Methodological considerations for remote teaching (RE) of Spanish as a foreign language in health contingencies

Consideraciones metodológicas para la enseñanza remota (ER) del español como lengua extranjera en contingencias sanitarias

Abstract

The teaching and learning of Spanish as a foreign language has become imperative for the integral cultural formation of students in the English-speaking Caribbean. Therefore, the Department of Modern Languages at the University of the West Indies (UWI) has designed and adopted new methodologies that facilitate, not only a better approach to foreign language learning, but also generate greater cultural knowledge and critical thinking in students. This initiative was implemented as a result of the challenges experienced during the Covid-19 pandemic, generating an extensive investigation of educational practices that would maintain the quality of teaching and the level of academic learning satisfaction. This article explores the application of new technologies in Modern Language Teaching and Learning during this global health crisis. In particular, the obstacles encountered during the transition to a remote learning mode are critically scrutinized, as well as the analysis and subsequent implementation of innovative online pedagogical strategies and practices. In addition, the article proposes approaches to optimize a learning process that is incongruous to the circumstances. Among these practices, the article explores strategies that have been incorporated into course design such as the flipped classroom, strategies for collaborative writing and online reflection, as well as virtual intercultural exchange. The ultimate goal of this study is to investigate the ways such strategies enable students to achieve intercultural competence, improve their overall language skills within the context of foreign language learning while simultaneously developing their capacity for critical analysis.