|
|
The Foreign Languages Learning Center is always a busy place.
|
The center, located in 232 Hollenbeck Hall, was outfitted with 18 fully equipped computers, two digital video camera recorders, a classroom projector and a large-screen TV last summer. Combined with 34 tutors trained to assist students with Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Russian and Chinese languages, the FLLC renovation now provides a variety of invaluable study resources.
According to Brenda Bertrand, director of the FLLC, the center's resources, which include a reading corner, two television units and an extensive library of movies, books and magazines in different languages, can motivate students in their study of language and culture.
She explained that the FLLC has two major functions. It serves as a resource for the first-year language classes, which meet three hours per week, and it is available for students to work with tutors and practice speaking foreign languages with fellow students. The tutors work directly with professors, who have different assignments for students to complete.
"We really encourage a lot of work with the tutors," Bertrand said.
The FLLC also functions as a Spanish workshop, helping students who have taken the placement exam and have placed out of the first-level class but who do not meet all the requirements to immediately take the next class. For a semester, students can go to the center and work with tutors to acquire the necessary skills for upper-leverl courses.
Each computer has digital headphones and a microphone and is equipped with software that allows students to take advantage of new technology while studying their particular language and culture. The tutors are also trained to help with the software and other equipment.
"It gets crowded, and it gets noisy," Bertrand said. "But in all these different languages, it's fun."
The center offers flexible hours during the week and also a couple of hours on Sunday. A schedule is posted on the FLLC Web site and on the door of the center, and both include the hours that tutoring in the different languages is available.
The FLLC is open to all Wittenberg students, faculty and staff. According to Lisa Rhine, assistant provost for academic services, funding for the center’s renovation came from unrestricted bequests to the university.
By: Cristina Recalde '08
012-07
| Related Links: |
