THE SHADOWING PROJECT
What is The Shadowing Project? (TSP)
TSP is Covalingua´s unique Foreign Language Didactic Method. It combines context-based learning, project-based learning and CLIL (Content Language Integrated Learning) methodologies including a shadowing experience of an active Spanish speaking professional.
Profesional Activity
TSP is a new didactic activity for field professionals in which a tutor will supply students with the appropriate learning tools. The tutor will also supervise the language learning process to encourage the student to become fluent in the communicative situations most relevant to the individual’s profession.
TSP begins by asking students a direct engaging question about their professional field, i.e.: What projects are you working on? What is the most challenging aspect of working with Spanish speaking clients? The question sets the ground for Problem Based Learning and leads to an individual investigation using informal learning environments and collaborative learning. Since the investigation/problem solving is conducted in a foreign language (Spanish in this case).
Learning Environments
TSP enhances the development of professional key skills, student motivation, and collaborative work with foreign clients who speak Spanish. Lessons are designed to encourage autonomous learning and is compatible with traditional teaching methods.
Learning Goals
Every student will complete a TSP project during this course. The project will allow students to demonstrate their mastery of the Spanish language concepts taught in this course, as well as the cultural field –related concept (if applicable), in a modality that is appropriate for their unique learning style.
Acting as a facilitator, your instructor will guide you through the TSP project; however, as the learner, you are responsible for actively acquiring and constructing knowledge by completing all assigned readings and TSP activities step by step.
Both formal and informal assessment will be used in evaluating your performance throughout the course. Informal assessment will include an evaluation of the quality and timeliness of your participation in TSP activities.
Learning Outcomes of TSP
Students will be able to:
- See and hear Spanish spoken by native speakers working in the same field
- Practice listening to, reading, speaking, and writing in Spanish
- Practice pronunciation skills by recording and listening to their own voice and comparing it to the voices of native speakers
- Begin to develop their ability to communicate effectively and express themselves with confidence in Spanish
- Gain cultural knowledge about other professional systems abroad
- Have a sense of control over their learning process
- Use this knowledge to ultimately reduce the costs caused by language barriers