Jessica S.'s Blog at WyzAnt.com

How to Succeed on Reading Comprehension Assessments

posted by WyzAnt tutor: Jessica S.

How to Succeed on Reading Comprehension Assessments

Reading in a second language can often be one of the most difficult tasks required of a non-native speaker. Starting at the very first level, however, many Spanish courses immediately require the fulfillment of reading comprehension requirements. How can students tackle this seemingly impossible task? Here are a few tips for increasing one's score on reading comprehension activities.

1. Read the questions BEFORE you read the passage. This allows you to focus on pertinent information as you read the text.

2. Answer the easiest questions first. This ensures that you get credit for the questions you know the answers to, and can then spend extra time on the more difficult questions at hand.

3. Eliminate any wrong answers. Then, make an educated guess. This statistically ups your chances at scoring higher on the assessment than leaving any answer blank.

4. Make sure you can always find supporting evidence in the text for your chosen answer. (Be sure to leave personal beliefs and opinions aside!

5. Look for footnotes! Authors will often define unknown vocabulary words in the footnotes of the text.

Good luck and happy reading! :)

Creating Confidence When Speaking a Foreign Language

posted by WyzAnt tutor: Jessica S.

Creating Confidence When Speaking a Foreign Language

Studying a foreign language? Feeling tongue-tied, unable to spit out what you're trying to say? You aren't alone. One of the biggest challenges in learning a foreign language is training our tongues (literally) to speak in a way that is rather unnatural. Ever tried to roll an "r" in Spanish? Or (for me) speak a lick of French? It is exhausting, at best.

One way to ease your fear of speaking a foreign language is - you guessed it - to SPEAK the language! And I don't mean go out in public and ramble at any random person you meet (although in some scenarios, a version of this may be highly recommendable). Instead, have you ever thought of RECORDING yourself speaking the new language? Listening to our own voices pronounce new words and phrases not only creates confidence in our speaking skills, but it allows us to focus on our pronunciation, and the intonation of our voice.

Most computers nowadays have built-in microphones, but if not they are relatively cheap to purchase. Further, the software needed to record your sound bites is free (try Audacity, my software of choice).

Remember, the more you put into learning the new language, the more you will get out of it.

¡Buena suerte!

Good luck!

And happy speaking!

Vocabulary Help - Flashcard Tips and Tricks

posted by WyzAnt tutor: Jessica S.

Vocabulary Help - Flashcard Tips and Tricks

Tired of boring flashcards? As a teacher, I got tired of them, too. Until I discovered interactive games my students could play with their self-made cards. What's even better is that some of these games can be played individually, or with a partner. This is a great way to accommodate both the inter and intrapersonal learners in our classrooms.

Before we get to the games, here are a few tricks when making the flashcards themselves:

If you are a visual learner, DRAW a PICTURE of what the new vocabulary term means to you. This is great in a foreign language classroom such as Spanish, where we try to stay clear of as much English as possible. Writing the vocabulary word on one card and a picture to represent the word on another card sets you up for either of the two great games listed below.

GREAT FLASHCARD GAMES

1. Concentration/Memory - This game may be played individually, or with a partner. Using vocabulary cards similar to the ones outlined above, flip all cards face-down in rows (six rows and six columns usually works well, for a total of about 18 new vocabulary words. 18 cards will hold the new vocabulary words, and the other 18 will hold the matching visual representation). Each person will take turns turning over two cards at a time, with the goal being to obtain a match. Once a match is obtained, it is taken away from the game and held by that individual. At the end, the person with the most matches wins.

2. War - Good for two people. Divide the set of vocabulary cards into two equal parts. Each person will flip a card from their stack. If a match is flipped, the first person to smack the match gets to keep it. At the end of the game, the person with the most matches wins.

Feel free to contact me for further explanation about either of these games. Flashcards are only meaningful if they can be utilized in a fun and engaging way!

Vocabulary Acqusition Techniques

posted by WyzAnt tutor: Jessica S.

Vocabulary Acquisition Techniques

Vocabulary acquisition is the basis for learning any language. Most education professionals agree that learners of any language acquire new vocabulary in one of two ways:

1. Incidentally, through conscious or unconscious use of context clues in novel texts, or listening activities

2. Explicitly, through direct instruction or studying

Here are a few vocabulary acquisition techniques that you can conquer yourself through independent studying.

1. Repetition, repetition, repetition! When you learn a new word, you should repeat it as often as necessary. Constant exposure to new or difficult words helps us acquire them more quickly. Make flashcards, or post the new word on the fridge or bathroom mirror - anyplace you frequent.

2. Keep a vocabulary log. Write down the new word, and the context in which you first saw or heard it utilized. Then, use it in a new sentence. If you are a more visual learner, draw a picture of what that word looks like to you. In order to make the vocabulary meaningful, you must relate to it in a personal way.

3. Read independently. Exposure to even simple text on billboards or in advertisements, or even food labels can increase our vocabulary at a rapid rate. Go to the library and read a children´s book in the target language. (And get this - the library is FREE!)

For more tips and advice on vocabulary acquisition, feel free to contact me via my profile here on WyzAnt!

¡Buena suerte!