Homework

When I hear the question “is homework appropriate for a foreign language class,” the first response that pops into my mind is yes. With that being said however, I think it’s very important that teachers use their best judgment to create meaningful, worthwhile assignments for their students. In my opinion, homework on a particular lesson should be given after the lesson is taught in class, not before. I think the lesson should be introduced, taught, and explained in class because that is where the students will get their basic understanding of the concepts. That is also where the students can ask any questions they might have while learning the new material. After that, I think the students should go home and use their homework to practice what they learned in class that day. The only time that I think it is acceptable for teachers to assign homework for a lesson that has not yet been covered in class is when that assignment is simply to read over that next lesson and become familiar with the ideas. I had many classes in high school where this idea was reversed: the students would go home, read a chapter of the book (covering brand new topics), do the accompanying homework assignments, and come to class the next day with questions. I’ve never liked that method because it seems to me like the students are teaching themselves! Many of my teachers in high school said that they liked this method of teaching/assigning homework because it was good for students to “discover things on their own.” So basically, the students taught themselves the major concepts, and then the teachers answered their questions the next day in class (if there were any questions). I don’t agree with this method because I think teachers are there to teach their students and that is what they should do. Sure, sometimes it’s good for students to “discover” and “explore” new ideas and concepts on their own, but not all the time. I also despise the idea of “busy-work” for homework—in other words, work that is not meant to teach much of anything, but just meant to keep a student busy (ex. coloring, word searches, etc.).  I was assigned a lot of busy-work throughout high school and all it did was waste time. I’m not going to learn anything by coloring a picture of a burrito, or by searching for the words “pedir” and “jugar” in a word search. Homework should not be assigned just to take up your students’ time—they have better things to do. Students should be taught new ideas and concepts in class by the teacher, and homework should be used to practice those ideas that are important for the students’ success in the class.

As for the video, I thought it was fun to watch and I would probably show it to my students. I know that the study habits mentioned in the video do not work for everyone (for example, I cannot listen to music, chew gum, or snack on anything while I’m trying to study), but I think this video is just meant to help people feel a little better about their homework load. If you try the methods suggested here and they do not work for you, you do not have to use them. If you try the methods suggested here and they do work for you, than you’ve found yourself new study habits and that’s great.

 

 

Role of Homework

Homework is always appropriate for a foreign language class and it should be used to reinforce what was taught in class and what concepts the teacher wants the students to practice more. With learning foreign languages, memorization and repetitive practice is what helps beginning students learn vocabulary, grammar rules, sentence form and structure and is also what reinforces these necessary things to learn for students that have been taking a foreign language for many years. As it should be used as a method of reinforcing the method that was taught during class, I believe homework should always be given after the lesson is taught so that the student is not confused and spending more time than necessary trying to figure out how to do their homework rather than actually doing it, which is what I feel happens most of the time when homework is assigned before the lesson has been taught – why would you want to confuse your students more by assigning them homework dealing with concepts that have not been explained to them and run the risk of potentially confusing them? In my own foreign language class experience, I always find that when the teacher assigns a few exercises after the lesson has been taught, I retain the information more than I would had the exercises been assigned before the lesson was taught because I would just spend the majority of the time trying to figure out what the teacher was asking me to do without having learned the lesson. Homework can be improperly used when the teacher simply assigns too much homework just for the sake of giving students something to do. Too many exercises grow tiresome and cause students to lose interest, but on the other hand, assigning only a few exercises can be pointless and not enough work to reinforce the students’ knowledge.

I don’t think I would show my students the video about homework/studying tips because I don’t think some of the tips are that helpful, but I would advise them about the study habits that I myself and many people I know find useful. As someone who is easily distracted, I always find that chewing gum or listening to music while I study helps me focus more and drowns out the other distractions or things going on around me. I also think that studying in an organized space or by some natural light is a great tip and it actually helps me focus whenever I am studying so I would advise my students to follow those tips. 

