Abstract:

Typical approach to foreign language curriculum in the higher education setting has been two-tiered: while elementary and intermediate courses focus mostly on formal expression and incorporate culture as an afterthought, upper level courses focus primarily on content, literature in particular. The period in between is, in fact, extremely painful for students. It is the period when students start to abandon basic and simple structures and start experimenting with the complexity of language; and, as a consequence, the process seems lengthy to them and sometimes even gives them an impression of moving backwards instead of progressing forward. Nonetheless, there is a lack of research and materials available to the instructors who teach such courses. There is a great need to confront this issue and to promote scholarly research on foreign language pedagogy at an advanced level.

Content:
This presentation describes innovative techniques developed for Advanced Spanish Composition and Grammar course. The changes implemented in the course were guided by recognition of "engaged learning" as the best practice in today's academia and offered students an opportunity to practice reading and writing texts of various genres.

Method:
Through surveys, student outcome data, shared sample materials, a power point and a research based paper presentation, the audience will learn about alternative ways of teaching second language writing and grammar at an advanced level.

The objectives of the course are to promote students’ cultural competence, reading and writing proficiency, including formal accuracy of expression, and students’ engagement with the material. Specific data, as well as student survey results, will be provided during the presentation to show how these objectives were met.

Keywords:

Writing, Foreign Language, Composition.