FOREIGN LANGUAGE STUDY TIPS
I teach an exploratory course for 8th graders (one semester), and one
of my goals is to help prepare them for high school foreign language.
It's my belief that a lot of kids don't really take the class
seriously enough the first couple of years and then find themselves
overwhelmed with the task of trying to re-learn everything they
didn't learn thoroughly. In effect, they don't realize how much
effort it takes to learn a language, and that they can't allow
themselves to "slough off" during those pivotal years. Yes, I realize
that some kids will insist on finding this out the hard way. However,
I think it is worth it to try to reach them before they have made
potentially disastrous mistakes in their approach to FL study.
I spent all morning working on a twelve-page booklet called "My
Personal Strategy for Success in Foreign Language." Every week
(Friday?) I am going to talk about a different strategy for success
in foreign language and have the kids do some quick activities,
perhaps in groups. Then, after I am sure they have a good grip on the
strategy, I will have them write it down in their booklet (the
technique, the description, and how they plan to apply it to
themselves). At the end of the semester, they will turn it in for a
notebook grade. I'm pleased with the way the booklet looks. Now I
need to figure out what strategies to teach them and in what order.
Some ideas:
* Review vocabulary and grammar repeatedly to get it into your
long-term memory. Make flash cards. Make your own activities on quia
and share with your friends.
* Have a serious attitude in class. Pay attention and take
notes when necessary. Ask questions and volunteer answers.
* Do your homework faithfully. Study your mistakes on homework and tests.
* Use the language in class and at home whenever possible. Surround yourself with foreign language music, television, and movies.
* Get a self-study language course for the computer and go through the lessons step-by-step. Don't worry if they're not the same vocabulary words you're learning in class. You need to know LOTS of words to speak a language fluently!
* Learn to manage your time. Identify your priorities and eliminate time-wasters.
* Plan a trip to a country where your language is spoken. Where do you want to go? Choose all the details, including hotel, airfare, prices, etc. At the same time, start saving money regularly to make your dream come true.
* Practice writing in the language. Get a pen pal or keypal who speaks that language. Find a chat room of native speakers and join in.
* Read articles, stories, poems, and books in the language. The Internet is a good place to start. Ask your teacher to help you find some material appropriate for your level.
* Collect newspaper clippings, recipes, photos, etc. from the country you're interested in. Try new foods and make them for your family and friends.
* Use the Internet to help practice your vocabulary and grammar. Find web sites appropriate to your level. Your teacher may be able to help you with this.
* When you come across new words, write them down in a
notebook. Practice using them in your speaking and writing.
* Act out words when you use them (TPR). Practice your actions every day until they are securely attached to
your long-term memory.
* Subscribe to an audio news magazine, like Puerta del Sol or Champs-Élysées. After you have studied each one, put them in your CD player and listen to them in the car or while exercising.
--
Barbara S. Andrews
Foreign Language Teacher
barbiesa@buckeye-express.com
http://members.buckeye-express.com/barbiesa
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