- This semester was a lot different than the others. This semester was a personal experience as we talked about ourselves in the past as well as the future. With that being said, communication was key to success in this class because of how much we talked among each other in the classroom. I think the only way you can really practice is by talking with others in Spanish and testing what you learned.
- Spanish 201 was challenging but also brought the best out of me. I had to show up, I had to write, and I had to listen.
Artifacts
A good artifact is a portion or clip of an assignment. It needs to be carefully selected to provide evidence/proof that supports what you are saying in your reflection.
Your reflection will help you determine what that will be. It is a quest for quality. It will represent you academically and professionally, and have personal meaning. It can be written, audio, or video.
At the end, ask yourself if the artifacts best demonstrates your abilities and growth over time.
At the end of your reflection in each section, link or embed the assignment/artifact. If the assignment has multiple pages and seems to overwhelm the section, consider adding just the first page and offering to provide the rest upon request.
Instructions
Exploring Culture
In Spanish 201, we explored different cultures as we watched how different cultures talked about their lives in Spanish. The different ways of communication in the Spanish speaking language absolutely blows my mind because it’s the same language, but there are many different ways to speak it.
We practiced a lot of vocabulary, such as travel terms that will help us find our way in different places, such as airports, or communication strategies while in other countries. This is important because we learned how to use our Spanish in other countries if we are fortunate enough to travel there one day.
Engaging in Communities
I think Spanish will help me in the community around me because Virginia is a very diverse area due to the military life we have. We have a lot of people who move in here, and another good thing is that I can converse with students who come from a Spanish-speaking family, as I am going to be a teacher. As a teacher, it is important to communicate with your students, and having a background in Spanish will give me an advantage because I won’t have a barrier between me and the Spanish-speaking students.
Interpersonal Communication
We didn’t talk to many other people, but I would say talking among classmates is challenging already. While talking to classmates, you learn about their background and where they come from as well as talking in Spanish. While learning about other people, you are also learning Spanish because you are communicating in it.
Then, in a short paragraph or two, write a reflection that includes each type of the interpersonal (spontaneous, unplanned) communication activities: telecollaborative (TalkAbroad) conversations, discussion board posts, and any other interpersonal exchange. Explain how you’ve grown with each assignment/activity. What was difficult and how did you overcome that difficulty? What did you excel at and why/how? What/how did you learn from it and would you do differently next time?
Presentational Speaking
In English, give a brief 2-3-line description of any presentational speaking activities you completed this semester inside or outside of class for or related to your Spanish learning. Include a recording of one of these speaking activities. (See Modes of Communication link for description and examples).
Then, in a paragraph, write a reflection that includes each presentation you completed in which you explain what challenged you and how you grew and overcame those challenges. What did you excel at? What/how would you do differently next time?
Presentational Writing
In English, give a very brief 2-3-line description of the presentational communication of compositions, pamphlets, blogs, flyers, stories, articles, and any other written presentation activities you completed this semester inside or outside of class for or related to your Spanish learning. Include a copy of a written presentational activity you produced? (See Modes of Communication link for description and examples).
Then, in a paragraph, write a reflection that includes each of the activities you described above in which you explain how you have grown with each assignment or activity. What became easier and what was difficult? How did you overcome the difficulties? What did you excel at and why? How could you do better next time?
Interpretive Listening
In English, give a very brief 2-3-line description of interpretive listening activities you completed this semester for or related to your Spanish learning. (See Modes of Communication link for description and examples).
Then, write a short reflection paragraph that includes the different things you listened to/heard this semester inside and outside of class or in the Language Learning Center or its website. Find a recording and add to this section; be sure to cite it. What was unclear or challenging for you? How did you overcome this difficulty? What did you find most interesting or compelling? What was your takeaway from the listening experience? How have you grown with each activity?
Interpretive Reading
In English, give a very brief 2-3 line description of interpretive communication activities you read in and out of class this semester, such as articles, stories, websites like the Language Learning Center, etc. that you completed for or related to your Spanish learning. Include a copy of one of these activities; remember to cite it. (See Modes of Communication link for description and examples).
Then, write a short reflection paragraph that includes the activities you described above. What was unclear or challenging for you? How did you overcome this difficulty? What did you find most interesting or compelling? What was your takeaway from the reading? How have you grown with each assignment?
When you have finished adding content to this page, delete all the instructions except the link to the Modes of Communication.
When you have finished adding content to this page, delete all the instructions except the link to the Modes of Communication.