What is your teaching background?
I have been teaching in Marin County for over 15 years. Since 1985, I’ve offered a range of courses in the adult education program at Redwood High School, and presently offer
courses at all learning levels at various locations around Marin. In addition
to private tutoring and bicultural business consultation, I developed
a specialized course, Conversational Spanish for Health Care Providers,
which emphasizes medical terminology and interaction with Hispanic patients.
I have taught this course as a five-level training at Kaiser Permanente,
Marin General Hospital, and Petaluma Valley Hospital. I also taught courses
for teachers of Spanish in the Kentfield School District. Over the years,
I have worked hard to continually refine and develop my teaching method,
and feel that I have come up with a highly successful conversation-based
technique. Also, with ten class levels I’m able to offer
the continuity of a complete learning experience.
These higher level classes are seldom available at other schools, which typically offer
only the basic levels of study.
What are the benefits of learning a second
language?
Many people want to learn a language so that they can have
a fuller travel experience
, or because their business is expanding into new markets. But in our increasingly shrinking, global world, knowing another language opens doors to broader perspectives, and gives us
a window into a wider world.
For adults, learning to speak and think in a second language keeps the mind active and expansive, and has been
shown to improve memory
.
Why learn Spanish in particular?
According to the U.S. Census, the Latino population in the U.S. is expected to account
for 44% of the nation’s growth over the next 25 years. In the Bay
area especially, where the Latino population is the second most populous
ethnic group, learning Spanish is simply
a way to fully participate in all that the Bay area offers
, and to take full advantage of the
richness and diversity of Latino life and culture.
Why the conversational approach?
It’s the most natural way to learn.
It’s the way that children learn language, and it’s the way that I learned when I came to this country, constantly having to speak and make myself understood. I’ve
used my personal experience in learning English — the techniques
and exercises that worked for me — as a guide in developing my teaching
method. Books and tapes are helpful, but there’s
no substitute for face-to-face interaction,
with the ability to use the language in context, to repeat as often as needed, and to receive
personalized attention and feedback.
Even so-called “interactive” on-line courses have inherent limitations.
How do you teach grammar in a conversation
class?
I have kind of a “stealth” method for teaching grammar, so that it
is built
into the conversation in small increments
where appropriate. The truth is that in order to make progress, you do
have to learn the verb conjugations and proper usage. This is basically
accomplished through methodical repetition of each element — each
verb, each tense, each grammar construction — in varying contexts,
including drills and simple exercises, in the course of class conversations.
I use cartoon sequences
to teach the basics at the beginning levels. Students enjoy these cartoons. Not only are they fun, but the visual connection to the grammar and vocabulary stimulates learning and enlivens conversation.
At the intermediate levels, students read entertaining
detective stories based on the guidelines of a respected European
accrediting organization. These stories, especially crafted for learning
Spanish as a second language, offer a humorous slice-of-life insight
into everyday Spanish life, romance and culture. Carefully structured
at six levels of difficulty, each story introduces incrementally more
complex grammar and vocabulary, along with sophisticated idiomatic usage. Advanced groups read works by classic and contemporay Spanish writers
Are the classes difficult? Will
I be able to keep up?
In a conversation class, participation is very
important. Class sizes are limited, so
that everyone has a chance to speak, and I am able to give personal
feedback, tailored to each person’s ability and learning
style. To foster an easy-going atmosphere where students feel comfortable
speaking, even when they are unsure of themselves, I break the ice with
humor, and strive to make the learning process
fun and entertaining. A strong bond often develops as class participants
get to know each other, and they work as a team, staying together through
many class levels. Some of my classes have been together for years.
We work hard to improve, but without pressure. I take into consideration
that adult students lead busy lives, and studying Spanish is not always
their main priority.
How do I know which class is right for me?
Start by reading the course descriptions to get an idea of where you would fit in. If you
are unsure which course to take, you can call me at (415) 860-8101. I’ll
ask you some questions, and we’ll have a brief dialogue to ascertain
your level of comprehension. Also, check the locations and times of classes
to see which will work for you.
