Teaching a second language to adults means going slow and taking your time with the lessons. While beginner words and phrases will be easy, it can be difficult to grasp long sentences and different speech patterns. If you are teaching an intermediate class, they likely grasp the basics of the language but need to become a conversationalist in order to move up in their learning. If you want to help your class ramp up their learning, you should take a trip to a country where the language is widely spoken. Here are three reasons to plan a trip to a foreign country with a language class.
1. They get real-life application
It can be difficult to truly master a language when you are practicing from a book or in a classroom. Real life application will allow your class to flex their muscles and learn how to operate with respect to grammar, syntax, and phrasing. Being able to apply the language that they are learning to real life will also help them determine which phrases they use the most often. Maneuvering around a country takes proper language skills, so everyone in the class will learn what level they are operating.
2. The class learns their weakness
While exploring a foreign nation, they will need to know a little bit of everything about the language. This includes how to ask for directions, asking for the time or for change at stores, and being able to greet the staff everywhere you go. Ordering from a menu is also an important skill. The class will learn where they are weak during a trip to another nation. Have your class take translation guides with them and have an interpreter in the country travel along with your group daily to aid them in conversation when they are struggling. Your class should write down any weaknesses they noted at the end of the day so that when you are back in the classroom, everyone knows where they need more practice.
3. The country can help with the understanding of the language
Being around a lot of native speakers at one time is one of the best ways to grasp a language. For those who are learning a second language, being in the midst of people who are all communicating in the language daily will help to grasp hard-to-learn basics, such as the words for machinery, stores, money, and more. Understanding the culture will help with better command of the language.
For more information, contact a company like the Language Banc.
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