podcast or a historical documentary. - Phase 1-2: You will identify basic facts (e.g., "Where did the traveler go?"). - Phase 3-4: You will draw conclusions (e.g., "Why was the journey difficult?"). - Phase 5-6: You will analyse the speaker's attitudes and global perspective on a historical event.
Criterion B: Reading
You might read a written multimodal text, like a map with captions, a diary entry from an explorer, or a history article. - Important: Pay attention to visual aspects. A photo of an old city or a timeline provides clues to the text's meaning.
Criterion C: Speaking
You will interact with others to discuss topics of personal or global significance. - Example Task: Discussing how your town has changed over the last \(50\) years. - Goal: Move from rehearsed (practiced) exchanges to unrehearsed (natural) conversations.
Criterion D: Writing
You will write for a specific audience and purpose. - Example Task: Writing a blog post about a "turning point" in your life or a letter describing a new place you visited. - Focus: Use cohesive devices (words like firstly, later, consequently, and finally) to organize your ideas in a logical time sequence.
Summary of Phase Progression
Don't worry if you find the higher phases difficult! Everyone moves up the "depth ladder" at their own pace. Here is a simple breakdown:
Emergent Level (Phases 1-2): You focus on identifying main ideas and using basic vocabulary. You can describe your immediate surroundings and simple personal history.
Capable Level (Phases 3-4): You begin to understand conventions (like how a biography is structured) and draw conclusions about why people moved or how time changed a place.
Proficient Level (Phases 5-6): You analyse texts from a global perspective. You can discuss complex ideas like the long-term impact of a discovery using a wide range of vocabulary and styles.
Quick Review: Top Tips for Success
1. Check the Context: Always ask yourself: "Is this about a specific place (Space) or a specific era (Time)?"
2. Look at the Visuals: In Criteria A and B, images, layouts, and maps are just as important as the words. They help convey "ideas, values, and attitudes."
3. Organize Your Writing: When writing about time, use a chronological (time-order) structure. Use words like previously or subsequently to guide your reader.
4. Watch Your Tenses: Mixing up the past and present is a common mistake. Double-check your verb endings when describing historical events!
Note: This chapter is part of the "Global Contexts" section. For other contexts like "Identities and relationships" or "Globalization and sustainability," please see the respective chapters.