11/25/03
LMC's Spanish in the Workplace Class Gains
Real World Experience
Photo caption: Kathleen Daily of South Haven
applies her new language skills by ordering her meal in Spanish
as part of Lake Michigan College's Spanish in the Workplace
class. More than 35 students and guests took part in the class
field trip to El Rodeo restaurant in Benton Harbor for an opportunity
to practice what they have learned in the classroom.
BENTON TOWNSHIP, MI - Over 35 Lake Michigan College
students and their guests recently were immersed in a Hispanic
learning experience as part of the Spanish in the Workplace
course offer at LMC's South Haven Campus.
Instructor Trino Perez hosted the experiential learning event
at El Rodeo Restaurant in Benton Harbor where meseros (waiters)
asked the students scripted questions about their selections
from the menu. Students ordered meals for themselves and their
guests using the Spanish phrases and vocabulary they acquired
during the semester. They requested drink refills, additional
condiments and flatware, and asked for their bills entirely
in Spanish.
"The visit to El Rodeo was an extension of classroom activity
into the real world of communicating in Spanish," states
Trino Perez. "It provides an avenue for students to speak
real Spanish and to see its importance in the Hospitality workplace
area. Based upon students' written evaluation, over 95 percent
believed that it was an activity that will motivate them to
learn more Spanish."
Spanish in the Workplace II will be offered at the South Haven
campus during winter semester that begins January 8, 2004. Another
experiential learning experience has been planned. Students
are encouraged to register early for this very popular class.
The Conversational Spanish for the Workplace class has been
specifically developed for the management staff and their employees
who need to acquire a hands-on approach to learning Spanish
at the workplace.
Registration is going on now for the winter semester at all
LMC locations. For a copy of the class schedule, visit www.lakemichigancollege.edu.
