Problem/Solution?
My first problem was that even I was unconvinced by how tightly connected the appliance/peso lesson from my Spanish I cooking unit was. Solution? Record something juicy from my narcocorridos unit!
Second problem? Though the lesson was, I believe, sufficiently juicy, I was only able to get 7 of the 16 kids present that day ON camera. Solution? Record it with the other class.
Which brings me to problems 3-9 and the need to brainstorm in the wee small hours of the morning.
Problem: class 2 is woefully behind, partially because of extraneous snow delay, partially because of how our schedule just IS
Solution? catch them up, adjust their schedule, al diablo con keeping the 2 classes on the same schedule (that’s what edmodo‘s for, right?) and bring on the 60-degree highs!
Problem: student(s) complain and shut down when presented with a text in Spanish
Solution? give students a “cheat sheet” to make them think they have an advantage in the interpretation that others don’t
Problem: if given translations for comparison, students will rely on translations without comparing
Solution? give students only key words that could become road blocks/excuses not to continue interpreting
Problem: students insist on translating EVERY word when asked to interpret
Solution? clearly communicate larger goals: interpreting & purpose of interpreting (i.e. comparison, connections) to divert focus from literal, word-for-word translation
