Sunday, June 13, 2010

Walking in the shoes of an English Language Learner……..

I have a new and deeper understanding of what it must feel like to be an English Language Learner. I recently spent 22 good days (24 total) as a Spanish Language learner in a country that speaks very little English. Simple phrases came easy…hola, como estas, donde esta el bano, cuanto cuesta, gracias, con mucho gusto, no entiendo…..you know those important words that can get you through the day….hello, how are you, where is the bathroom, how much does it cost, thank you, you’re welcome (Costa Rica’s version) and I don’t understand. The vocabulary words are easier to remember when knowing them is crucial to your daily needs!
There were times in those 24 days that I thought I would scream if I didn’t talk to someone in English. There were also times that I wondered if I had a brain at all as I struggled to stay focused and concentrate on what was being said around me. I had a million questions that I would have liked to ask and didn’t because I didn’t have the vocabulary….To make that conversation just took too much effort!!
The 5 students who went on this adventure with 2 professors seriously thought we were some kind of psychological experiment for the University! It was definitely a test of Brian Cambourne’s Conditions for Learning (7 or 8….depending on what website you read). We were “Immersed” in the culture, the language, and the family life. We were saturated with content, context, feelings, sights, sounds and tastes in every aspect of our day. We had “demonstrations” in class, at our family homestays, in restaurants, etc. Many times I resorted to a game of charades with my families so that we could converse! We knew that the teachers at CPI had high “expectations” for our learning…as they sometimes refused to speak any English…insisting that we only spoke Spanish in the classroom. Although, this was very frustrating, this strategy worked. It forced us to use the vocabulary and other resources we had at our fingertips. Problem solving became our “responsibility” as we worked through our language barrier, took charge, and became accountable for our own learning. We approached and passed ZPD’s daily in our language class. I’ll never forget a moment during the last week in Monte Verde, we were having a great conversation with Jackie (our teacher) about losing things….keys specifically….She told this funny, funny story about a time when she locked herself out of her house. We laughed so hard….but the amazing – ah ha – moment was that she told that story completely in Spanish….and I understand what she said!!!! We celebrated those “ah-ha” “approximation” moments almost daily. We also had the opportunity to “practice” what we were learning…sometimes more practice that I actually wanted! We had “feedback” from our teachers and fellow classmates…and support from each other!
I believe that all of Cambourne’s conditions were present and that those principles are applicable to learners of all ages….and all subjects! I learned some things about my own style of learning too! I need to see, hear, write and repeat before I can comprehend. I also need to apply and the content needs to be relevant! When those stipulations were met….the language was easier. I’ve learned some strategies that I will use in my future classroom…..which was the primary reason for my trip!
I loved Costa Rica and could not have picked a better place to go for 24 days! The country is breathtakingly beautiful. The people live simple lives and care deeply for one another. I am inspired by their dedication to preserve the flora, fauna, and wildlife…and their desire to make the whole country a better place to live! I applaud their commitment to be a carbon free country and their commitment to education. There is a “surprise of the day” every day just around the corner in Costa Rica~

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Day 23 -24 Last weekend in Costa Rica

We left early Saturday morning for the 4 hour ride from Monte Verde to San Jose. What a culture shock! I think we were all overcome by the noise and busy lifestyles of the city! We vistied the National Theatre and the National Museum. Both places were very interesting.

We had dinner at a favorite place....we had been to before! The food was wonderful and we sat around sharing some of our stories of the 3 week adventure. I think Costa Rica has a special place in all of our hearts.....

The country is so beautiful! The people live simple lifestyles; where the phrase of the day is "Pura Vida"....pure life!

Our plane departed at 12:30 Costa Rica time for Fort Lauderdale and our connecting flight landed safely in Myrtle Beach around 9:40. It made for a very long day of traveling. Walking out of the airport was like walking into a sauna...the heat and humidity was oppressive! Yep....we were home! I'm already longing for the cooler temperatures of the cloud forest, the quiet nights, and the fruit drinks!

