What's guided immersion and why is it important?

We learn our first language and culture without translation. From baby babble to full-length sentences, it comes naturally as we hear people using language around us. Research into learning a second language shows that methods such as comprehensible input work. Profe Don uses guided immersion, an approach to teaching language using comprehensible input paired with individualized opportunities to produce Spanish that matters to the student. This approach helps students quickly bridge the gap between what they know and what they want to know. 

But what exactly is guided immersion? Think of guided immersion as language coaching without an emphasis on translation. It involves individually-scaffolded authentic reading and listening material coupled with immediate speaking and writing opportunities. This input—output cycle, followed by instant feedback and expert coaching, produces students who acquire and retain Spanish language and culture quickly without relying on translation and drills.

Guided immersion opens the door to lifelong learning and success across cultures and careers as students learn about their world through listening and reading in Spanish and confidently expressing themselves.