Special Seminar for Spanish Teachers  July 3rd - 8th, 2000

This seminar is designed for professionals who teach Spanish as a foreign or second language. A panel of experts in the field will discuss those points of grammar which present the greatest difficulty for both student and teacher. 
Daily discussions on methodology complement the grammar sessions and pay particular attention to the use of dialogues, role play, songs, stories, language games, and exercises. The teachers are invited to participate in a variety of cultural and recreational activities. Participants are also given the opportunity to live with a Costa Rican family and have direct contact with the community.

8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Poás Volcano 

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Lunch 

1:00 p.m. - 1:20 p.m. Introductions 

1:20 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Tema I, Ser y Estar 

The first session will focus on the differences between the verbs ser and estar  
and their relation to the English language. Practice, questions and conclusions. 

3:00 p.m. - 3:20 p.m.  Break 

3:20 p.m. -5:00 p.m. Discussion of the various methodologies for the teaching  
of this grammar point. 

8:30 a.m.  City Tour 

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Lunch 

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Tema II, El Pretérito e Imperfecto y sus usos 

The discussion will concentrate on the uses of these two tenses. Practice,  
questions and conclusions. 

2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.Tema III, Diferencias entre Para y Por 

This session will focus on the prepositions ¨por - para¨, their differences  
and uses in relation to English. Practice, questions and conclusions. 

3:00 p.m. - 3:20 p.m. Break 

3:20 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Discussion of various methodologies for teaching these  
grammar points. 

7:00 a.m.  Boat tour, Sarapiqui 

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Lunch 

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.Tema IV, Verbos Reflexivos 

The different forms and uses of reflexive verbs in the spoken language will  
be addressed. Practice, questions, and conclusions. 

2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Tema V, Tiempos Compuestos del Modo Indicativo 

The group will look at the uses, differences and limitations of these tenses.  
Practice, questions and conclusions. 

3:00 p.m. - 3:20 p.m. Break 

3:20 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Discussion of various methodologies for the teaching  
of these grammar points. 

8:30 a.m. Café Britt 

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Lunch 

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.Tema VI, Tiempos del Modo Subjuntivo 
Discussion will focus on those verbs and forms which demand the use  
of subjunctive. The tenses studied will be: the present, imperfect, past and  
pluperfect. Questions and conclusions. 

2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Written and oral practice. Conclusions. 

3:00 p.m. - 3:20 p.m. Break 

3:20 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Discussion of various methodologies for teaching  
this grammar point. 

4:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Feed Back and evaluation of seminar. 

5:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Commencement and distribution of certificates. 

Arenal Volcano 

Saturday and Sunday 

Departure of Seminar Participants. 

• Romy Morales, Director of C.P.I.
• Spanish professor
• 25 years in the teaching profession
• 18 years experience teaching Spanish as a second language to foreigners
• 7 years as Director of C.P.I.
• Authorized to administer the ACTFL exam
• Cecilia Aguilar, Professor of C.P.I.
• Master's degree in learning disabilities
• 25 years in the teaching profession
• 10 years experience teaching Spanish as a second language
• Guest Speaker - Dr. Alfonso López Martín, Catedrático de la Universidad de Costa Rica
• Master's degree in Philology, Spanish
• Bachelor's degree in Philology, Spanish
• Author of various articles and texts on the Spanish language.
• Televised and broadcasted cultural programs which discuss various aspects of the Spanish language.

During the week the following tours will be offered: 

Monday-Poás Volcano 
Journey through the countryside to the volcano. Once at the National Park,  
the group will visit the two craters and receive a talk on the volcano and the  
flora and fauna of the area. 

Tuesday-City Tour 
Tour the nearby cities of Heredia and San José.  

Wednesday-Boat Tour of Sarapiqui river 
Three hour guided tour on the Rio Sarapiqui in the northern region of Heredia.  
Here participants have the opportunity to observe the wildlife of the region  
including monkeys, sloths, iguanas, birds and more! 

Thursday-Café Britt 
Tour of the Café Britt plantation. The group will learn about coffee production  
and processing as well as the current and historical importance of coffee as a  
major export crop. 

Friday - Arenal Volcano 
Depart Thursday afternoon and on the road to the volcano visit both a  typical  
Costa Rican agricultural village and Catarata La Paz. Upon arrival stop by Lake  
Arenal. Spend the rest of the evening at the Tabacon Hot Springs with its  
spectacular view of the volcano. On Friday morning, climb along trails in  
“La Jungla” and see wildlife native to the region. In the afternoon visit the  
famous wood artisan area of Sarchi renowned for its handcrafted souvenirs. 

• The seminar
• All course materials
• Room and board with Costa Rican families (If you prefer, we can accommodate you in a local bed and breakfast which includes a private room, bath and breakfast.)
• Excursions
• Airport transportation

NOTE: Space for the seminar is limited. 
 

Seminar dates for 2000:  July 3rd - July 8th