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Language AssistantsLanguage Assistantsin Bilingual Schools in Bilingual Schools
José Antonio Alcalde, Bilingual CoordinatorElizabeth Therese Gaughan, Language Assistant
La Arboleda Secondary School, Lepe (Huelva) SPAIN
in Andalucíain Andalucía
Importance of Language Importance of Language AssistantsAssistants
• Native speakers of L2• Especially important as
speaking/pronunciation models• Primary source on culture of home
country• Provide support for teachers• Bring new and different ideas and
techniques• Serve as contacts to further resources
in home countries
Qualities of an Outstanding Qualities of an Outstanding Language AssistantLanguage Assistant
• Personable and outgoing • Open-minded• Flexible• Proactive and participative• Resourceful, creative• Likes kids• Experience/interest in teaching
or working with young people
Programs that Provide Programs that Provide AssistantshipsAssistantships
• CIEE—Council on International Educational Exchange
• Ministry of Education of Spain• Regional Education Departments• Comenius Programme
2009-2010 Statistics2009-2010 Statistics• Total number in Andalucía: 1037• Almería: 96, Córdoba: 96, Huelva: 89,
Málaga: 170, Cádiz: 146, Granada: 112, Jaén: 103 and Sevilla: 203
• English: 820, French: 148, German: 38Others: Italian, Chinese
• Source countries: USA, UK, Germany, France, Canada, Ireland, Austria...
DutiesDuties• General purpose is to share their
language and culture throughout the school
• 12-16 hour weekly schedule from October to May
• Assist teachers in bilingual classes• Prepare materials• Conduct conversation lessons• Give presentations• Chaperone school trips• Help with student exchanges
Prior to ArrivalPrior to Arrival• Provided with a Welcome Pack• Contact LA-host school by email• Plan budget as allowance will take time• Introductions, getting-to-know-you• Find information about destination• Inquire about materials to bring
Getting SettledGetting Settled
• Find housing with help of past language assistants, new contacts at school, and internet/paper advertisements
• Must register as a foreign resident • Set up bank account to receive
monthly payment• Health insurance is included in grant
Starting at SchoolStarting at School• Provincial orientation meeting first
week in October• Meet with bilingual coordinator• Organize schedule• Observe lessons• Become acquainted with school and
faculty
Working with TeachersWorking with Teachers• Must coordinate (plan ahead, who
will do what)• Work together to find and create
materials• Important to communicate about
expectations (what’s expected of LA)• Give reciprocal feedback • Learn from each other’s strengths
and weaknesses
Working with StudentsWorking with Students
• Interact with students in L2, in class and throughout the school
• Use of realia, body language, whiteboard, etc. to support language
• Important to have realistic expectations about student abilities
• Adapt strategies to different age groups
Keeping ConnectedKeeping Connected• Connect with other LAs at orientation
meeting• Maintain social relationship to avoid
isolation• Share ideas/advice both personal and
professional• Use Facebook, blogs, social
networking to keep in touch• Opportunity to meet people from
other countries (including the locals!)
Free TimeFree Time• Travel on weekends• Take a language course• Participate in cultural activities
(dance classes, festivals, gastronomy)
• Teach private lessons• Join a gym• Attend community events
Lasting EffectsLasting Effects
• Materials created by LAs can be used year after year
• Pave the way for future assistants• Serve as a contact for future
exchanges, pen pal, etc.• Experience/materials for LA’s
portfolio and CV
Benefits for Language Benefits for Language AssistantsAssistants
• Improve Spanish language skills• Cultural immersion• Get teaching/job experience• Plenty of free time to study, travel,
etc.• Time to consider career aspirations• Meet new people from different
cultures
Useful LinksUseful Links
• Plurilingualism Promotion Plan in Andalusia
• North American Language Assistants• British Council Language Assistants• CIEE Language Assistants• Sample Welcome Pack• Education System in Spain• English Language Assistants in
France