Learning Languages

The purpose and integrity behind the AHS World Language Department

Even though learning a new language is very difficult, the World Language Department at Anderson High School effectively helps its students embrace the challenge of acquiring a completely new vocabulary. The teachers love helping students comprehend the languages they teach and develop their abilities to speak them. 

“My favorite thing [about teaching Spanish] is watching the kids learn something new and build their confidence,” Ella Campos, AHS Spanish teacher, said. 

The teachers also enjoy seeing their students improve as they gain confidence in the subject and become better at speaking the language. 

“I really like watching how much [the students] progress,” Spanish teacher Analise Petsche said. 

They are always looking for the best ways to help their students learn, mainly by doing so through activities that practice their skills. The teachers ensure to do different daily activities with their classes, covering a wide variety of Spanish content and topics, ensuring students are exposed to as much Spanish culture and language as possible. 

“We try to do a little bit of listening, a little bit of watching a video, worksheets, writing... [and] some speaking activities,” Petsche said. 

“I like to change activities so it’s not always the same,” Campos said. 

One way they encourage student understanding is through games that help them practice their language skills, as they believe it's less boring for the students when they’re learning by competing with their classmates. 

“I feel like students are more engaged and more motivated to learn when it's games,” Bryce Zhang, AHS Mandarin teacher, said. 

Surely, the teachers are driven by their love for languages and the desire to help students become the best, well-rounded people. They enjoyed learning them while in school and strive daily to pass the love and appreciation of foreign languages to their current students. 

“It keeps me young,” Zhang said.