Spanish Classes at Yanapuma
Yanapuma's Spanish program includes 20 hours per week, 4 hours per day, of one to one Spanish instruction. Our classes are divided into three levels: Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced. Classes normally run from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 2.00 PM to 6.00 PM, but if you would like to arrange a different class schedule, we can usually accommodate your needs. All of our classes are designed to be flexible to adapt to the specific needs and learning styles of the student.
We can arrange group lessons with advance notice, but most Spanish students find that individual instruction is the most effective method to learn the language.
Our Spanish curriculum offers the highest standards of teaching by highly experienced teachers, and includes a wide range of multimedia materials for learning at all levels of Spanish and regular monitoring of student progress. All of our teachers are certified in teaching Spanish as a foreign language, and nearly all hold university degrees. Our teaching materials include professional texts, a library, Spanish language films, and a language laboratory for practice and learning correct Spanish pronunciation, comprehension and vocabulary. Yanapuma's Spanish program is recognized and authorized by the Ecuadorian Ministry of Education (registration number #1603DINEPP-MEC).
The School
The learning environment at Yanapuma is different from many schools, where students often study in small, cramped cubicles. We strive to provide an optimal learning environment for our students in a relaxed atmosphere to permit the student to learn Spanish at a comfortable pace. We offer a café-style setting in a large, divided open room with plenty of natural light and a nice view.
To help keep classes interesting and active, students are encouraged to explore a variety of Quito’s many attractions with their teacher during classes. These in-class outings can include trips to Quito’s Old Town, walks through the New Town and the Northern sector, museums, zoo, universities, markets, and other places of interest. Weekly excursions to other nearby places of interest with a teacher are offered as well at minimal cost, along with regular weekend excursions to amazing places off the regular tourist trails. We also offer optional conversation sessions, cooking and salsa classes, and other activities to keep life outside of Spanish classes interesting.
Methodology
At Yanapuma, we have developed a unique philosophy and practice of teaching Spanish and native languages. Our methodology was developed cooperatively by our teachers themselves—the people who are most knowledgeable in effective methods of language learning and teaching—and they work hard to continually improve the program based on student feedback. Our teachers are all degreed professionals with substantial teaching experience. They bring experience from their professional lives in other areas as well, including knowledge of the history, culture, traditions, politics and customs of Ecuador and Latin America. Through this experience, they have the talent and dedication for teaching Spanish in a manner that is both professional and engaging, sharing their experience and knowledge with the student.
Teaching is balanced between the areas of grammar, writing, reading, audio comprehension with video, and most importantly, conversation skills. Our focus is not only on learning Spanish from a textbook, but on learning based on real world experiences and Ecuadorian life and culture.
- Grammar: Our Spanish teaching is based on grammatical rules recommended by the Real Academy of the Spanish Language. We present in a simple and easy to understand manner, with clear examples, and follow up with daily exercises and homework for practice.
- Writing: Spanish writing practice includes written in-class short exercises, take home practice exercises, compositions, and dictations, all according to the level of the student.
- Reading: Our library and on-line materials offer the student reading practice in Spanish magazines, local newspapers, and books by Ecuadorian and world authors. Reading is assisted by the teacher, and after reading, the student will be asked to explain his or her understanding and opinions of the material.
- Audio: We offer equipment including a television, DVD player, cassette recorder, and CD player for practice in comprehension of spoken Spanish. We have a selection of movies and other videos on DVD, and varieties of Latin music for practice.
- Conversation: In each class period, after working with the themes introduced that day, students will have the opportunity to put into practice what they have learned through Spanish conversation with their teacher. Themes of conversation can be chosen by the student; generally conversations are spontaneous, relating to cultural, political, and social themes in Ecuador. We encourage conversation based on the student’s own experiences during their stay in Ecuador.
