Spanish Scholar Program Promises a New Approach to the Language Learning Experience

Beginning this summer, the College of Continuing and Professional Education at Kennesaw State University will offer a brand-new four-part curriculum designed to introduce students to the Spanish language. The Spanish Scholar Program is part of the college’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.

Nancy DeLisle-Brown, a longtime instructor at the College of Continuing and Professional Education, will teach the first of four “Spanish is Fun” courses. DeLisle-Brown specializes in English as a Second Language, leading classes for local adult learners. She holds a master’s degree in Spanish from Salamanca University in Spain and was most recently named the 2015 Outstanding Adult Educator by the Georgia Adult Education Association.

OLLI “Spanish is Fun” part one of four will offer an interactive learning environment, including a wide variety of learning activities to interact in partner and group settings. Each class in the program will consist of 12 students or less. The small-class approach of the “Spanish is Fun” curriculum promises to increase motivation, improve learning outcomes and create a more enjoyable learning environment.

“My goal is to help my students develop enough confidence in themselves to speak not only in the classroom, but also outside of the classroom, in the community - when there is an opportunity,” DeLisle-Brown said.

The class will provide students with a basic understanding of the Spanish language. Students will acquire basic language skills and the beginning vocabulary skills needed to engage in simple greetings and introductions. Upon completion of the course, students will have a basic understanding of:

• Words that are similar in English and Spanish
• Masculine versus feminine nouns
• Singular and plural personal nouns
• Specific components of Spanish culture

“This will be a great adventure. Along the way they may encounter difficulties and challenges, but at the end of my class they will hopefully have the skills necessary to engage in a new conversation,” DeLisle-Brown said. “As a non-native speaker, I will be able to share my own experience with learning the language and relate to the challenges and difficulties that students may face when learning the language. Studying the Spanish culture will allow a further understanding of the language and bring about a greater appreciation for it.”

The “Spanish is Fun” program can be completed in one year; however students will have the flexibility in choosing when to begin each part of the course. Upon completion of the four parts in the “Spanish is Fun” curriculum, students will be awarded an OLLI Spanish Scholar Certificate.

“The certificate program is for anyone interested in introductory level Spanish, those planning to travel to Spanish speaking countries and those wishing to communicate with neighbors in the community,” said Michelle Girage, assistant dean.

OLLI’s “Spanish is Fun” part I begins on Monday, July 11 and runs for 10 consecutive Mondays, meeting from 10 a.m. to noon. For more information, visit ccpe.kennesaw.edu.