subject: Contextual Learning Through Spanish Expressions [print this page] Are you more likely to remember a foreign word or phrase if its used in isolation or as part of an interesting and natural story? Anecdotes of children and adults learning new languages by watching TV suggest that context "" especially if its engaging "" is key. News in Slow Spanish, a language-learning program based on natural language acquisition patterns, presents new material to beginning and intermediate Spanish students through audio news casts and dialogues recorded at a slightly slowed than usual pace.
As student-listeners testify on the show"s website, www.NewsInSlowSpanish.com, many for the first time were able to believe that they can really learn Spanish.
News in Slow Spanish has produced more than 70 shows that incorporate the technique of contextual material presentation.
For example, one segment of each show is dedicated to introducing students to Spanish idioms and everyday expressions. This section"s material is presented in a sitcom format, in which a leading host (a native Spanish speaker) and the co-host ("an advanced student") explore a specific topic "" often relating to the news presented in the rest of the show, while explaining and frequently using the expression or idiom of the week. Listeners are able to retain new expressions and idioms because they are paired with memorable topics and episodes.
Just as TV sitcom watchers tend to remember the signature reactions, behaviors, and phrases of their favorite characters long after show"s episode, News in Slow Spanish listeners remember the Spanish expressions that service as each episode"s signature. News in Slow Spanish also offers on its website more conventional lessons in idioms and expressions for students who what to learn an idiom"s or expression"s origin, uses, and examples. But it"s the dialogue that keeps students interested "" and keeps them coming back. Does the dialogue lead students to shift from "learning" mode to one of simply enjoying the show and naturally absorbing and retaining Spanish? "Yes," the show producers say, "for those how love the show it"s the most efficient and natural way to learn!"
