Michael Leeser

This module on interactive tasks provides teachers with an overview of the nature of communication and explores the ways in which interactive tasks can promote communicative exchanges among students and teachers. The module provides guidelines for developing tasks, along with examples and options for their use in various types of language courses, including beginner-level language classes as well as more advanced language courses focusing culture, linguistics, literature, and film.

The Sol y viento textbook is firmly framed in communicative-oriented language teaching. Completely meaning-based and drill-free, it uses an input-to-output approach for the presentation of vocabulary and grammar.The annotated Instructor’s Edition contains detailed suggestions for carrying out activities in class as well as answers to exercises. It also offers options for expansion and follow-up.Sol y viento integrates the latest in second language acquisition research with the highest quality, Hollywood caliber feature film available for the Introductory Spanish classroom. The Sol y viento program creates a distinct and captivating cultural experience that motivates students to develop their communication skills. Created specifically for beginning language learners, Sol y viento tells the story of a Chilean family and their winery, and of a young U.S. Latino businessman who finds himself intricately involved with the family as his company tries to buy their land. Mystery, romance, and the unexplainable forces of nature all play a part in this spellbinding story, drawing students in and compelling them to want to communicate about the film and its themes.

Increase students' ability to comprehend spoken Spanish; express their ideas & opinions; and analyze cultural perspectives while challenging fixed beliefs and cultural stereotypes. These outcomes motivated the respected author team of Así lo veo, the first Intermediate Spanish program to use a documentary, filmed specifically for the program, as the basis for instruction and learning. Since a documentary captures real situations and personal perspectives it is the perfect vehicle for increasing student engagement. With Así lo veo, the documentary motivates the presentation of content—vocabulary, grammar, and culture—and by extension, the learning. Specifically, Así lo veo documents how six Spanish speakers view timely, provocative themes. Because these are everyday people, not actors, they bring unscripted, real language as well as fresh ideas to the context of learning Spanish.