If you're struggling with Latin, you're not alone. Many students find the language challenging - but you don't have to be one of them! Latin is often taught with the "grammar-translate" method: students learn grammar by memorizing charts and rules and then try to decode Latin text using the rules they've (hopefully) internalized. Though this method develops great analytical skills, students often become overwhelmed by the sheer number of forms and ambiguities, making it difficult for them to produce a meaningful translation. I suffered from this myself when I was a student!
I prefer a reading approach, teaching students to read Latin from left to right (instead of hunting for the verb) and helping them build meaning from context - and thereby contextualizing all those forms and rules! This doesn't mean that memorization isn't still a large part of learning a new language, though. I can help with this too. In fact, I have developed several tools (including manipulable cards, contextualized flash cards, and formula charts) to help students conceptualize the grammar and memorize the information they need.
Who am I, anyway? I am a student and future educator. I graduated with my BA in 2011, did a one year MPhil at Cambridge University in England, and am currently working on my teaching certification. I eventually plan to do a PhD in Education focusing on the teaching of non-spoken languages and second language acquisition. I am always looking for ways to improve my teaching and I enjoy the challenge of working with new students. In return, I hope I can bring joy to learning Latin and help students feel more comfortable with the language.
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