Valparaiso University |
| Us Hwy 30 |
| Valparaiso, IN 46383 |
| General Phone: 219-464-5000 |
| Financial Aid Phone: 219-464-5015 |
| Sector: Private nonprofit, 4-year or above |
| Classification: Masters Colleges and Universities I |
| Website: www.valpo.edu |
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Latest Valparaiso University News
¡Qué bien! Tres bon! Sehr gut! - Munster Times
That wasn't quite the goal of the new after-school foreign language program -- a partnership between Valparaiso University and Valparaiso Community Schools -- but it's close enough.The university and district teamed up over the summer to offer a new language classes for fourth- and fifth-graders. University student teachers proficient in either Spanish, German or French help familiarize the kids with the different languages."With money being tight, we always wanted to do it but we could find a way to get it done," district Assistant Superintendent George Vrabel said.Classes cost the students $60 a semester, which goes toward the teachers and supplies. Along with Hayes Leonard Elementary, classes are offered at Thomas Jefferson and Flint Lake elementaries. Each school offers two sections of Spanish, one of French and one of German.Randa Duvick, associate professor of foreign languages and literature at the university, coordinated the teachers. She asked each department to recommend students that were strong speakers, high energy and well-organized.The university students had a six-hour workshop on how to teach elementary school students a foreign language. The technique, Duvick explained, is much different than teaching older kids."We're not so much focusing on learning of grammatical points," Duvick said. "It's kind of - more available