Projects
For this class, we had a project at the end of each unit. To prepare for each of those projects, in class, we would participate in interactive activities that required us to ask and answer questions with our classmates. This was probably my favorite part of the semester. Some of the projects included interviewing fellow classmates in Spanish, being interviewed by the professor multiple times, and creating a video describing our favorite places on campus in Spanish.
These projects I found to be very beneficial in pushing me to utilize and process the new Spanish words I have recently acquired in my vocabulary. I am frequently very nervous in ensuring I complete assignments correctly in all of my classes. Spanish 101 was no different, especially in working on the interview assignments and the video that was presented to the class. I was forced out of my comfort zone many times this semester and challenged even further, with this being a night class. I am still working on perfecting my vocabulary and found conjugating words especially difficult.
Artifacts
The artifact I chose to present is the video we made in class. I chose this because one of the aspects I struggled with the most in this class was the use of different modes and platforms of technology. Creating a video I found especially challenging since I had never made one before but did my best to have fun with it.
Instructions
Exploring Culture
In class, we reviewed many aspects of Latin American culture. I identify as Hispanic and from Texas, which is a complete sub-culture of its own. Our professor explored many differences with us, such as predominantly people from Spain use Vosotros and other Latin American cultures speaking Spanish would use Nosotros instead. We also explored interesting differences, such as how you would tell someone your age. In America, it is normal to ask, “how old are you?” While in many Latin cultures, they might be offended by such a question. I learned it is more appropriate to ask, “How many years do you have?” when speaking Spanish.
Engaging in Communities
I think it is really important for everyone to be able to communicate in Spanish. It is the second most common language in America, and understanding it better will assist me in reaching more populations as a Psychologist.
Presentational Speaking
In this class, we did multiple speaking projects. The one I found was the easiest was interviewing my fellow classmate. I think knowing that we were stepping out from the same level in the language was helpful and did not intimidate me. While I enjoyed my interview sessions with the professor because she is very kind, I was extremely nervous and intimidated even after hours of studying and being well prepared.
Interpretive Listening
As part of the online services provided by LingoLaerning, we conducted many interpretive listening activities. I found these activities troublesome due to the fallacies of the online platform. In future classes, I think it would be much more beneficial to conduct these activities in class only.