Role of Homework

I think that homework in foreign language classes is appropriate to assign after a lesson.  One of the best ways to learn a language is to practice, however you cannot expect students to know how to do something before you explain it.  In other classes like history or science, pre-reading may be useful before a new lesson, but it is all at least in a language that students understand.  Having students do language homework before they know how to do it would just confuse and frustrate them.  That being said, a student that comes to class already frustrated would be unlikely to participate or engage in the learning process.  They might think that the new language will always be too difficult or that they will never understand it.  For those reasons I do not think it ever appropriate to assign homework before an upcoming lesson that will teach students something new.

As for assigning homework after learning a concept, I think this is perfectly acceptable.  With the current education system we have, students are only practicing or speaking a foreign language for 45 to 60 minutes a day, five days a week.  This is not enough time for many people to develop a deep understanding of language concepts.  A bit of extra practice is necessary.  This is where homework can be very helpful.  For example, if students learn to conjugate verbs in class, they very well may forget how to do it by the next class or over the weekend.  If homework is assigned, then students will be able to practice the concepts they learned in class and a continuous learning process can occur.  I do not think that homework has to be assigned every single night, but based on how the class is doing.  As a teacher you will be able to tell what students are struggling with and what they need more practice with.  These are the types of things that should be assigned for homework and then worked on more extensively in class.  Overall, in my opinion practice is the only thing that will improve language ability and therefore homework is definitely important.

As for the video, I do not think I would show it to my students, but I would give them some of that advice.  I would not show it to them simply because of the mention of listening to music.  In my school we have to tell students to put away their music to listen to instruction all the time.  I wouldn’t want them to confuse listening to music while doing homework with listening to music during instruction periods.  I do however allow my students to listen to music when they are working individually because it certainly does help some people.

Discussion #2: Role of Homework

When (if ever) is homework appropriate for a foreign language class? How should it be used? Do you feel it is ever improperly used? Should homework be given before or after the lesson is taught. Exchange ideas with your peers and be sure to use examples to support your opinions.

 Will you show your students this view? Why and why not?

 

Foreign Language Requirement at the University Level

I believe that it is important for all people to study and learn a second language. My opinion does, however, only refers to a certain level of schooling. By the time we are the University level, we already have an idea, sometimes an exact knowledge, of what we wish to become certified in and have a degree in. I think that although students may still discover that they are unsure of what they want to do when they are older, they usually generally know that they have an interest in art, science, math, ect. I don't believe that forcing them into taking a foreign language is necessary because if people think the subject is interesting, they will make it a part of their lives. In my own case, I believe that required science classes for instance are of little use to me at the University level. I already have a brief understanding of science concepts and ideas, but I am not trying to become an expert in that field. If this question was asking about having foreign language required in elementary, middle or even high school, my answer would be very different. I believe that the purpose of attending college is to become more proficient in the field (and relating fields) that you will be working in once you graduate.

If we can teach our students to have an interest in foreign language at a young age, then we can hope that this interest stays with them later in life.  If they have even a small understanding of the importance of learning a second language, then they may try to make learning a second language into part of their lives.  Although I believe that it is important for all people to learn a second language, I do not necessarily believe that it is useful for every person.  Some people find jobs and social situations where a foreign language is useful, but others may never encounter a situation like this. I believe that teaching a foreign language in Elementary, Middle and High School is important to demonstrate the importance of this subject for all students.  For example, if I was never taught science in school (or only a few days a week throughout my education) I would not have an interest in the subject.  I understand that science is important to learn and have a basic understanding of in life, but I do not find it very useful in my everyday life.  This is how many people approach learning a foreign language.  They understand that it COULD have use in their life, but they do not have an interest in it.  This is why I believe that taking a required foreign language class at the university level may sometimes lead students to have an interest in the subject, but I believe that case is rare.

Foreign Language Requirement

     This issue of foreign language requirements has been discussed quite a bit since I entered UNH as a freshman three years ago. Although I believe my opinion on this topic is a very biased one considering the fact that I am a Spanish major, I still think it's important to push the idea that it is crucial that universities across the country have a language requirement for their students.

