As a Spanish teacher, I often tell parents: "There's a reason the traditional method is the traditional method," when I'm asked to review a new whizzbang foreign language learning system of some sort. Memorizing flashcards (in a fun way) is always beneficial. A language is made up of individual words, and that seems to be the tried and true way for most of us to learn them.
However, don't despair - there are other options! Students today may seem reluctant to pick up a deck of flash cards, much less make them. But with their handheld gadgets and gaming devices, you can slip in some good Spanish practice! In this list, we'll start with older students and work to the younger ages.
- iPhones and iPod Touch: There are countless "apps" (applications) to download from iTunes (sometimes free!) to learn foreign languages in a gaming and engaging way. Electronic flashcards such as Spanish - FlipCards Spanish are a great bet - they cover EVERY learning style and are easy to use for ages 5 all the way to adults!
- Podcasts: For more advanced students, you can do a search for Podcasts that sometimes have conversational Spanish, and other times explain grammatical points, and are always free - so there's no risk! Be sure you listen to a few on your own first, as there is no censorship on podcasts.
- Software: In just about every store you can find bargain bin Spanish software that includes fun games all the way from programs like Jump Start Spanish to Pimsleur Spanish. The best rule of thumb is "you get what you pay for." But very rarely is anything BAD to try. If your student learns even a dozen words, and enjoys himself while doing so, then you have reached success! You just need to decide what you're willing to spend on it!
Enjoy learning, and use all the tools you have available to do so.
Be sure to let us all know if you've tried any of these technological tools and what your experience was by posting about it here!
"Señora" Suzanne Gose
Comments
Esperanto
3:03 PM, Jan. 13, 2009, posted by Anonymous
As far as learning another language, is concerned, can I put in a word for the international language, Esperanto?
Although Esperanto is a living language, it helps language learning as well.
Five British schools have introduced Esperanto in order to test its propaedeutic values. The pilot project is being monitored by the University of Manchester and the initial encouraging results can be seen at http://www.springboard2languages.org/Summary%20of%20evaluation,%20S2L%20Phase%201.pdf
You might also like to see http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8837438938991452670
Confirmation can be seen at http://www.lernu.net
