Don’t Learn A Language. Get Used To It.
At what point are you done 'learning a language'? When you start dreaming in it?  I don't even dream in English... When you somehow never trip up speaking…
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Explore learning strategies, Colombian culture, language practice, and news from the American Colombian Academy.
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Motivation to Learn and the Affective Filter
Humans react to stress and stressful emotions in a number of ways. The flight-or-fight instinct is hardwired, but so is our ability to reflect and respond calmly and…
Read articleWelcoming Sophie and Luis Angel to ACA Explorers!
This first week of the year went great for the Explorers! I had some personal issues going on and was only able to attend one of five classes…
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Mastery 101: Develop Speaking Fluency Even As A Beginner
[caption id="attachment_2382" align="alignnone" width="700"] Mastery 101[/caption] The ACA Method involves an equal balance of practice and exposure between: Input Output Fundamentals and Mastery Mastery, which could also be…
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Jardin- Tourist Hub
Jardin is currently a tourist hot spot! I never knew when I first came to live with my cousin that Jardin was or would become this touristy! For…
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Replacing the Reading Log with an Input Log
Teachers love incorporating reading logs into their curriculum. Even Libraries have Summer Reading Programs that get in on the act... [caption id="attachment_2364" align="alignnone" width="300"] Reading Log[/caption] ACA…
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The Most Powerful Cognitive Tool To Stop Forgetting
Stop studying too much. Stop studying everyday. Wait until just before you forget to review. Easier said than done. Let's look at a sample scenario. You have four hours…
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The Motivation Equation to Teach Students
[caption id="attachment_2346" align="alignnone" width="700"] The Motivation Equation[/caption] When you give free classes in the park, running into motivational issues is par for the course. Some kids come once,…
Read articleRecruiting Adolescents
We need adolescents and adults for ACA as well! At first we just wanted Adolescent Leaders and Adult Leaders but we decided that we want a group of…
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Study Tips 1 – ACA Explorers Worksheet on Spaced Repetition
[caption id="attachment_2332" align="alignnone" width="612"] Spaced Repetition Worksheet[/caption] This is the guided notes worksheet we will be using in class Monday to start to teach about spaced repetition,…
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