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New Semester, New Learning!




A New Semester


What matters? For us in the World of Learning, we get excited about meeting new people, learning about new cultures and expanding opportunities for schools and school districts. In the cold of January, we all can use a little boost (sleet, snow and grey skies can go away)! We are excited to be starting a new semester! With two new instructors, we are expanding the possibilities and getting to know some awesome people.
My Spanish Journey

 In the last installment, I talked about getting out and using the Spanish I was learning! I prepped and practiced using Duolingo and a few podcasts. I was sure that I was ready to query my friends about what they would be eating on our jaunt to the Deerhead Inn (a well-known establishment in its own right for Jazz music). Despite the amazing clarinet and request for quiet, I found a few moments to test my skills and learn a bit, too. Since the restaurant did not have pescado y arroz, I learned about hamberguesa y papas fritas! I learned that ¿Qué comes? is a simple way to ask others what they want to eat - and to be more formal I would ask - ¿Qué vas a comer?

Why Learn a New Language
Learning a new language is good for the brain and for the heart! The ACTFL web page gives you so many good research articles about the benefits. Here are a few highlights:

  • A positive attitude toward speakers of other cultures
  • Improved memory, problem-solving, verbal and spacial abilities.
  • Improved self-efficacy
  • IMproved academic achievement
  • Improved print recognition and awareness
  • (And Higher Test Scores)

What Do You Want to Achieve? What Do You Want to Help Your Students Achieve?


We believe, when motivated, everyone can learn. Our courses provide a framework for continuous improvement and learning. We start with setting a goal, understanding what it is that we will tackle in a lesson. We go on to explore the topic independently and guided by a teacher. Students explain what they know and interact with each other - pushing their limits. We set checkpoints for understanding. Here learners can go back to try a little more practice, dive a bit deeper, or move on to new concepts. We ask our learners to demonstrate their learning in an authentic way - and to reflect on what got them there or what kept them from their goal.


We Love What We Do!


If you think this sounds like something that would help you learn, or your students learn - check us out! We really like to talk to people about our program, our offerings, and our teachers.  
Contact us if you want to learn more! pmulroy@iu08.org or ayoung@iu08.org

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