GCSU students promote college life in Spanish to the local K-12 community  

Students in the Department of World Languages and Cultures’ Spanish (SPAN 3010) course traveled to Brentwood School in Sandersville March 31 to share their presentations of their Georgia College & State University student experience with a 10th grade Spanish class. Then, they collaborated with small groups of students from each grade to complete activities in Spanish.  

The CbEL (Community-based Engaged Learning) project “Promoting GCSU College Life to the K-12 Community” took place during spring semester. Dr. Aurora Castillo-Scott, associate professor of Spanish and Dr. Lee Kirven, lecturer of Spanish led students to work in groups, preparing posters and presentations in Spanish. At Brentwood School, Georgia College students showcased different aspects of student life including academic programs, housing, dining, clubs and organizations, sports, campuses and transportation.

SPAN 3010 students gained practical experience, presenting to a new audience and using their Spanish skills in context, while creating connections between GCSU and the surrounding K-12 community.

The project proved meaningful to GCSU student Grace Cote.

“Not only is it important for Brentwood students to learn about Georgia College as an option and practicing their Spanish, but it’s also a great way for us Spanish learners to practice oral presentations and conversations,” Cote said.  

This project also benefited the high school students by providing them an opportunity to practice Spanish with more speakers outside the classroom.

“Thanks to this event, my students were able to put into practice what they’ve learned during the year,” said Esther Quesada, Spanish instructor at Brentwood School. “It’s one thing to study in the classroom and another to converse in a real-world context in Spanish.”

The benefits of the project were mutual for Georgia College student Rebecca Ocampo.

“It allows both us and them to practice our Spanish in a real-world setting and allows them to see GCSU in a fun and positive light,” she said.

Georgia College students also used this opportunity to demonstrate to Brentwood students the importance of learning a language and encouraging them to continue studying Spanish.

“I think this project is important because it allows high school students to get a glimpse of a potential future studying Spanish,” said Morgan Gosdin.

“My favorite part was interacting with these students in a different language, guiding them to a good future and trying to get them to come to GCSU,” said Alejandro Del Rello. “I also enjoyed teaching them why continuing to learn a different language is beneficial.”  

SPAN 3010 students also shared their presentations with Spanish classes from the Georgia College Early College and the Georgia College community April 26.

Castillo-Scott and Kirven plan to continue and expand this project with their 3010 classes next semester.