Friday, June 4, 2010

Day 22, Viernes, 4 Junio 2010

We had the morning free today so that we could begin the task of packing for the return trip home. I went into town today so that I could pay the departure tax ($26). Today is Helen’s birthday! Allan surprised her with a new pair of tennis shoes this morning in her favorite color…light blue (this is her very first pair of tennis shoes). I gave her a pair of light blue earrings that I found at a local gift shop. Final plans were being made to celebrate her birthday at a local restaurant tonight with all of their friends….of course, the family members will be there as well! So, I’ll be able to end my last night in Monte Verde at a huge birthday party. Unbelievably they are sad that I am leaving! It has been so much fun to be a part of their family these last 2 weeks.

We wrapped up our final day in Spanish class by studying the verbs that are most important. Of course, I will be bringing those workbooks back to the US so that I can continue my language development (and homework)!! We were also treated to a slide show with pictures of our activities….and a certificate of completion…60 hours of Spanish classes….and a small graduation ceremony! It really made all the studying and homework worth it! I highly recommend this program to anyone interested in learning the language…by immersion! Our CPI tour guide (Sonia) has been wonderful….and of course…my hat goes off to Dr Debbie Powell for making this a trip (and learning experience) of a lifetime!!!

We leave at 7 am tomorrow morning for San Jose; where we will spend the weekend. Our plans are to visit the National Museum, Theatre, and do some last minute shopping!

I’m going to miss Monte Verde and the Cloud Forest!!

End of Day 22……. (T-2 to home)

Day 21: Jueves, 3 Junio 2010

We had a slight change in plans today. We had heard that bad weather was on the way from the pacific, so the zipline tour that was scheduled for Friday was moved to today! So……we took a tour through the Canopy of Monte Verde by way of a zipline! What an incredible tour! There are 9 lines; each one a different height and length. All of the lines are above the canopy so that you can see for miles! We were fortunate that we finished the tour before the rain came….about 30 minutes later….and has been raining all day since! We have been so lucky with all of our outdoor activities! Yes…it has rained (after all, it is the rainy season – their winter), but for the most part our activities have been completed in good weather!! There are all kinds of lessons that can be derived from this tour today….as we discussed the merits of “fun” activities and the definition of educable moments! We came up with at least 20 lesson ideas from the very basic discussion of various shades of the color green to the more complex discussion of physics, pulleys, and gravity!

Our class is coming to an end, so we gathered for a while afterwards (and before lunch) to try to wrap up some of our thoughts.

We learned a Spanish song today in class! And had the opportunity to sing and practice some of the verbs that we have been learning this week!

Only 3 more days left in Costa Rica as day 21 ends….

Day 20: Miercoles, 2 Junio 2010

This morning we spent a couple of hours at the Coffee Co-Op in San Luis, Monte Verde. We planted coffee plants. It was hot and strenuous work! However, in 3 – 4 years, there will be coffee beans produced on the plants that we transplanted. That’s an awesome thought! There are 42 members of the Monte Verde Coffee Co-Op. Of course they only grow Arabica coffee…as it is the best and is perfect for the rich volcanic soil and climate. Some of the coffee that is produced is exported to Texas and Montana. The product varies from year to year depending on the crop produced. There is a Coffee Co-Op Café in Monte Verde where they sell and offer samples of their product. Costa Rica has 2 main export products: Coffee and Bananas.

We had lunch at Stella’s Café and continued our Spanish language classes as usual in the afternoon.

Meanwhile at home, Allan is planning the birthday party that will be held on Friday night for Helen (who will be 28 years old). He showed me his party list and there were 37 persons to be invited. He is trying to decide whether to have the party at a restaurant instead of their house! We heard tonight on the news that a tornado went thru Manual Antonio last night. Several trees were down, cars were crushed, and houses destroyed…..

Otherwise; a successful end to day 20 in Costa Rica.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Costa Rica: Week 2 summary and insight

The question is: Is total immersion the right way to learn a 2nd language? That is basically what we do to our ESL/ELL students in our classrooms. We chastise them for speaking to their peers; we isolate them from all that was familiar; we stick them in a corner or send them to the office when they shut down; we put them off to the side during a math or social studies lesson when we feel the content is too hard or we give them mindless activities to keep them busy. Before coming to this country, it bothered me somewhat that there were so many advertisements and signs written in Spanish and English. My thought was that if you were going to be in America, you should know how to speak the language….English! Thank God there are signs here in English! I am also glad that there are people here who speak my native language! If nothing else, this trip has taught me what it feels like to be a second language learner and to have that reverse discrimination. It was very frustrating to be turned down by 2 available taxi drivers because I could not communicate effectively in Spanish!

