Weekly Tip 10/12/17 – Why accuracy plays a role in your level of Spanish

Weekly Tip 10/12/17 – Why accuracy plays a role in your level of Spanish

 

Hola chicos,

Buenos días :)

 

From time to time students ask why they are not moving up a level when they understand everything and feel comfortable in the next level.  It could be for a number of reasons, but today I want to address accuracy.

 

When you’re learning a language you will make a million mistakes…and that’s ok, we want you to, as it means that you are putting yourself out there and trying.  It is important however to try to learn from your mistakes.

It is one thing to be able to understand everything, but it is quite another for a native Spanish speaker who does not speak English to understand you.

If this may be what is keeping you from advancing a level, here are a few things you can do to improve your accuracy:

  • Actively listen.  This means that when your teacher & classmates are talking, you are paying attention to what they’re saying, not thinking about how you’re going to respond.  I would also recommend listening to podcasts or watching tv outside of class.
  • Read.  Reading can be a tremendous help because you can visually start to notice patterns and pick up complete phrases.
  • Work in a grammar workbook.  If grammar is what is killing you, try one of the books from the McGraw Hill “Practice Makes Perfect” series.  I recommend starting out with “Complete Spanish Grammar” and then trying out the others.
  • Speak.  The more practice you get speaking, the better you will get.  It’s that simple.
  • Last, but not least, when you are corrected in class, stop, repeat the correction and then continue.  If you have time, write it down.

 

Where do you feel you are at with your accuracy?  Do native Spanish speakers (who do not speak English) understand you?

 

Besitos,

Caro