I teach various courses at Bridgewater State University, including LASP 101 (Elementary Spanish I) and LASP 102 (Elementary Spanish II), LASP 200 (Intermediate Spanish II), LASP 253 (Introduction to Hispanic Linguistics), LASP 281 (Spanish Conversation), LASP 300 (Spanish Composition) and LANG 324 (Introduction to Second Language Acquisition).

Below, you will find my philosophy on teaching a foreign language.

For many learners, coming to a foreign language class can be a scary experience. Oftentimes, they are required to take a foreign language class, and have no real interest in learning the language. In my classes, I try to make the learning experience as fun and as valuable as possible, so as to make the environment less threatening and more welcoming. I believe that in a welcoming environment, the learner is more willing and able to learn, and is also more motivated.

Regarding the use of technology in the classroom, oftentimes I use it more as a tool and resource than as a teacher. When used properly, technology can be a wonderful way to introduce new and innovative ways to learn. We have all seen failed attempts with technology, and it was oft because of poor methodological or pedagogical theories behind them, or none at all. The language lab is a prime example. Students used technology to perform mechanical drills. They sat in language labs and repeated recorded dialogues and sayings. This did not allow them to use the language in a communicative way or to create with it. Then, when faced with using the language outside of the classroom, and a speaker said something differently from how they had learned it, the learner was frequently lost and there was a breakdown in communication and a loss of motivation.

When I use technology in my classroom, I set out the goals that I hope to cover, and ask myself why I am using the technology. Is it just because it is new and innovative and interesting? Or is it because it will really add something to the discussion and lesson at hand and will allow for more learning to occur? If I cannot find a good reason to use technology in the lesson, I do not use it for the sake of using it. I look for other ways to teach the material. To use technology without a clear understanding of why it is being used is setting up the learners for failure, or if nothing else, is wasting time. Technology is not a panacea to make language learning easier or more interesting; it is a tool which can help the learner along his or her path to discovering the intricacies and idiosyncrasities of the language as well as its more provocative features.