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Self-Paced Language Program
In 1995, the Andrew
W. Mellon Foundation provided the College of the Holy Cross with a unique
opportunity to develop a self-paced language curriculum that would ultimately
challenge both faculty and students to re-examine how people learn languages.
More specifically, the college was asked to consider how technology
might be exploited to the benefit of all concerned, facilitating the
development of language competency while reducing the financial burden
typically associated with the small classes required for language teaching.
Today, the Self-Paced
Language Program at Holy Cross offers Spanish students an opportunity
to personalize their language learning experience. Students work individually
on course materials which include textbooks, video, CD-ROM, and the
Internet. Students also meet one or two hours each week with native
speakers to practice oral communication and communicate weekly with
faculty via e-mail.
The ideal Self-Paced student is someone who works well independently
and is not afraid of using technology. Courses are designed to help
those students who come to college with prior experience in Spanish
by offering them an opportunity to identify their strengths and improve
upon their weaknesses; facilitating their integration into more advanced
language courses. The Self-Paced Program also welcomes other highly
motivated individuals who are interested in learning the Spanish language.
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