Jessica's Tutoring Blog

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...

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...

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...

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...