Trabanjdo Con La Comunidad: An Escape from the Average Spanish Curriculum

Anyone who has studied a foreign language in school for a number of years knows that textbook exercises and workbook assignments can easily become obnoxious and extremely boring. Because, I have these feelings everyday, I was instantly interested in learning about the community outreach program that some Spanish students participate in each year. I was pleased to hear that there is an esccapefrom the hum-drum life of verb conjugations and reading comprehension activities that I will be subjected to for my remaining two years at Albright.

The community outreach aspect of the Spanish 204 curriculum requires students to take their knowledge of the language to Reading Latino communities and to enhance their learning past textbooks and workbook exercises. “A college, in a sense, has a responsibility to reach out to the community,” says Professor Ozment, teacher of Spanish 204 students. “Many of my students underestimate their abilities. It helps them hear the language and exposes them to the culture and the people in an intimate way,” she adds.

This component of the 204 curriculum has been active for about 8 years and has the students participate in several types of community service acts for 10 hours per week. Some students work non-profit organizations that cater to Latinos in the community. Others work with bilingual middle and high school students and with elementary students at 13^th and Union Elementary, just across the street from the Albright campus. They also work with bilingual adults in preparation for their citizenship tests.

Freshman Fawn Lindsey is excited to begin her work with the community. “I love Hispanic culture and I am glad to be able to practice outside of the classroom,” says Lindsey. Lindsey appreciates this component of the curriculum and feels that this type of community involvement will make her a better Spanish-speaker. “Speaking Spanish with native speakers is the best way to improve your techniques when Spanish is your second language. We will also be helping the Hispanic community a great deal by providing English classes to those who are taking the initiative to learn English,” Lindsey concludes.

After learning more about the 204 curriculum, I am eager to participate in this type of community work as well as improving my mastery of the language. It will also be great to get a break from the oh-so-exciting textbook grammar exercises.

(picture source: www.dailylobo.com)