Teaching Spanish as a Second Language using the Competency Based Approach: a case study of Peace Corps students in Cochabamba - Bolivia

Abstract

El presente trabajo estudia la aplicación del enfoque de las competencias comunicativas para la enseñanza del idiomas español como segunda lengua a los voluntarios del cuerpo de Paz. El cuerpo de paz es una organización que pertenece al Gobierno de los Estados Unidos. El programa del español basado en el enfoque de las competencias comunicativas considera que el objetivo del aprendizaje debe ser comunicarse efectivamente en el nuevo idioma. En otras palabras, hacer las mismas cosas que hacemos en nuestro idioma nativo. El enfoque trata de responder a las características y necesidades especificas de un grupo de estudiantes para luego preparar el programa de acuerdo a esto. Based on the idea that learning Spanish as a second language Is crucial for Peace Corpa students when they come to Solivia In order to survive In a different community. wc studied the use of Competency Based Approach for teaching Spanish as a second language lo these students, The programs of the Spanish language are based on the immediate needs and Interests of the students In order that They can communicate immediately In the Spanish language. The Competency Based Approach Is also based on Andragogy's principies (adult Icarncr's prlnclplcsl. ' Peace Corps students become volunteers in three months after an Intensive Spanish language training. Peace Corps Training Center Is placed In Cochabamba city. Competency-based programs consider the goal of learning a second language as an ability to communicate effectively In that language. In other words, to do the same kind of things in the new language as we iearn to do In our native language. For this purpose, it Is very Important! to Identify students' Immediate needs and Interests In order lo identify specific competences that they must know and perform successfully in the new language, such as buying a bus ticket, the objective is for the Learners to actually buy the ticket taking into account the cultural aspects of Ihe new country.