Commonly asked questions?

1) Is your class entirely in Spanish?

A

Yes, my class is conducted in the target language as to facilitate a simulated immersion atmosphere. Usually, the class is conducted at a rate of 95% or higher in the target language which is congruance with the American Council of Teachers of Foreign Languages guidlines which is the council responsible for the National Standards for Foreign Language.

The class is setup to simulate an ESL (English as a Second Language) classroom where there is no common language between the students that the teacher can use to use translation techniques. The research coming out of ESL classrooms has proven that on average the ESL students were learning at a higher rate of comprehension than the students whom had been introduced to previous methods (including translational techniques). Therefore, this method of "English only" ESL classroom methodology has been transferred to a "Spanish only" Spanish classroom.

2) Why do you teach like this?

A

Imagine that your son or daughter is currently taking a "Computer Applications" class here at Juniata Valley. After a few weeks you ask your son or daughter a question about the programs that they are using in class, to which your son or daughter replies; "What programs? We don't use any programs in our class..."

You begin to ask your him or her about the class and what they do in the class, to which he or she replies; "We don't even have computers in our class. We only talk about computers and computer programs and what they can do."

Imagine the frustration that you would feel, the concern about his or her education, "How could they not use computers in a computer class?" you ask yourself...

Now imagine this situation in a language...."We don't speak Spanish in Spanish class, we just learn about it."

This doesn't and will not happen in my class.

3) Q How can I (or my son or daughter) learn anything when you speak completely in Spanish?

A

We use a proven method of language acquisition called "Negotiation of Meaning", which is a process of deciphering meaning from a symbol that is known. These symbols can be pictures, motions, actions, word relation and anything that can help a student properly categorize his or her reality in the target language. This process involves "ethnosemantics" which is the ability of the human brain to categorize experiences according to their perception. This does not involve English translations, as that would not provide the experience needed in the target language to properly categorize the learner's reality.

Basically, it is the same manner in which all people learn their first language. If your son or daughter is paying attention, your son or daughter will learn Spanish!

4) Q Why does my son or daughter need to take a World Language?

A

Most colleges and universities require three or four years of language study for admission and many require a placement exam. Also, more and more majors require a minimum number of language credits as part of the major course of study. The rigor of the immersion class prepares students well for university level language study.

As well, The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages states that the research has proven that learning a second language:

* Has a positive effect on intellectual growth.

* Enriches and enhances a child's mental development.

* Improves a child's understanding of his/her native language.

* Gives a child the ability to communicate with people s/he would otherwise not have the chance to know.

* Opens the door to other cultures and helps a child understand and appreciate people from other countries.

* Gives a student a head start in language requirements for college.

* Increases job opportunities in many careers where knowing another language is a real asset.

5) Q What is this "Survivor" game that you play in your class?

A

"Sobrevivientes" is a version of the television show game show Survivor in which the students are placed in "tribes" in which they compete in activities and games while only speaking in Spanish. Any time a student would speak in English they are given a warning, after the warning should they speak in English again, they would be eliminated from the tribe. The tribe that wins the most competitions will receive the most "Dolares" which are used to buy certain prizes and classroom perks. This game is played in class in order to simulate an immersion atmosphere. More information about "Sobrevivientes" can be found on my "About Survivor" link.

6) Q What are these "Dolares" that my son/daughter is talking about?

A

I use "Dolares" to "pay" my students for participating in class and for winning classroom competitions. These Dolares are "banked" in my gradebook for participation points. They can then use them to buy items in the "Survivor Store".

7) Q What is simulated immersion?

A

In this type of classroom, it is the instructor's job to communicate entirely in the target language with the students and negotiate meaning with them to ensure comprehension. To do this we use visuals, symbols, pictures, gestures, facial expressions, power point presentations, photographs, maps, flashcards, chalkboard drawings and acting out words. The game "Survivor" ensures that all students are always trying to negotiate meaning in the target language. Students who are awake and engaged will understand and will learn! This teaching technique has been proven in the classroom setting to be the most effective way to learn a language, other than true cultural immersion. More information can be found by clicking on the "About Simulated Immersion" link .

8) Q How does effort create ability in language acquisition?

A

Language acquisition is an effort-based endeavor; there are no short cuts. The average person of average intelligence needs approximately 750+ hours of contact to become functionally proficient. The goal of the simulated immersion class is to get every student as close to this level as possible. Therefore, the whole class is conducted in the target language. Students are required to speak to me and to each other exclusively in the target language. This is the only way to learn. They are also encouraged to listen to music, read magazines and newspapers, watch movies and speak to each other in the target language outside of class.

In the simulated immersion class, more than in most others, "effort creates ability" is the key. Students are given unlimited possibilities to re-do, re-submit- re-work and demonstrate they are acquiring the language. Any student can receive the grade he/she desires with more effort

9) Q How is the world language class rigorous?

A

The simulated immersion classroom is very rigorous. Students are required to use upper level thinking skills and problem solving skills continually to figure out ways to express their ideas and figure out what is being said. There is no time for daydreaming or off task behavior! Also, students are required to synthesize new concepts and ideas with prior learning and expand what they are able to express and understand. Students are expected to be prolific in speaking, writing and listening in all three modes of communication; interpersonal, interpretative and presentational. All activities are part of their grade.

10) Q Why don't you teach using the "translation" method?

A

This method was contrived in order to read ancient texts and to understand the origins of modern grammar rules and the influences that Ancient Greek and Latin had on them. Grammar translation requires memorization of grammar rules and lists of vocabulary. This method only focuses on areas of the brain that involve short term memory skills. These short term memory areas of the brain do not allow the brain to develop language fluency skills. More information can be found at my "Why We Don't Teach With Translation" page to left.

11) Q Where did you learn Spanish?

A

I grew up bilingual. I lived in Spain in which I went to school there. My mother is English and she only spoke English with us, also every summer we went to England to spend time with family. Also in Spanish schools they offer foreign languages at an early age.

12) Q Why is it taking you so long to grade things that my child has turned in already?

A

All assignments are graded in a timely manner, usually 2-3 days. If your son or daughter hasn't had their assignment graded yet there are two reasons for the delay. First, you son or daughter hasn't turned in the assignment yet. Second, your son or daughter has turned in the assignment LATE; I accept all late work until the end of the nine weeks, however my grading priority is with current and on time assignments. Work that is turned in late may take extended periods of time to be graded. If you want your son or daughters' grade to remain current; remind him or her to turn in their work ON TIME.