Monday, October 24, 2011

Start Preparing Now for Finals: Some Tips and Tricks

Read these helpful tips put together by education students at East Carolina University.  They are helpful and practical and these students know what they are talking about.  For example, have you ever looked into how you can use your textbook to help you study?  Lesson 3 (p. 4) "Using Your Textbook to Study" breaks it down for you.  Lesson 4, "Ask Your Professor", encourages students to go to their instructor's office hour.  That's why they're there, to answer your questions.  Hint: instructors really LIKE it when students ask about the material.  Think about it this way: language-learning consists of many parts of a puzzle.  For all this and more Click here for article (in .pdf format). 

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Do You Want to be Better at Languages?

If you're almost ready to tear your hair out of your head with those verb conjugations, thinking that "Oh, no, I really can't learn a foreign language," take this BBC language 9-question quiz; it will address common concerns that foreign language students have and get advice on using your strengths and overcoming your weaknesses (if any).  

Friday, October 7, 2011

Foreign Language Learning Tips - From Students Like You!


Everyone has his or her own system and approach for learning a foreign language, but sometimes crowd-sourcing can help you to come up with new learning strategies.  Check out Language Learning Tips from the BBC and language learners around the world. 

Monday, October 3, 2011

You Can Learn Any Language! Yes, You Can!

You can't get any more inspirational in terms of learning a foreign language than Barry Farber (except, perhaps, your own instructor).  Watch a short excerpt from his video "How to Learn any Language" and see if you don't agree that his approach is accessible and engaging, and add your own 21st century media solutions into the mix.  The Language Center has the full 2-hour lecture on DVD, as well as Mr. Farber's accompanying book.  You can request either at the Language Center Service Counter.  Or both! 

What to Expect ... When You're Taking a Foreign Language Class at CCSF


If you're thinking of taking a foreign language class next semester, or are already enrolled in one this semester, watch this short video to get a sense of what taking a language class at CCSF is all about.  Then sign up for a continuation class next semester, or a 1A or 1 level class.  Maybe a conversation class in the 10 series?  Or both! 
Click here for video