Although I have been studying languages since my first Spanish class in junior high school, I did not become inspired by my studies until entering college. I spent five years studying Spanish, received perfect grades, and completed AP Spanish my senior year of high school, but I did not feel as if I could practically use the language or understand native speakers. Primarily, I remember practicing the language through reading comprehension and auditory recall multiple choice tests. I tend to understand topics in a broader sense and can demonstrate my knowledge better through practical application, rather than through detail-focused test taking. Although I was able to excellently read and write the language, I could not speak or understand Spanish in a verbal sense, which was disappointing.
After this experience with my first non-native language, I decided to try out something new in college. I enrolled in my first Italian class sophomore year and had a completely different experience with the language. Rather than seeking to memorize large sets of vocabulary or grammar rules, we practiced speaking the language and mainly focused on the key vocabulary that we needed to communicate. The language courses at the University of Richmond are unique in that multiple learning approaches and resources are used. I enjoy textbook memorization, but also appreciate listening to Italian music, studying classical European texts, and watching Italian films. In addition, I enjoy that we heavily practice our written skills and have flexibility in the topics we write about. The integrative approach to learning has made my experience in the Italian Studies department extremely successful, compared to my Spanish studies. In only two years, I feel extremely confident in my abilities.
The Learning Survey seemed to confirm all of my beliefs about my preferred learning style and explained the disparity between my two language experiences. My scores came out as follows: 50% tactile, 35% visual, and 15% auditory. The survey identified that my weaknesses may be difficulty remembering things I have seen/heard, learning by listening, and short attention span. I would agree with all of these traits. In regard to successfully learning a new language, the survey made a few key suggestions I would like to adopt: participating in hands-on activities, arranging flashcards to show relationships, and drawing/building to learn. For example, interactive online exercises for vocabulary may be something I take advantage of.
I found the Multiple Intelligences Survey to be extremely accurate too in measuring my learning strengths. My top two intelligence categories, Musical and Self, tied at 4.71. I would agree that I am extremely self-reflective and do my best work through personal trial and error, brainstorming alone, and completing independent projects. Also, I do enjoy studying alone, which this intelligence suggests. The Music score seems accurate, as well, considering I play six instruments, choreograph for my dance team, love classical music, and write my own poetry. In relation to my study of Maltese, I hope to incorporate the survey suggestions of journal keeping, small self-guided projects, poetry, and listening to contemporary music in the language.
The FIRE Model was interesting because I did not strongly identify with a specific category- I was somewhat tied between Factual and Evaluative which seem to contradict each other. On the other hand, I strongly disagreed with the Insightful and Rational categories. My study methods include completing worksheets, drills, and task-oriented activities. In addition, I need clear instructions and expectations to be able to succeed in a class. From the Evaluative category, I really enjoy problem-solving and sharing personal thoughts and opinions.
My key takeaway from this reflection is that although my larger learning plan should be structured and goal-oriented, my individual activity plans should be creative and take advantage of various media outlets. Being able to read the language is one of my primary goals for this semester, but I hope to find effective ways to enhance my auditory comprehension, ability to communicate basic phrases, and written skills.
Comments
Hi Nicole,
It's been super cool to see you progress with your knowledge of Maltese this semester, and is especially inspiring that you did it on your own. When you were presenting this Tuesday, you seemed so involved and proud of your language learning, which clearly points to the success of the SDLP!
I definitely relate to the feeling of simply going through the motions in high school language classes and not really getting any joy out of them, but coming to college and finding a new interest. I was wondering if you were able to incorporate media outlets into your learning and if you found any success in it? I've been trying to implement that into my language learning as well.