College - Author 1

College of Liberal Arts

Department - Author 1

Modern Languages and Literatures Department

Date

12-2010

Primary Advisor

William Martinez, Jr.

Abstract/Summary

During my time in college and studying abroad, I have developed a passion for languages. As a result, I plan on teaching Spanish in High School. Therefore, my senior project will involve tutoring beginning-level Cal Poly students in Spanish and evaluating the difficulties that students encounter while learning a second language. I will tutor for a minimum of 30 hours and complete a write-up which summarizes my experience. In this write up, I discuss the tutoring sessions and the different obstacles and successes I encounter. I will also discuss what tutors must consider when tutoring students. I will outline my expectations including any obstacles or difficulties. After completing these sessions I reflect on what has occurred and what I have learned.

Tutoring will give me an opportunity to have direct contact with students in the beginning stages of learning Spanish as a second language, something that will be beneficial for my career goals. The setting of these tutoring sessions will be in the language lab with access to different resources. I use the material from the student’s class and review any problems or questions they may have, focusing on his or her difficulties.

From this senior project I will gain a lot of experience working with beginning- level students. As a Modern Languages and Literature major it is important to understand and appreciate the importance of learning languages as well as encouraging others to learn languages. In this major, students strive to honor all cultures and their unique qualities. It is important to appreciate both language and culture in order to truly master a foreign language. As a student, I hope to gain a better understanding of teaching a foreign language.

COinS