     It is evident that my opinion on the need for a language requirement has only gotten stronger since I studied abroad in Spain last year. For five months I had the opportunity to live and observe the European lifestyle. I ended up leaving the country with a new perspective on how their society is run in comparison to the American way of life, which had been my only source of reference on how a seemingly "successful" nation operates. If the Europeans that I interacted with during my semester abroad had not known English, I wouldn't have felt even remotely safe and comfortable as I had. This is not to say that I couldn't communicate with them in Spanish, but if you have a chance to speak your native language with others in a new places, it is definitely more comfortable especially in times of urgency and stress. Once I realized that just about everyone has to learn English at some point during their schooling, I was embarrassed to admit that we Americans hardly put emphasis on the importance of other cultures and languages outside our own. There's no doubt that as a collective nation, we are viewed as selfish and narrow-minded by other developed countries. The fact that almost every person I came in contact with while in Spain could articulate some form of a conversation with me in English, caused me to feel humiliated that most Americans are not interested or competent enough to do the same in a second language.

   The benefits to learning a foreign language are so significant especially in today's society where we have access to products, services, and information from around the world that may only be taken advantage of if someone knows and understand the language and/or culture of that source. Living in America, it's very easy to forget that there are other people who live a different life from us thousands of miles across the globe. To me, learning a foreign language is all about networking with others. It doesn't mean you have to agree with their cultural values or beliefs, but it does help us all as human beings to continue to relate to each other and work together regardless of where we are from or how we were brought up. People of foreign cultures will always have something unique to bring to the table, just as us Americans have great ideas and opinions to share as well. Making connections and bridging cultures, we can all progress as one.

   Although there are almost no negative aspects to learning a new language, the only one that I consistently hear is that it is "too difficult" or "it takes years to become fluent". Both of those assumptions carry truths; yes it is very difficult and time consuming when one decides to take on another language. I understand that language-learning is not a strong skill for everyone, just as I don't have any scientific skills in my entire body. However, what I do not tolerate is when others simply don't put forth any effort to learning new languages. I don't sympathize with those people who claim language-learning is "too hard" or "doesn't stick" in their mind when they didn't attempt to get something out of their 7th grade Spanish class or a one hour French lesson. Simply put, those who don't try will never learn, regardless of the subject matter.

  To conclude why I believe foreign languages should be required at the university level, it is my hope that one day I will never hear the "everyone should just learn English" argument. Not only is that one of the most egotistical comments I have ever heard an American say (and I've heard it quite a few times...), it is unrealistic. Not everyone is as fortunate as us to have the resources to perfect their English or even their own native language, nor is it one of their priorities to conform to English learning practices and adapt the culture that comes with the language. Everyone should have the right to preserve their own language and culture, regardless of how many people they do or do not share it with. I cannot emphasize it enough-- foreign languages are what bring character and diversity to a society. If we could unite people of different backgrounds together through simple communication techniques, we would create stronger bridges from one culture to another and that's something we can all benefit from.

Foreign Language Requirements

I believe that a foreign language should be required for all students at the university. While some students may know what they would already like to major in when they begin college, some may not and may be confused upon entering college. Exposing students to foreign languages can perhaps open their eyes to majors or even minors that they had not thought they would be interested in at first, but after taking a course they discover that they want to continue in that foreign language. If general education courses such as math, science, history, etc., are required at the university level, then foreign languages should be as well. Even after just taking a foreign language for a semester or two could equip students with skills in a foreign language that could help them later in life, whether it be when they are job searching or even just traveling to other countries. With a country that is as diverse as the United States is, it is important to have at least a basic knowledge when it comes to a foreign language. In my opinion, being required to study a foreign language at the university level can help students greatly whether it is in the present or in their futures after graduation; knowing a foreign language, no matter how basic the students’ knowledge may be, cannot hurt them but only help them.

