I. Introduction

Directed Independent Intensive Elementary Spanish is a unique course which allows students to personalize their language learning experience by working independently with a technology-based language curriculum. It is designed for those students who have previously studied Spanish in high school but need to review basic grammar and vocabulary before they enroll in courses at the intermediate level. In addition to studying grammar and vocabulary, students also work on developing their listening, reading, speaking and writing skills.

All of the information about course activities and assignments can be found on the Internet. You will complete approximately 1 chapter every week. For each chapter you should study the grammar and vocabulary in your textbook/workbook and then use the course software, websites and video to help you review before your quiz.

Deadlines have been established so that you are able to complete all of the material in one semester. However, most of the work can be done on your own schedule which allows you to accelerate your learning if you wish. You are required to attend bi-weekly meetings with your Foreign Language Assistant and take the weekly exam during the posted testing hours. You will also meet monthly with your Spanish professor to practice speaking and discuss your progress in the course. S/he will also grade your quizzes/exams and other course assignments. Finally, you may contact the Directed Independent Spanish Coordinator when you have questions about course assignments and evaluations and the Technology Advisor if you have problems with the technology-based course materials.

 

II. Course Materials

• Caminos 3rd ed., Renjilian-Burgy, Chiquito, Mraz; Houghton, Mifflin
• QUIA Electronic Workbook
• Caminos CD-ROM

III. Completing a Chapter (for related information refer to Important Dates)

1. Consult the course website each week for a list of annoucements. It will tell you which lesson you should be working on and remind you when assignments are due.

2. Review the grammar and vocabulary topics for the week's lesson in Caminos and complete the exercises that are assigned in the QUIA electronic workbook. Use the CD-ROM, video, websites and other materials for additional practice which also earns you extra credit points on your quizzes and exams.

3. Attend your bi-weekly meetings with your Foreign Language Assistants to practice oral communication.

4. Complete your video assignment and either your reading/culture assignments (odd numbered chapters) or your pre-writing assignment (even numbered chapters).

 

5. A couple of days before each exam, try using some of the materials that are designed to help you review grammar and vocabulary. In particular, there is a "Pre-Test" available on the website that will show you how you will be tested and evaluate how well-prepared you are. Use your score to help you determine the areas that you should focus on. For example, if you receive a perfect score on the verb portion of the exam but only answer 50% of the pronoun questions correctly, you should probably dedicate more time to practicing pronouns. In addition, there are self-correcting grammar and vocabulary exercises on the Caminos CD-ROM and Online Quizzes on the Caminos website.

6. Take your exam. Testing hours and location will be posted on the "Bienvenidos" page.

IV. Advice to the Student

1. As an independent learner you must learn to budget your time. You should probably spend between 8-10 hours each week on Directed Independent materials. Work on the assignments until you feel comfortable with the material. In most cases, we have given you extra exercises for each component, especially for those areas which are often problematic for students.

2. One of the challenges of Directed Independent learning is that you will have to read and understand grammar explanations on your own. If you have any problems and/or questions please consult your Spanish professor or the Spanish Coordinator as soon as possible.

3. Computers are machines and sometimes machines do not function properly. Please be patient when you have technical problems and ask someone in the MRC for assistance. You should also inform the Technology Advisor as soon as possible because you might have discovered a programming glitch that we were unaware of.

4. You are responsible for your own learning in this course. There will be no one who will remind you to do your work every day. You must complete your quizzes/exams and other course assignments by the dates listed. No make-up evaluations will be given without written permission from your Class Dean.