Learn Espa?ol in upcoming classes
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The classes are aimed at business owners and other professionals who wish to better communicate with their ever-increasing number of Spanish-speaking workers and customers. They are not limited to professionals, however, as anyone with a genuine interest in learning Spanish is encouraged to enroll.
Teaching the courses once again is Laura Damron. A graduate of New York University with a degree in education, she became fluent in Spanish while serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in Paraguay. While on assignment there she developed and used her Spanish skills to teach workshops for Paraguayan teachers and administrators on ways to improve classroom learning.
Damron said she will attempt to teach the language the same way she was taught while in the Peace Corps — immersion. It will be her intent not to use a word of English as immersion is the most effective, albeit sometimes frustrating, way to learn. She noted the immersion method is not as difficult as it sounds.
With a maximum of six students, the classes will be very informal, with much individual attention.
“While it’s intense, there is no set curriculum in place, no text book, and everyone can learn at their own pace,” Damron said, adding once the basics of Spanish are in place, she will teach whatever class members are interested in learning.
Both beginner and intermediate classes are available. The beginner class is scheduled to start Feb. 3 and will meet Monday and Wednesday nights for six weeks from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
The intermediate class will begin Jan. 27 and will meet Tuesday and Thursday nights from 5:15 to 7:15 p.m. for eight weeks.
The classes will be held at the Adult Learning Center, which is adjacent to Warren County Middle School.
As class size is kept to a minimum, enrollment is limited and spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, including enrollment details and the price of the courses, call Damron at 473-7829.