Spanish Teacher

Are the Rosetta Stone programs effective?

Asked by elguap1 almost 13 years ago

You give what you get with the Rosetta Stone programs.... Just like with anything, if you are diligent with it, you will see the benefits of Rosetta Stone. I think it's a great acquisition program but needs to be supplemented with authentic language conversations. I would recommend finding someone to help just have a conversation with you in addition to RS. There are meetup groups everywhere, and you have the $, you can usually find a language teacher to meet and converse/tutor with you.

Do you speak any other foreign languages? Is it something that comes easier to you than other people?

Asked by JamiesMomma83 almost 13 years ago

I speak Spanish, French and a little Italian. I definitely think that some people have a knack for languages, but don't think that it is impossible for someone without a language propensity to acquire a second language.

How many weeks of instruction would you say an adult of average intelligence would need to get by in a Spanish-speaking country?

Asked by Solomon almost 13 years ago

I think this depends largely on how you define 'getting by'. If you just want to order beers and go to the bathroom, one or two lessons and some independent practice will do. If you want to be able to bargain in a local shop or get directions to a restaurant in a different neighborhood you will need several more lessons. It's also important to find an instructor who suits your needs. Many of my adult students were frustrated by previous instructors in beginner level classes because they were learning completely superfluous, non relevant information. (ie. the book is blue. the pen is red). Be sure to express your goals to your teacher and make sure that your teacher will cover the information you want before signing up for a class. My classes, for example, focus on conversations that you are likely to have in real life. We spend 80% of the time talking. This may not be suitable for someone who wants to get better at the imperfect tense, but would be great for someone who wants to spend a few weeks in Spain.

Are you one of those foreign language teachers that ONLY allows Spanish to be spoken in the classroom?

Asked by JoseCanYouSee almost 13 years ago

Ha.... no. I believe that stress levels should be low when learning a new language, so I will talk in English to explain things when needed. I certainly do have Spanish only times, but use gestures and context clues to ensure that everyone understands.

Do you think schools should be teaching foreign languages to kids at earlier ages than they do now? (Speaking of which, when DO they start teaching it now?)

Asked by simone almost 13 years ago

I firmly believe that children should be exposed to a foreign language as soon as possible. Currently, many public schools don't even offer second language education until middle or high school. Students who begin second language acquisition as early as possible have a significant advantage in achieving fluency.

Is there an approximate age where someone's kind of "over the hill" in terms of picking up a new language? I've heard that to really, really absorb a new language, it should be introduced during childhood.

Asked by Myra almost 13 years ago

Research shows that after the age of 13, it is very difficult to achieve fluency in a second language. While this may be true, I do think it is possible for adults to learn a second language. This depends largely on innate ability to pick up a new language as well as discipline to continue studying. I know plenty of people who have become proficient later on in life. To do this, I suggest reading easy books in your target language. (ie Harry Potter in Spanish). I also suggest watching movies in target language with English subtitles.

What do you think of teaches unions?

Asked by Kkssk about 5 years ago