I have learned that I need to speak to my peers (who speak my language); I have learned to gather those things around me that I am familiar with; I have learned that it’s almost impossible to go a full day without reaching the saturation point and shutting down; I have learned that I can grasp complex concepts through content, group discussion, practice, and application…..which I can’t do from a corner!

Immersion works, but we need to give those special considerations for our ESL/ELL Students too!

Day 19: Martes, 1 Junio 2010

We visited the Cloud Forest School in Monte Verde this morning. It’s a private school for local and international students which started in 1991. It’s considered a bilingual school with instruction primarily in English. It’s also a creative school. I learned yesterday that in order to attend a Costa Rican public school, the student must be a Costa Rican. We spent a couple of hours at the school this morning touring the campus and discussing their history and mission. We were unable to observe a classroom. We had lunch at Stella’s bakery and café. We learned today that the owner is the son of the original owner (Stella) who is one of the Quakers that came to Costa Rica in 1950. We had an interesting conversation about his mother and father and a small part of the history. We only had 1 hour of Spanish classes today because of our outside activities. We then returned to the Cloud Forest School and participated in a workshop (led by Dr Powell) with the teachers. It was an interesting discussion about different Genre’s.
In the newspaper today was a picture of the devastation that the rain is causing in Guatemala. A huge sinkhole has formed in the middle of a neighborhood that is the equivalent of a 3 story building. Many people and houses have been lost. There was also some discussion tonight on the news about the earthquakes that have been occurring in this country over the last 2 weeks. There was another earthquake last night about 9:30 in Quepas….near Manuel Antonio. Unfortunately, I was already asleep and did not notice! Early to bed and early to rise is the norm in this country!
End of day 19…..

Day 18, Lunes 31 Mayo 2010

Happy Memorial Day! Of course, it is not a holiday in Costa Rica. Our group had the morning free today. So, I took advantage of that time and caught up on my research project. I had lunch at a local restaurant called “Johnnie’s” today. Yo tengo una hamburgesa, papas fritos, y fresas fresco (hamburger, homemade potato chips and strawberry fresco). I started my last week of Spanish classes with a new teacher. We continued our study of verbs and started learning the names of places. It’s hard to believe that our adventure is almost over! After classes were over at 5:15, we participated in a Salsa dance class! I had so much fun! When I hear Latin Salsa music in the future, I’ll always remember this dancing lesson! I hope I can recall the steps when I get home! I’m starting to enjoy the music in Costa Rica!
I had a conversation with Allen and Helen when I got “home” about the dance class and music. Allen was in the United States in 2000 (Montana). He showed me a CD that he purchased when he was there. Guess what song was popular????….”Who let the Dogs Out”!! I can only imagine what kind of impression he came home with!!!! We had a good laugh about that!
End of Day 18 (and count down to home)……although we still have a lot of things to do this week! Muchas actividads!

Day 17, Domingo: 30 Mayo 2010

This morning Shelby and I were sitting on our porch about 6 am (enjoying a cup of Café Britt), when a great white cloud came pouring out of the volcano! Within seconds, we heard the rumbling roar! The volcano was awake and singing! I guess I would call that a little burp! There were 5 or 6 burps this morning before we left La Fortuna!
We spent the morning lounging around the hotel. Around 11 am, we departed for La Fortuna Waterfall. Although we cancelled our hike, we were able to view the waterfall from a lookout point not far from the main entrance. We had lunch at a local restaurant and celebrated Dr. Huber’s birthday! We arrived back in Monte Verde at 5 pm. What an exciting weekend!
Allan and Helen had spent the weekend moving his sister from Abuella….a district in the South of Costa Rica. He now has 2 brothers and 2 sisters living in the same neighborhood of Monte Verde! Families like to be close to one another in this country. He and Helen spent some time this evening socializing with his family before dinner.
End of day 17…..