#HowIBoomalang is a series spotlighting educators who bring Boomalang into their classrooms to create real, meaningful language experiences.
In this edition, we share highlights from our conversation with Robin Villa, who uses Boomalang to support one-on-one Spanish conversations that boost student confidence and fluency.
“When students understand the language, it’s a high. It feels like a win for them, they feel successful.”
Classes: Spanish 5 for IB students
Problem
“Being able to speak Spanish with others is important for every teacher,” says Robin Villa, Modern Language Department Chair at Lee’s Summit North High School. “I get excited anytime I can find a way to make connections to the real purpose of using Spanish.”
Like many language educators, Robin struggled to create consistent and effective speaking opportunities for her students.
“If you try to set up a conversation online with speakers by yourself, it’s not easy. It’s very challenging to find the format and hold students accountable. Trying to do pen pals or video conferences takes up about all your time to set up one conversation, unlike Boomalang’s platform, which allows for timing flexibility and a variety of speakers to interact with.”
Solution
“I was hoping through Boomalang conversations, they (students) feel comfortable and get practice with a real person with a real purpose that’s not me. I love that [the speakers] are young; they’re millennials. That’s important for our students. It is great for them to feel a connection to people in other countries who are close to the same age and find some common ground.”
“We made it required for all Level 5 students in preparation for the IB oral, where they sit down with the teacher. We want them to be comfortable talking to us and speaking in general. For me, it goes beyond preparing for this exam, but also connecting with people in other countries and gaining confidence. Taking risks is a big part of learning any language. And for many, speaking to a native speaker is a huge risk.”
Each student completed five conversations and submitted a reflection for credit as part of their IB Spanish speaking practice. This virtual language exchange for schools allowed Robin to create authentic speaking moments without sacrificing class time or logistical resources.
Results
“There is no way I could replicate this in the classroom except through Boomalang,” Robin says.
“Although students can be unsure and nervous about these conversations, it’s nice that I can assure them that the person on the other end will be sympathetic and empathetic as well. These people have been vetted; they’ve been taught to help people who are learning a language.”
Robin saw a dramatic shift in her classroom dynamic.
“At the beginning, they looked at me scared and wide-eyed, but I haven’t gotten push back. My students have been accepting. I’ve had students come into class saying, ‘I had the best Boomalang conversation last night. She’s from Venezuela and is so interesting and fun to speak with. And I understood what she was saying.’ When students understand the language, it’s a high. It feels like a win for them, they feel successful.
I’m trying to get it district-wide.”
Update May 2019: Robin successfully accomplished her goal of district-wide adoption for French and Spanish students with funds awarded by the Lee’s Summit Educational Foundation.
Robin’s experience is a powerful example of how to improve student language fluency through real conversation and cultural connection.”
Have a story to share?
Whether it’s a small win or a big breakthrough, we’d love to hear it. Help grow the Boomalang community by commenting below, emailing info@boomalang.co, or sharing your experience on Twitter using #HowIBoomalang.
Saludos,
Alison, Community Engagement
