A weekly selection of current affairs features from BBC Mundo with notes for language learners and accompanying audio files.The readings relate to world and Hispanic-specific current events. The site contains archives of past readings.
Type of Material:
Collection
Technical Requirements:
Java-enabled browser; Real Player
Identify Major Learning Goals:
Comprehension of reading selections that relate to world events including Spain and Latin America. Comprehension of audio files associated with the readings.
Target Student Population:
Intermediate/Advanced Spanish proficiency levels
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
A learner in a third semester college level course can succeed in comprehending the material.There is some glossing of the readings, and English translations. The vocabulary and structure will be beyond some beginning students.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
The articles are exceptional for language learning because of their multimedia format.Authentic audio recordings correspond well and the language is represented completely in context. The glossed structure and reading-specific pop-up vocabulary lists facilitate reading comprehension.The articles do not require a lot of teacher preparation for classroom presentation. If the instructor deems it necessary, Spanish language-learners can read the same or related article in English using a link to the English version of the same article. The information is current since the materials are published on a weekly basis.
Concerns:
One suggestion would be to provide the pre-planner (abstract of the article) in the target language.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
Each reading includes two types of glossed reading components. One is a related link to vocabulary notes (a bilingual Spanish/English) dictionary. The other is a link to language notes that provide grammar explanations, and usage with particular vocabulary and functional expressions. In general, the grammar references presented in each reading treats one particular grammar point, e.g., the use of ser vs estar.
There is a listening link to many of the readings. The audio component does not use the same script as the written article. The audio component is exceptionally clear, and the listener is able to hear a variety of peninsular and non-peninsular accents. It is up to the teacher to provide pre-reading, comprehension and expansion activities.
Through the readings and listening, the language learners' vocabulary can be quickly enriched, and they can gain specialized uses of functional expressions. The value of this site lies in the combination of reading and listening skills on the same factual topic. Several expansion activities can be added since there are additional links to other readings with the same theme. It should be very easy for Spanish language instructors to create all type of learning activities for the reading and audio selections presented.
Concerns:
One suggestion would be to provide some pre-reading and pre-listening activities. The addition of comprehension checking activites would be an enhancement as well.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The site has a clean and attractive interface, simple navigation and on-line technical help for downloading media players, etc. It is easily projectable for in-class use. The type styles and background make the page clear and readable.
Creative Commons:
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