Event Summary

The 15th workshop hosted by the Taiwanese Association of Hispanists, titled "Perspectives and Challenges in High School Spanish Teaching," featured three experienced high school Spanish teachers. They shared first-hand teaching experiences, discussing how to navigate classroom challenges, design engaging activities, and boost student motivation.

Presentation Highlights

1. My Spanish Class: From Traditional to "Smart" Teaching

Speaker: Ms. Marina Liu (Jingmei Girls High School, Yangming High School) Highlights:

• Teaching Journey: Shared her transition from a music background to Spanish teaching and her work model across various high schools.
• Materials and Tools: Introduced commonly used textbooks (e.g., Etapas, Mañana) and experience in creating custom materials. Discussed the shift in teaching models before and after the pandemic, utilizing digital tools like Google Classroom.
• Real-world Challenges: Highlighted difficulties faced by part-time teachers in administrative communication, benefits, and managing mixed-age classes.

2. Integrating Games into the Classroom for Fun Learning

Speaker: Ms. Estela Chen (Providence University, Qingshui High School, etc.) Highlights:

• Gamified Teaching: Shared designs for classroom games (e.g., Pictionary, group dictation, body part tapping) to liven up the atmosphere.
• Cultural Immersion: Introduced how to integrate Hispanic festivals (e.g., making piñatas for Day of the Dead, Christmas lottery) into the curriculum.
• Pros and Cons: Analyzed the balance between boosting motivation and maintaining classroom order, along with tips for low-budget DIY teaching aids.

3. Aspirations in Spanish Teaching: Sowing the Seeds of Talent

Speaker: Ms. Mella Chen (Zhongshan Girls High School, Banqiao High School) Highlights:

• Communication and Motivation: Explored the difference between "communication obstacles" and "language obstacles," emphasizing the need for positive reinforcement.
• Material Design Logic: Shared how to design materials based on language development steps, incorporating trends, current events, and visual aids.
• Career Planning: Honestly shared the frustrations of dealing with unmotivated students and the aspirations that keep her dedicated to teaching.

Event Information

• Time: April 28, 2023 (Fri) 20:00-21:30
• Location: Online
• Moderators: Ms. Irene Wu, Ms. Julia Hu