By
Christian Richardson
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Foreign language courses are being offered through techniques considered scientifically
Using innovative methods of instruction, such as listening to classical music, the UA Extended University is teaching students foreign languages in two weeks.
"It's faster, but the point is it is more efficient learning," said Marianne Ritter, the program's development specialist.
The accelerated language courses, which are offered through the University of Arizona Extended University, offer Spanish, Italian, French, German and Japanese instruction.
"Spanish remains the most popular," Ritter said.
She said the non-credited classes focus on conversational speaking techniques but don't teach students the grammar a university-credited class provides.
Some UA students take the courses to brush up on a foreign language before taking the credited university course, Ritter said.
Eliud Chuffe, Spanish and Portuguese lecturer, said it doesn't really matter which courses students take - whether it is in the summer, winter or through an accelerated program - it depends on if students want to learn.
The goal of the Spanish and Portuguese departments is "for students to be able to communicate in an everyday situation," Chuffe said.
Students in the classes include teachers from the Tucson Unified, Amphitheater, Marana and Sunnyside school districts that want to further their bilingual speaking abilities, Ritter said.
The classes are offered in a 30-hour format during two-week periods. The Extended University is able to provide the classes in the condensed format because of their relaxed teaching techniques.
"A great part of the class is feeling comfortable," Ritter said.
"Whole-brain" learning combines the right brain, the creative side, with the left brain for an optimal learning experience, she said. The process uses visual methods such as pictures and menus from the countries studied and auditory methods such as listening to classical music to teach students.
The "whole-brain" learning method is combined with techniques to relax students, helping students tap into their alpha brain waves that allow them to process the material, Ritter said.
Alpha brain waves indicates a person's relaxation.
In one night, the students go through three steps. First, they listen to dialogue. Second, the same dialogue is coupled with classical music. Third, the dialogue is played with Baroque Largo music, which plays at 60 beats per minute. Ritter said the techniques relax the students and prepare them to learn.
"It's just very innovative," she said. "It's just a different way of putting it all together. It's a brain-based learning that is a lot of fun.
"The basic concepts can be used for so many things."
While these methods are broadly used within the Extended University, some people dispute their effectiveness.
"These are claims that are widely made, but there isn't a well-founded scientific foundation for such claims," said Merrill Garrett, professor of cognitive psychology.
Garrett added that he thinks the classes can be effective if they are done competently.
The accelerated courses cost $335 for those who enroll at least a week before the class begins, and $369 after. Faculty and staff receive a $100 discount.
Students who are unable to retain the material can audit the same course for free, Ritter said.
The courses are offered through March 4.
