Classroom Tips

• Attend class regularly. You have a limited amount of classroom time to master the grammar and pronunciation basics. Every minute of class time is critical to the learning process. Don't tune-out in class. Stay mentally present and engaged.

• Actively engage in class activities. In order to learn a foreign language you must use it. Just coming to class and warming up a seat isn't going to do it. Class activities are designed for you to use. Therefore, to learn your foreign language, the more actively you participate, the more you will learn.

• Ask questions. If you don't understand something, ask your instructor or classmates.

• Learn key expressions in Spanish such as: "¿Cómo se dice...?; Repita, por favor; No comprendo; Un ejemplo, por favor; Hable más despacio" and use them in class instead of using English.

• When a student is reciting in class, answer along in your mind, or quietly under your breath.

• Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Remember, we learn from making mistakes! Take risks with the language. Volunteer often.

• If you don't understand everything your instructor is saying in the foreign language, that's normal. In the early stages of language acquisition don't try to translate word for word, but try to get the general idea of what is being said. Pay attention to non-verbal cues such as facial and body gestures.

• Use the vocabulary and expressions presented in class; don't try to say complicated things that you haven't learned yet.

• When you are finished with your classroom assignments, don't start chatting in English. Instead, work orally with your partner; you can quiz each other on vocabulary and verb meanings, or practice verb conjugations.

• Take detailed, well-organized notes. The information given to you in class will oftentimes clarify or expand upon the information given in the textbook. Many times the instructor will give you "tips" to aid you in your studies. Even if you understand the lecture during class, you will probably not remember it at home. Notes will help you retain the concepts with concrete examples that you can refer to later.