I am 22 years old and am Portuguese/Brazilian. I speak English, Portuguese, Spanish, Russian, and Chinese. I love networking with people and having professional conversations. I received the IB Diploma at Tracy High School. In high school, I studied endless literature. I've written many commentaries, papers, and analyses comparing literary devices across novels, poems, and writing styles. At the University I study international politics and Russian area studies. I'm currently writing about the changing positions of the US, Russia, and China in the international political structure. However, my academic interests include Economics and Business. I try to read the Wall Street Journal every day, to constantly draw and add to my knowledge of the world.
I realize first that a subject can only be taught to the extent possible, and that methods must adapt to the leaning style most effective for the student. However, to achieve fluency the learning style must include two aspects:
- Conversation is useful to increase fluency and cultural understanding (depth of knowledge)
- Reading and writing is necessary to expand vocabulary (breadth of knowledge).
The following tools become key:
- Conversation and practice outside of the classroom is necessary for successful retention and fluidity of speech.
- Children's literature is effective in the extent that it is appropriate.
- Repetition of grammar exercises is indispensable in languages where conjugation or declensions are used.
- Personal writing responses are necessary to reflect what we need or want to say.
- Slang or informal speech is also important because even business professionals use it.
- Song, food, dance, jokes, etc are useful to achieve higher levels of accomplishment.
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