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Spanish I Course Redesign
 

Learn how I helped an instructor substantially revise Spanish I to a project-based course.

The Context

  • The Instructor: Self-Paced Enroll Anytime instructor

  • The problem: The instructor taught the course through email as an exam-based course

  • Project Goals: Move the course into the LMS

  • Project Outcomes: Moved course into the LMS, redesigned the course from test-based to project-based learning, incorporated principles of UDL with reflection opportunities

Course Revisions

Since Spanish I is an entry-level course, the instructor kept knowledge checks available in the course textbook and two spoken exams. Two other written exams were shortened to make room for:​

  • Smaller projects: These ask learners to explore cultural factors of the Spanish-speaking world, such as gestures and food.

  • The final project: Using principles of UDL, we developed an assignment that allows learners to choose between several options for a multimedia project that uses Spanish-language vocabulary, sentence structure, syntax, etc. to explore the Spanish-speaking world. 

  • Reflections: Previous to this iteration of the course, no opportunities for reflection or learner-driven feedback were provided in the course. We added in brief reflections to allow students to reflect on the lesson's muddiest point or light bulb moment to help students remain engaged and take control of their own learning. 

  • Rubrics: The instructor had never used rubrics, but indicated an interest in exploring them. We developed rubrics and used them throughout the course for each project. 

  • Video content: In addition to the other resources, the instructor also created video overview content for each lesson.

Technologies Used

  • Blackboard Original 

  • Canva (for image creation and editing)

  • YuJa (for video streaming)

  • Microsoft Word & PowerPoint

Sample Assignment: The Final Project

Taking the place of a written exam, the final project for Spanish 101 will be a presentation combining vocabulary, grammar, and skills learned through all six lessons on the Vistas site. You can select one of the projects listed below in the Lista de proyectos:

 

  • Viaje (trip). Create a video or slide show with audio for an imaginary one-week trip you made to a Spanish-speaking country where you would like to visit several locations based on your interests.

  • La ropa. Desfile de moda. Create a video or multimedia slide show of a fashion show featuring clothing styles traditional in Spanish-speaking countries.

  • Mensajes a casa. You'll post a week of daily emails - or messages similar to those you might send on social media - in a multimedia presentation based in a Spanish-speaking country or region.

  • Otra selección.  If none of these choices appeal to you, or you have a different idea that can incorporate similar guidelines, please feel free to propose an alternative in an email to Senor Schmidt.

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Full assignment instructions and a rubric are attached as Microsoft Word documents in Blackboard. 

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Sample Project Documents

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