With a world that is constantly shifting and changing with different countries becoming more and more powerful in the world economy, it is not only important for students to take a foreign language course at the university level but it is quickly becoming a necessity. While English has been the dominant global language for many years, other languages such as Chinese and Japanese are becoming more and more important languages to know within certain industries such as business. Not only is knowing a foreign language important for working in certain industries, but it is important when traveling as well. Simply by taking a Spanish course (whether it is required or not), one can suddenly unlock a language that is spoken by many countries in the world. Requiring students to take a foreign language course, ANY foreign language course, not only can help them in their personal lives whether it be with traveling to foreign countries, but can also help them in their professional lives in the future should they decide to work in an industry where knowing one or more foreign languages can be beneficial to them and could even potentially be a skill that helps future employers decide to hire them for jobs.

Foreign Language Requirement

As a student who chose to spend her four years at university dedicated to a foreign language and plans on spending the rest of her life teaching it, I absolutely believe that a foreign language should be required for all students at the university level. As technology evolves and our global economy and affairs more closely intertwine, it is crucial that the lines of communication between speakers of other languages remain open. It is much more beneficial for a company to hire someone who can not only be a great businessman, but who can also speak the language of his clients without the use of a translator.

By learning another language and living in a host country of that language, a student really gets to experience a completely new culture. Without knowing a foreign language, the options for studying abroad are limited unless the school offers an intensive language class and the student is extremely dedicated. If someone only knows English, they cannot easily study abroad at a school in Germany, for example, where all the classes are taught in German. I am a big advocate for studying abroad as well as learning foreign languages and believe that they are very closely related. The majority of students who study abroad in places that do not speak English, are either majors or minors in the host countries language. I feel as if those students “get more” out of their study abroad experiences than students who decide to study in England or Australia. This is not to say that it is not still a great experience studying in English speaking countries, but it is definitely a different experience. My own study abroad experience was definitely positive, coming out of it feeling like I really grasped the new culture and gained a better hold onto the language. It is always something I refer back to and make constant comparisons of. The reverse culture shock really made me think about my own way of life and how maybe what we do here in the United States is not necessarily the ideal way of doing things.

Not only is learning a foreign language great for communication, but it also offers other useful aspects as outlined in the Standards for Foreign Language Learning. A student who learns a foreign language gains knowledge and understanding of other cultures which allows them to more easily make connections with people outside of their typical communities. They are able to use these insights to make comparisons between this new culture and that of their own. They are able to see other ways of life and potentially find something in there that could change their daily life for the better, for example a new diet or political system. Recently, I have felt like I have heard more and more people (students and adults alike) say that their one regret in college was not learning a foreign language. Our world is changing and knowing just one language is no longer going to suffice. If it becomes a requirement in universities, we no longer have to deal with these regrets and our country can move forward with those connections to non-English speaking countries. Even if this requirement goes only to the advanced level (500's), I believe that the basics are better than nothing and may even spark a new interest for the student. I believe that the benefits of having a foreign language requirement are beyond the benefits of having other requirements as part of the Discovery program, such as the fine and performing arts requirement or the biological science requirement. I know from personal experience, I got a lot more out of taking Spanish than I did taking Germs.

Foreign Language Requirement

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. 

Foreign language requirements

I think that making a requirement for foreign languages at the university level could either help or hinder students, depending on their major and background.  I believe foreign languages are building blocks for general learning and become helpful skills to have in most situations including in the job market. 

As a requirement for university level students, I think that foreign languages may hurt more than help some students because there are some people who struggle greatly with learning a new language.  If required to complete a foreign language series, some student who do not do well in those classes may fail to complete the requirement.  One example of this kind of student is a science, math, or engineering student.  Speaking from my experience as a former engineering student, I know that there are people whose minds simply function differently when it comes to different kinds of information retention and comprehension.  Some people are, through no fault of their own, simply better at analytical thought as opposed to creative and language based knowledge.  For that kind of student, forcing a language requirement upon them could, at best, take up some of their time from their other studies, detracting from their focus, or, at worst, cause them to fall behind in their coursework or even prevent them from progressing because of failures. 

While I certainly understand the desire to create a well-rounded student, I think that there are better ways to broaden a student’s knowledge and skill set while in college.  One sure way to hinder a student’s progress in school is to force them to do something they do not enjoy or understand.