1. ATTENTION LANGUAGE LEARNERS ! THE SENIORS’ GUIDE FOR SUCCESS

2. SOME GOOD REASONS FOR STUDING LANGUAGES:  TO HAVE FUN!  To make new friends from other countries and cultures.  It is an excellent brain exercise.  IT IS EASY!  Sometimes, to know the family language.  To realize people think different from us.  TO HAVE FUN!  To find better jobs in the future.  Because you like it.

3. Scientists say we learn language:  Some believe that we learn our first language (English) in this way :  We learn just from listening to others.  Our brain works as a computer discovering what is the order of words when we are between 0 to 5 years old.  It is a genetic capacity which means that we are born with it.  Then through practice we get better and better until we speak fluently.  There is no extra effort we have to do to make language appear.  Others believe that we learn a second language (other than English):  When teachers give us comprehensible information we can understand it, even if it is in a new language.  Every class the teacher will repeat the information and it will add some more information for you.  The teacher will never correct your errors.  And you will speak when you feel ready to start talking in this new language.  Our brain will be aware of some of what we are learning but other things will be there as in a magical way, as it happens when you were a little boy or girl.  IMPORTANT TIP: remember to stay relaxed and HAVE FUN in the class. You and your classmates will not know all the words. Be patient and little by little you will find yourself talking in a new language.

4. More about scientists…  Also others believe we learn a second language:  By putting one “brick” on top of another one, so one by one you are building your own knowledge as if you were building a wall.  When you can practice the new words, or phrases or tenses. After a while they will be part of your internal “building” because your brain works as a sponge.  The new stuff is going to become a natural thing later on, so keep practicing and one day you will not have to think about it.  You will notice that when the teacher gives you information or makes you talk about something you care about, you will remember the new stuff later on.  some of your friends will speak without paying attention if all the words are correct. Others will be focused on using only correct words. Both styles are positive, there is no right or wrong.

5. The way people learn just because they like it that way…  Visual style is when people like to see words or pictures.  Auditory style is when people remember better when they hear words or explanations.  Kinesthetic style defined people who learn by experience. For example, in field trips or role-plays.  Tactile style is used by people who like building, models, or handling elements during a lesson.  Individual style is when the person likes being by itself and learns more on its own.  Group Style is clearly when people learn more working with another person and enjoy group activities. Learn by: Visual style Tactile style Group style Individual style Kinesthetic style Auditory style

6. Some techniques people use or learn how to use to learn languages…  Set your goals: It is helpful to know why you are learning a language, how much you want to learn. Prepare your own schedule to study. Find opportunities to practice inside or outside of the class.  Linking ideas: relate what you have already know and the information you are receiving. Imagine your brain is a chest of drawers and you separate the data in the different classes. Pay attention to words or phrases that repeat constantly. When you read, look for the general idea, do not focus on details.  Emotions: you have to be patient while learning. It takes some time to learn all the new words. Do not get nervous. If you need it, talk to your friends, family or teacher about your feelings.  Memory: relate new words with a situation, sounds or actions, make associations. Review earlier material you learned. May be you know a song that has some new words from your class, SING IT!  Team work: ask others for clarification or verification of phrases, words, homework, etc. Cooperate with your classmates whether they are better or not as good as you. Strategies Set your goals Linking ideas EmotionsMemoryTeam work

7. How do you know how much you have learned?  There is an association which explains what are the different levels a language learner may reach.  In the past, some people studied for many years but they could not speak fluently after 4 or 5 years of learning.  So, the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages Guidelines determine in what level you are depending on your skills, on how many language you can produce.  For example, whether you only say words, or phrases. Or if you can talk about any topic or only about personal interests.

8. SUMMARY OF THE DIFFERENT POSSIBLE LEVELS American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Superior  Speaking: Discuss topics extensively, supporting the ideas and the hypothesizes. Can manage unfamiliar situations or topics in a formal or informal manner. Example: Can lecture someone or discuss a difficult issue such as whether the light travels faster than the sound.  Writing: Handles formal and informal writing. Develops its ideas, hypothesis and opinions clearly. The vocabulary is large allowing the person to work or study using the language. Advanced  Speaking: Can narrate and describe in the past, the present and the future. Also can handle new situations. This student will make full, well organized sentences. This person can work or study using this language. Example: narrate clearly what his/her work is about, why she/he likes it or what older jobs were not good enough.  Writing: Manages to write informal and some formal papers. Can describe in the different tenses (present, past, future) using complete sentences. Intermediate  Speaking: Can make its own questions and answers. It is able to keep a simple conversation about daily activities or personal interests with a person who is used to talking to non-native speakers of the language. Example: Can order food at a restaurant, take a bus, train or plane tickets.  Writing: Can write simple messages and letters or request for information. Notes. Can express its feelings, facts and ideas. Novice  Speaking: Can use some words and very simple memorized phrases. During the person speaks pauses many times. This person satisfies a very limited number of needs. Example: give greetings, talk about the weather, the days of the week or describe simple objects.  Writing: Can produce short notes and lists of elements. Writes familiar words or phrases to make simple messages.

9. TIPS FOR SUCCESS IN THE LANGUAGE CLASS!!! What to expect:  The teacher will use the new language as much as she/he can.  You will either not know or understand everything.  You will be requested to produce oral or written tasks.  You will be corrected from time to time to help you improve, not to put you in the spot.  There will be activities to see, to hear, to do, to move and more. What to do :  Speak and write as much as you can in the new language.  Work in groups.  Share your ideas and opinions.  Learn as many strategies as you can to help you learn faster.  Be ready to move around the classroom.  Be patient!  HAVE FUN!!!!!!