Pedagogy
Whether relocating for lifestyle choice, making a move for employment purposes, or moving abroad for any other purpose, learning a new language to engage with locals can be a daunting task. ¡¿Sos Tico?! can be used to supplement traditional language learning methods. It provides an interactive and engaging way for users to practice their language skills. In his BBC article “Secrets of Learning a New Language - Quickly”, Rob Budden (2015) discussed some of the pedagogical strategies that help lead to success, strategies that are incorporated into the learning environment that you are currently using.
Learning New Material
Phrasebooks & online tutorials are a helpful resource as one begins the process of learning a language and integrating into a new setting. Having phrases to try out, to begin engaging with locals, is helpful in starting out with confidence. As our users already have proficiency with the Spanish language, new material comes in the form of Costa Rican specific phrases and language use.
Meaningful, Guided Inquiry
The Strategy of ¡¿Sos Tico?! is not to begin with traditional formal language learning, but rather to allow users to explore the language and construct their learning based on their day-to-day needs. The app allows learners to choose the methods that work best for them, whether that is listening and speaking exercises, vocabulary building exercises, common phrases or cultural content.
Situated Practice in Our Learning Community
Consistency is key when learning a new language. Practicing these phrases before arrival in Costa Rica, as this tool encourages, will help prepare you for a quick integration. Connect with other users in our Community Hub, chatting and sharing experiences. You will find support in others who are planning a similar journey. Learning about the culture of the country you’re in is just as important as learning the language. Engage with the app’s cultural content, such as videos, articles, and podcasts, to gain a deeper understanding of Costa Rican culture and customs. The strength of ¡¿Sos Tico?! is that it is designed to be used in real-world situations to help facilitate language learning in real world communities. Once in Costa Rica, the app will continue to be an important tool.
¡¿Sos Tico?! can also be integrated into classroom instruction, allowing teachers to monitor students’ progress and adjust instruction accordingly.
Immersive Practice - in Costa Rica!
Immersion is an impetus for acceleration, and our users have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Costa Rican society. Users will be challenged by ¡¿Sos Tico?! to practice Spanish in a variety of settings, and this gamification is intended to make learning fun, engaging, and challenging. As users enter grocery stores, walk the streets, head to the pharmacy, and engage with locals in other daily environments, they will try out assigned vocabulary and phrases with the experts - native Costa Ricans (colloquially known as “Ticos”).
Feedback is a critical part of learning and development. Users will be tasked with taking the step to seek feedback from willing locals as well as the community of other app users. After trying their assigned tasks, they are encouraged to directly ask for feedback. Did I say that correctly? Is that how you would phrase that? How can I do better?