Since I was a Spanish major, I would like to think that there should be a language requirement at the university level, but I'm not sure if that is a reality. It certainly could be worked into the general education courses, but doing this may cause many students to dread taking a foreign language. In my experience many students become overwhelmed by attempting to communicate in a language they do not know or that they have to learn from square one. They shut it out because they think that all they will learn are formulas for conjugating verbs or have to memorize list after list of new vocabulary words.
In place of a required foreign language class then, I would propose a required foreign culture class with introductory language elements. I think the first step is getting students interested in learning another language and showing them why it would be important to learn. Many university students may come to college with prior knowledge of a language, but I have found that in high school not that many actually learn about culture. I know this too from personal experience. I became a Spanish major by chance. I had a free class my freshman year so I decided to take Spanish because it has always been relatively simple for me in high school. Only when I took that first course at UNH however did I really learn about culture in Spanish speaking countries. That being said, it was the culture and the real world application of Spanish that made me want to continue with the language. I truly think that this can be the hook needed at upper levels for students are not already interested in the language.
Finally, I believe that languages should be incorporated into all learning starting in the elementary school. If this can be done, then a required course at the university level would be very possible. From an early age, expose to another language would only be a positive thing. It would open doors for students to become fluent in many languages and communicate with people around the world. They do this in many counties in Europe and I think that we could all learn from their example to improve foreign language education here in the United States.
Love the idea of introducing early Spanish students to more culture-based lessons rather than grammar and vocab type things. I think that that is a great way to get students interested in another language and then we, as teachers, can keep pushing the idea that it is SO important to be aware of other cultures and languages other than our own. Connecting people across the globe is much more powerful and beneficial than connecting people across local communities.
ReplyDeleteI also love your idea of an introductory culture class! I agree that language classes can sound/be really intimidating for students, especially at the university level. From my own experience as a freshman Spanish major at UNH, I was scared out of my mind when I entered "Spanish 503!" It sounded so advanced to me and I was so nervous that everyone in the class was going to be so much better than I was. I feel like that fear is very common among university students, especially freshmen, because everyone is coming from different places and different backgrounds and ending up in these classes together! If there were introductory culture classes that also had some focus on language, I think many students would feel more at ease and would be more willing to explore these types of classes.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with you about learning the cultural aspect of a language. I feel like many beginning Spanish classes are all about knowing the rules of conjugations and sentence structures. There are so many awesome things about the culture that could be taught to really reel students in. I also agree with you 100% on your last point. Language really should be taught at the elementary school level. You are at such a better age to engage and take in all the information. Your minds are more open to new things and solidified. I feel like if we started teaching languages early on, just like in other countries, there would be much more of an interest for it.
ReplyDeleteI think you hit the nail on the head! I think this introductory culture class would be a fantastic way for students to learn basic elements of foreign languages and cultures, without being inundated and overwhelmed. This class would be a useful alternative for students who have had trouble studying languages in the past, as well as students who want a broader view of foreign languages and their cultures. One thing your post made me consider is that maybe one possible solution to the problem of realistically incorporating language classes could be to require one summer of foreign language learning, instead of courses during the academic year. This may relieve some of the stress some students feel with language courses, as well as provide them with real opportunities to study and focus on the new language.
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