Brutzman: MLO1
MLO 1: Language Proficiency
Completed Courses:
Span 301:Composition and Oral Practice
Span 301S: Service Learning (Community Outreach Program)
Reflective Narrative:
Language is a system of communicative skills that can be learned. Proficiency is when an individual has a strong understanding of four key elements: speaking, listening, reading and writing. In studying Spanish, I started with the basic grammatical structures while simultaneously studying vocabulary. The mix of grammar and vocabulary provided a strong foundation in the learning process. Granted I did not learn the grammatical rules after the very first class, however, through repetitive practice I progressed. Repetition is a key strategy toward the goal of language proficiency. Like any challenge in life, it is easier to give up than to persevere. I applied my diligence to keep moving forward and because I did not give up on my capabilities, I am able to look back as a bilingual individual at what I have achieved.
The courses taken toward my Spanish major, aside from advanced Spanish grammar, focused on literary and culture knowledge. Through taking courses in literature I applied every element previously noted that, once understood, proficiency is obtained. Through reading “cuentos, novelas, poesia, biografias” (varying literary styles) I was challenged to apply myself in areas that I had difficulty understanding. While reading I kept detailed notes about what was happening, investigating where I may not have understood. Throughout the course writing papers and completing lengthy tests were all done in Spanish. Within classes I was applying my listening skills to understand themes and characters that, perhaps reading on my own was not necessarily apparent. For example, double meanings, metaphors, cultural references were learned through reading and discussing literary works. Also within class applying my speaking skills was a common occurrence, whether it was speaking with classmates or participating in dialogue with the professor all was exclusively done in the target language Spanish. As a proficient Spanish student, I have greater confidence and broader horizons toward applying my bilingual abilities.
Completed Courses:
Span 301:Composition and Oral Practice
Span 301S: Service Learning (Community Outreach Program)
Reflective Narrative:
Language is a system of communicative skills that can be learned. Proficiency is when an individual has a strong understanding of four key elements: speaking, listening, reading and writing. In studying Spanish, I started with the basic grammatical structures while simultaneously studying vocabulary. The mix of grammar and vocabulary provided a strong foundation in the learning process. Granted I did not learn the grammatical rules after the very first class, however, through repetitive practice I progressed. Repetition is a key strategy toward the goal of language proficiency. Like any challenge in life, it is easier to give up than to persevere. I applied my diligence to keep moving forward and because I did not give up on my capabilities, I am able to look back as a bilingual individual at what I have achieved.
The courses taken toward my Spanish major, aside from advanced Spanish grammar, focused on literary and culture knowledge. Through taking courses in literature I applied every element previously noted that, once understood, proficiency is obtained. Through reading “cuentos, novelas, poesia, biografias” (varying literary styles) I was challenged to apply myself in areas that I had difficulty understanding. While reading I kept detailed notes about what was happening, investigating where I may not have understood. Throughout the course writing papers and completing lengthy tests were all done in Spanish. Within classes I was applying my listening skills to understand themes and characters that, perhaps reading on my own was not necessarily apparent. For example, double meanings, metaphors, cultural references were learned through reading and discussing literary works. Also within class applying my speaking skills was a common occurrence, whether it was speaking with classmates or participating in dialogue with the professor all was exclusively done in the target language Spanish. As a proficient Spanish student, I have greater confidence and broader horizons toward applying my bilingual abilities.