Common+Questions+and+Answers


 * <  ||< __1)__  ||< **Q ** ||< **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.  ||   ||   ||
 * <  ||<   ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ff; display: block; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: right; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">__2)__  ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">**<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">Q ** ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">**<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">Why do you teach like this? ** ||
 * <  ||^   ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">**<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">A ** ||<   ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">Imagine that your son or daughter is currently taking a "Computer Applications" class here at G.S. 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..."  <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">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."  <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">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...  <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">Now imagine this situation in a language...."We don't **<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">//<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">speak // **Spanish in Spanish class, we just learn about it."  <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">This doesn't and will not happen in my class.  ||   ||   ||
 * <  ||<   ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: right; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ff; display: block; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: right; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">__3)__  ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">**<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">Q ** ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">**<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">How can I (or my son or daughter) learn anything when you speak completely in Spanish? ** ||
 * <  ||^   ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">**<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">A ** ||<   ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">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.  <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">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!  ||   ||   ||
 * <  ||<   ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: right; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ff; display: block; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: right; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">__4)__  ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">**<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">Q ** ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">**<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">Why does my son or daughter need to take a World Language? ** ||
 * <  ||^   ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">**<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">A ** ||<   ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">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.  <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">As well, The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages states that the research has proven that learning a second language:  <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">* Has a positive effect on intellectual growth.  <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">* Enriches and enhances a child's mental development.  <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">* Improves a child's understanding of his/her native language.  <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">* Gives a child the ability to communicate with people s/he would  <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">otherwise not have the chance to know.  <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">* Opens the door to other cultures and helps a child understand  <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">and appreciate people from other countries.  <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">* Gives a student a head start in language requirements for  <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">college.  <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">* Increases job opportunities in many careers where knowing  <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">another language is a real asset.  ||   ||   ||
 * <  ||<   ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: right; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ff; display: block; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: right; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">__5)__  ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">**<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">Q ** ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">**<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">What is this "Survivor" game that you play in your class? ** ||
 * <  ||^   ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">**<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">A ** ||<   ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">"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 "Leones" 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 <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; vertical-align: auto;">__"Survivor In the Classroom"__ link to the left of the page.  ||   ||   ||
 * <  ||<   ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: right; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ff; display: block; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: right; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">__6)__  ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">**<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">Q ** ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">**<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">What are these "Pesos" that my son/daughter is talking about? ** ||
 * <  ||^   ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">**<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">A ** ||<   ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">I use "Pesos" to "pay" my students for participating in class and for winning classroom competitions. These Pesos are "banked" in my gradebook for participation points. They can then use them to buy items in the "Survivor Store".  ||   ||   ||
 * <  ||<   ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: right; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ff; display: block; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: right; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">__7)__  ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">**<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">Q ** ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">**<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">What is simulated immersion? ** ||
 * <  ||^   ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">**<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">A ** ||<   ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">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 <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; vertical-align: auto;">__"About Simulated Immersion"__ link to the left  ||   ||   ||
 * <  ||<   ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: right; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ff; display: block; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: right; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">__8)__  ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">**<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">Q ** ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">**<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">How does effort create ability in language acquisition? ** ||
 * <  ||^   ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">**<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">A ** ||<   ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">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.  <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">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  ||   ||   ||
 * <  ||<   ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: right; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ff; display: block; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: right; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">__9)__  ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">**<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">Q ** ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">**<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">How is the world language class rigorous? ** ||
 * <  ||^   ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">**<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">A ** ||<   ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">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.  ||   ||   ||
 * <  ||<   ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: right; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ff; display: block; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: right; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">__10)__  ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">**<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">Q ** ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">**<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">Where did you learn to teach like this? ** ||
 * <  ||^   ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">**<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">A ** ||<   ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">I graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and studied under Dr. Eileen Glisan who was the president of the American Council for Teachers of Foreign Languages and is one of the nations' foremost experts on second language acquisition methodology. I also worked with two superb Spanish teachers at the Greensburg Salem High School, Mr. and Mrs. Lyons. They are the founders and developers of the "Survivor" game I use in the classroom. With the combination of their techniques and methodologies they have co-developed a dynamic curriculum that challenges yet supports all willing students and I have found it to be extremely successful in the classroom.  <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">You can find some information about the lyons here:  <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #810081; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">__[]__  <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">You can find some information about Dr. Glisan here:  <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">__@http://partners.zoominfo.com/Search/PersonDetail.aspx?PersonID=80750870__  ||   ||   ||
 * <  ||<   ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: right; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ff; display: block; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: right; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">__11)__  ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">**<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">Q ** ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">**<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">Why don't you teach using the "translation" method? ** ||
 * <  ||^   ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">**<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">A ** ||<   ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">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 <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; vertical-align: auto;">__"Why I Don't Teach with Translation"__ page to left.  ||   ||   ||
 * <  ||<   ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: right; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ff; display: block; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: right; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">__12)__  ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">**<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">Q ** ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">**<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">Where did you learn Spanish? ** ||
 * <  ||^   ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">**<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">A ** ||<   ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">I lived and studied at the UNA university in Heredia, Costa Rica and at the Universidad de Las Américas in Puebla, Mexico. I have also studied Spanish culture and practiced speaking during a 500 mile pilgrimage I hiked across Spain called “El Camino a Santiago.” Many of my friends are Hispanic as well, so I speak Spanish with them frequently.  ||   ||   ||
 * <  ||<   ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: right; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ff; display: block; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: right; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">__13)__  ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">**<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">Q ** ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">**<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">Why is it taking you so long to grade things that my child has turned in already? ** ||
 * <  ||^   ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">**<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">A ** ||<   ||< <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #464134; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS','sans-serif'; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: auto;">All assignments are graded in a timely manner, usually 2-3 days. If your son or daughter hasn't had her 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.  ||   ||   ||