Study Skills: Tips for the Adult/ Dual Language Learner
Prepared by
Natalia Ruiz & Carmen (Lizy) Lamboy-Naughton
Ameritas Hispanic Pathways of Brandman
University
Ameritas Hispanic Pathways of Brandman University understands that returning to the educational
community as an adult presents new challenges, expectations, and experiences. While there are many
resources available, provided here is some information related to a variety of study skill techniques that
we will like to share with you!
Academics
1. HIGHER ED: Be sure to understand your
responsibilities as a Higher Ed student.
Distinguish all educational resources such as
credits hours, Counseling services, College
catalog, GPA, syllabus, etc. Take time to
understand terminology from Higher
Education. Here is a link to one useful
resource: English-Spanish Glossary of
Student Financial Aid and Postsecondary Education (http://www.tgslc.org/pdf/Spanishglossary.pdf).
2. CRITICAL THINKING: This is the core of higher education! You will learn to use several
techniques like memorization, note taking, but critical-thinking skills will be the most important skill
that will help you to analyze and solve problems in a higher level. One useful resource can be
found at Defining Critical Thinking ( http://www.criticalthinking.org/pages/defining-criticalthinking/766).
3. GOALS: Write out your goals and expected time commitments. This will be helpful in avoiding
stress and over-scheduling yourself. Beyond establishing goals, keep a schedule that will allow
you to structure the way how you will achieve them. Make studying a priority and place it on your
calendar. Make yourself accountable for meeting this schedule.
4. YOUR LEARNING STYLE: How do you learn? Some of us, like studying in a very structured
environment such as a desk, and quiet. Others prefer feeling cozy and comfortable like reclining
on the couch or sitting under a tree. Whichever way it is, focus on understanding your best way
of learning and use what you know to ensure your study time is productive.
5. MANAGING STRESS: Stress is normal especially in changing moments! The way you control it
will make the difference. Recognize signs of stress and the stressors to break the cycle of negative
stress and get ready for life’s next challenge! Give yourself a break! When you find your mind drifting off,
stand up, stretch, and/or go for a short walk. When you get back, always start by
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looking at the goals you had for today and refocus your attention on what you want to accomplish.
Visit the Stress Management page from Helpguide.org
(http://www.helpguide.org/mental/stress_management_relief_coping.htm), it provides you with
different ideas and techniques you can use to take charge of your stress.
6. INFORMATION LITERACY: These are the tools that will help you to succeed in Higher
Education! Identify all the resources that Ameritas Hispanic Pathways provides to you such as
Dual Language Tool bar located in Blackboard, the Reading Resources and Other
Resources available in every week. Take advantage of the Online Writing Center and
Library located in MyBrandman among other resources.
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Language
The Ameritas Hispanic Pathways Dual Language English
Immersion Model combines a deliberate focus on language
acquisition as students proceed through their disciplinespecific program of study. Students can benefit from using
their primary language of Spanish as a tool to learn as they
build proficiency in both discipline-related content as well as
the English language. Various language supports and tools
are used extensively in the program. They are easily
accessed throughout the online learning management
system. Given
the important role that language plays in the Ameritas Learning Model ™, it is developed and assessed in
all courses.
Listening and understanding
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Both Languages are important. Depending on your comfort level, try to stretch beyond that and try
to watch videos and listen to music in in the language you have more difficulty with. Download
Internet files with “speech” in the language. Try to recognize words, even sounds. Don’t bother trying to
understand, just get used to the sound of the language.
When others in class speak, listen for what they say and mentally build images of their answers—
in the language itself.
Listening practice
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Review the text one sentence at a time and familiarize yourself with the vocabulary.
Follow a sentence several times while listening until you are comfortable with its pronunciation in
the context of the sentences.
Look away and try to summarize the content in your own words.
On the Dual Language Toolbar you have links that will provide you with
good listening practice. Use it!
Speaking
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Read aloud: think of it as training your mouth to make the new sounds!
In class, if your “answer” does not come to mind repeat the question in the language,
or use your new language to say that you don’t know, or need help!
Building New Vocabulary
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If you are visual, you may want to write the words down on colorful postit notes and place in your room, repeat it several times a day, and if it
has gender (male/female) try making associations with that. Another
good technique is to think of the word and try to think if it is singular or
plural. Finally, record the words and definitions or translations and listen to them on your way to
work, or school. You may find that unconsciously you pick up not only in the intonation, but the
meaning of the word.
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Use a thesaurus and look up synonyms and antonyms of the new word. A good online thesaurus
is Thesaurus.com
Create a concept map of a word with meaning, synonym, antonyms and even an example in a
sentence. You can use a template of the concept map located in the Graphic Organizer menu!
Here are some links of strategies you can use to build new vocabulary: acronyms, acrostic,
rhymes, loci, keywords, image-naming, chaining and others. You can find a complete list at:
Using Memory Effectively (http://www.studygs.net/memory/).
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Reading
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Do not read word-by-word, or translate word-by-word. Take
time to read the complete document first!
Read twice!
Do not look up vocabulary while reading. Use the Program
glossary located in the Dual Language Tool Bar when finish
reading.
Go beyond your textbook!
Use graphic organizers located in the Dual Language Tools
to take notes on your readings.
Writing
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Carefully construct patterns, connect words, and then write out the sentences.
Always use the spell check and the “autocorrect” grammar feature in your word processing software.
Correct what you got wrong and embed it in your mind.
Visit the Spanish & English Language Resources menu to practice writing and other language
skills.
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References
American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. (n.d.). What does research show about the
benefits of language learning? In What the research shows? - American Council on the Teaching
of Foreign Languages. Retrieved July 2, 2012, from
http://www.actfl.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=4524
Council of Europe. (n.d.). Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning,
Teaching, Assessment (CEFR). In Council of Europe Education and Languages. Retrieved July
2, 2012, from http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/linguistic/cadre_en.asp
Hopper, C. (2013). The Study Skills Help Page Learning Strategies for Success. Retrieved July 2, 2012,
from http://frank.mtsu.edu/~studskl/
Landsberger, J. (n.d.). Study Guides and Strategies Website! Retrieved July 2, 2012, from
http://www.studygs.net/index.htm
Micheloud, F . (2009). Guide to Learn Languages. In How to Learn Any Language. Retrieved July 2,
2012, from http://how-to-learn-any-language.com/e/guide/index.html.
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