An Integrative Approach to Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language

According to several teaching theories, certain aspects of a foreign language may be omitted from instruction. This however, is not beneficial to the learner, especially in a Spanish classroom. Every Spanish course, especially a beginner’s course, should include all aspects of the language to maximize learning. The identified components of Spanish include: grammar, vocabulary, oral communication, reading, writing, and culture. All components are included in at least one teaching method but not simultaneously. All components with the exception of culture can teach the language without the utilization of the other components; however, this is not as effective as can be with the integration of all said components. All components do not necessarily need to be implemented in each class meeting, but they do need to exist in each course and intertwined with other components. An example of a lesson is provided that clarifies the approach