Or Things I tell my Students
and fellow Teachers.
-
Go with the Force, Luke.
This Star Wars advice has proven generally to be true.
I see my students instinctively chose the correct phrase or word, but then
overanalyze and select something inaccurate while trying to remember the
grammar and spelling rules. Trust yourself.
-
Your Spanish improves after 1 beer.
Generally every student I've met speaks Spanish better than he or she believes.
People can be insecure, suffering from the fear of saying something "wrong"
(e.g. not perfectly following some prescribed rubric) which inhibits them
from trying at all. It's important to have a classroom that
functions at a one-beer social level.
-
College is all about choices. I've
never "given" a grade. I set the objectives for the course, and make
the requirements for each grade level clear (e.g. no extra credit work,
no late work is accepted, posting all activities and homework in class
and on the website.) Students determine for themselves what grade
they want to earn. I just keep track. It's all about taking
personal responsibility.
-
If you build it, it will come.Field
of Dreams is a
true story. I have yet to see a student fail who has put serious effort
into the homework, reading assignments and class activities. If you
want to do well, you will.
-
It is worth only 1 point. Remember
to examine the value of each question on an exam. Don't sweat over
a single question worth one point: circle it and move on. If you
have time at the end of the test, go back and guess. A wrong guess
counts the same as a blank.
-
Impress me!
Well, you don't Have To write it out completely/do the additional research/color-code
the information/include drawings and photos, etc. - but I will be Impressed!
-
¡Claro!
Yes, it will be on the test. Yes, it is due tomorrow. Yes,
write it down. Yes, it's important (I wrote it down because my fingers
felt cramped and needed the exercise?)
-
¡Qué chévere!
How artistic your work is! How neat your handwriting is! And
what a cool pen! Your examples crack me up! Your pronunciation
is excellent! Your attempt to deceive me with this poorly prepared
report is a good one, but no cigar! Students always intrigue me with
their creativity and personality.
-
This is the Deal...
I promise to present Spanish in context, keep it personalized, give you
hands-on activities, let you practice with partners and groups without
fear. Your promise is to do your homework, read the grammar explanations
and be ready for class so that you can enjoy yourself and allow others
the freedom to enjoy themselves .
-
Circumlocution!
There is never only one way to say something. Besides, when in doubt,
sketch.
|