Want to get a better grade in Spanish class? If you’re struggling with homework, tests, or classroom participation, it’s time to figure out a strategy for success with these Spanish class tips!
Learning a new language is a rewarding experience, although it can be challenging and time-consuming. Even if you’re not fluent, being able to converse in another language will give you an advantage a lot of other people don’t have.
Because Spanish is the most commonly taught second language in public schools, there’s a good chance you’ll be taking a seat in a Spanish classroom soon if you haven’t already.
In addition to our top tips for getting an “A” in Spanish class, this article will also help you learn how to study for a Spanish test without cramming.
Ready for the insider secrets on how to pass Spanish class with flying colors? Here are suggestions from some of the best Spanish tutors online.
Study Tips for Spanish Class
Spanish class isn’t the time to zone out! You want to learn as much as you can as efficiently as possible without missing a beat. Make the most of class time with these helpful tips for learning Spanish.
Silently answer every question that the teacher asks the class, then listen for the correct answer from your teacher.
If you’re constantly staying engaged by mentally answering every question your teacher asks, you’ll be reinforcing grammar, vocabulary, and general fluency.
Then, when you really need the answer (for example, when your teacher calls on you), the answer will already be on the tip of your tongue!
Treat every class exercise like a Spanish quiz, and keep track of the answers you didn’t know.
A big part of studying successfully is using your time wisely. Be sure to keep track of what you don’t know, so that if you only have a short time to study, you can immediately zero in on these areas.
Use any extra time in class to study your vocabulary.
Keeping up with memorizing Spanish vocabulary is a key method to progressing in the language. As your vocabulary list keeps growing, study it consistently, and it will be much less overwhelming. You’ll become a more natural Spanish speaker, too!
It is also a good time to practice your patience during this language-learning process. Don’t expect that everything you learned today will be remembered tomorrow, and be mindful that your progress will vary from day to day. It’s only natural to reach plateaus throughout the class, but that shouldn’t discourage you. When you do find yourself stuck on a concept, go back and review what you’ve recently learned. It may jog your memory and help you connect dots that previously seemed impossible to connect.
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Ask your teacher questions when you don’t understand something.
The old adage about there being no stupid questions really is true. In fact, teachers love it when students ask questions, because it makes it clear to us what’s still confusing to our students, so we’re in a better position to help them.
Anytime you ask a question, you’re also doing a favor to the countless other students who are wondering the same thing, but are too afraid to speak up!
It’s okay not to feel like the smartest student in the class all the time. One of the most counterproductive tendencies that can negatively affect your learning experience is being self-conscious regarding your Spanish-speaking skills.
Teach a concept to a classmate.
When a classmate doesn’t understand something and you’re able to explain it, do so. This helps cement the concept in your brain.
Teaching someone else will help you figure out any fine points you may be still working out. If you can explain something and answer any questions that arise from your explanation, you have also maximized your understanding of the concept.
Mimic your teacher’s Spanish accent and other natives speakers’.
A large part of sounding like a native speaker of a language is speaking confidently and convincingly, so envision yourself in a Spanish-speaking country, and play the part!
That’s why developing an “ear” for this language is one of the better tips for learning Spanish. Developing a “good ear” can be as easy and fun as watching Spanish movies and television shows and listening to Spanish music.
Use your time wisely in the classroom – this helps minimize your study time at home.
As a student, it can be easy to fall into the hole of using class time to socialize or zone out. The smartest students, however, are those who realize that if you spend your class time in maximum focus and concentration, you’ll have much less work to do at home!
How to Study for a Spanish Test
The learning doesn’t end when Spanish class gets out! Make sure you really understand how to study, especially if you have a test coming up (so you can avoid cramming). Here are the essentials.
Always translate your homework to be sure you know what things mean.
This is a form of studying, and it will save you time in the long run. You can translate the meaning verbally or write it down on a separate sheet of paper.
Study a section of vocabulary every day, focusing on the words that were introduced in class that day.
If you’re having trouble memorizing some words, make flashcards for them. This ensures you won’t fall behind in vocabulary memorization and have to cram before your Spanish test.
Flashcards are a great way to capture and study during what’s called “wasted” time, such as riding the bus, standing in a line, waiting in the hall before class starts, or eating lunch. Even just a couple of minutes of extra study time can make a world of difference come exam day.
Be very focused in class; you can learn most of the material just by paying close attention and staying on task.
This means you will be in reviewing mode before a test instead of cramming mode.
Write down grammar concepts and examples on index cards, and review them every couple days.
Trying to comprehend too many Spanish grammar concepts in a short amount of time can leave you confused. This method will ensure you have plenty of time to digest each concept.
How to Pass a Spanish Test
It’s go-time! Now that you know how to study for a Spanish test, you’ll be well-prepared come test day. Here’s what to keep in mind as you take the test.
Check to make sure your nouns and adjectives agree in number and gender.
Don’t forget to use the correct plural, masculine, or feminine form of the word!
Your verb endings should match the subject of each verb.
Be sure to double check your conjugations!
Look at the previous sentence and the sentence that follows when filling in blanks.
These sentences usually contain clues that as to which vocabulary word you should use.
Reread your answers all the way through once you’ve finished the exam.
If you have the time, this will save you from making simple mistakes!
With each of these tips, you should be able to easily improve your grade in Spanish class. Try to implement one suggestion per week, and you’ll see a noticeable difference in your overall skill level!
Need some extra help with your Spanish classes? Working with a private tutor can be an excellent way to learn how to speak Spanish both in and out of the classroom. In fact, one of the best ways to learn Spanish is online with our virtual courses. Search for a Spanish tutor today and learn how to pass Spanish class tomorrow!
Post Author: Joan B.Joan B. lives in Carmichael, CA and has been teaching high school Spanish for more than 18 years. Joan helps students improve on tests and increase their conversational ability. Learn more about Joan here!
Special thanks to the following bloggers, who contributed to this list:
- Caleb Howard, Señor Howard
- Elizabeth Detlinger, La Clase de la Señora Detlinger
- Carrie Toth, Somewhere to Share
- Dustin Williamson, Williamson CI & TPRS
- Justin, SpanishPlans.org
- Photos by: University of Central Arkansas
Watch with intent to understand…videos, telenovelas or songs your teachers post for homework. it can be watched over and over again…and immerses you in the culture! You can learn a lot from them!
Sra Angela Burbano, Lane Tech College Prep High School
Great tip, Sra Burbano!
Very helpful but I can’t roll my Rs