Spotlight On: AP Spanish Language & Culture
While she may be one of the newest teachers at Mount Saint Mary Academy, Madeline Albrittain has effortlessly generated an atmosphere of enthusiasm, curiosity, and energy in her Advanced Placement Spanish Language & Culture classroom which resonates through the hallways of the St. Joseph’s Building.
With nine students enrolled in the course, Ms. Albrittain instructs a curriculum that allows students to explore Hispanic cultures through multiple lenses including family and community, science and technology, beauty and art, contemporary life, global challenges, and personal and public identity.
“At the beginning of the year, each student selects a Spanish-speaking country,” explained Ms. Albrittain. “Over the course of the year, they become ‘experts’ in their country through these lenses.”
“Each week, students complete a variety of tasks such as a cultural comparison or writing a persuasive essay,” she continued. “The course challenges students to use their Spanish skills in authentic ways to communicate a deeper understanding of the language.”
Recently, Ms. Albrittain’s students engaged in a lively debate during which they honed their interpersonal and presentational speaking and listening skills.
“They had one class to research and prepare their position on bullfighting. During the debate, students quickly formed questions and responses to arguments, enhancing their interpersonal speaking skills needed for the AP Exam in May.”
“I really enjoy AP Spanish because through its immersive style of learning we are pushed to challenge ourselves in the classroom to improve our language proficiency,” said Alexandra Mueller '22.
Megan Sandstedt '22 added, "AP Spanish allows me to look deeper into the culture of Spanish-speaking countries and Sra. Albrittain makes our class challenging but very fun at the same time. We just finished doing a group debate on bullfighting, helping us learn about the Spanish culture while also participating in a fun group activity."
“AP Spanish is an immersive experience that has greatly developed my Spanish speaking skills. The whole class is spent talking in Spanish, while we learn about culture, current events, and traditions in the Spanish speaking world,” noted Langley Murray '22. “We focus on learning in the language, not learning about the language. The class has given me the confidence to take higher level Spanish courses in college. I absolutely love the course!”
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