Dive Brief:

• Spanish teacher Kristen Wolf wants students to find the experience of learning the language enjoyable, trying to create non-stressful experiences for them in the classroom, Wolf told EdSurge.
• One method is creating a new phrase each week, and then encouraging students to use it as much as possible, even when speaking with each other. The goal is to lean less on memorization and more on other techniques, such as watching videos and listening to stories.
• He tailors his classes to the kinds of learners he meets every year, with the aim to connect their interests to the goal of learning and hopefully loving their new language skills.

Dive Insight:

Language classes are legendary pitfalls for rote memorization techniques. While it’s difficult to master any language without having grammar, pronunciation, spelling and definitions mastered, memorization can be a dull road for students.

Instead, finding ways to excite children about a new language, such as looking for ways to connect their experiences to those of a native country where the language they’re learning is spoken, can be more impactful and engaging. Another learning strategy for keeping students focused and excited is to create a specific learning goal, Elaine Horowitz, director of the Graduate Program in Foreign Language Education at the University of Texas, Austin, suggestes in a series of online lessons.

Learning a foreign language can open doors for students by not only teaching them a new skill — but in creating career and learning opportunities for their future as well.