10 Study Tips to Get an “A” in Spanish Class

If you’re currently enrolled in a Spanish course and find yourself thinking, I need help with Spanish, don’t fret. We are the experts when it comes to getting an “A” in Spanish class, and that’s why we’ve created a handy guide on how to study in Spanish. 

We’ve outlined 10 tips for learning Spanish to help you not only ace your course but improve your language skills along the way. Check out our advice on how to study Spanish below!

10 Tips for Studying Spanish

1. Ask your teacher questions when you don’t understand 

The old adage about there being no stupid questions really is true. And if you want in on a secret, the truth is, there’s a good chance someone else was wondering the very same thing as you! Anytime you ask a question in class, it provides an opportunity for other students to better grasp that concept, too. So next time you have a question, ask it—you might just be doing someone else a favor.

2. Teach a concept to a classmate

Wondering how to study in Spanish class? Become a teacher! 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 of the finer 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.

3. Study a section of vocabulary every day 

Are you having trouble remembering the words for certain verbs? Or are you stuck on some dining out phrases? Whenever you’re having trouble memorizing vocabulary, make flashcards for them. This ensures you won’t fall behind in vocabulary memorization and have to cram before your Spanish test.

Carry these flashcards around and quiz yourself while you’re riding the bus, standing in line at the grocery store, or even brushing your teeth! Even just a couple of minutes of doing this activity can make a world of difference come exam day.

4. Treat every class exercise like a Spanish quiz

While in class, did you get a few answers wrong on your worksheet? Or did you make some mistakes during your presentation? Make note of these errors so you can revisit them. When you keep track of what you don’t know, and only have a short time to study, you can immediately zero in on these areas. This will help you create a game plan when it comes to studying your test material. We recommend this step to pass in Spanish. 

5. Write down grammar concepts and examples on index cards

Trying to comprehend too many Spanish grammar concepts in a short amount of time can leave you confused. Just like our flashcard tip above, be sure to review these cards often—not just the night before your exam. This Spanish class tip will ensure you have plenty of time to digest each concept.

6. Mimic your teacher’s Spanish accent and other natives speakers’

Don’t let the fear of making mistakes keep you from practicing your speaking skills. After all, 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.

7. Stay focused in class

Spanish class isn’t the time to zone out! Use this time wisely. Is your teacher helping another student? Study your vocabulary list during this free time. Does your teacher want someone to read aloud? Take this opportunity to practice your reading skills. The more engaged you are, the more information you will retain.

8. Check out other Spanish resources

If you’re wondering how to study Spanish, don’t limit yourself to your classroom materials. Thanks to technology, there are tons of Spanish learning apps out there that can help you study. Download the apps on your smartphone or tablet to play language games, learn new vocabulary, and take quizzes.

9. Reread your answers all the way through once you’ve finished an exam

Take the time to review your answers before turning in your exam. Do your nouns and subjects agree in gender and number? Have you followed verb agreement? Doing a once-over may help you catch any little mistakes or errors you made in haste.

10. Take private Spanish lessons

If you need help in Spanish, a private tutor may be the key to your success. When you sign up for in-person or online Spanish lessons, you have your tutor’s undivided attention, meaning you can focus on whatever topics will best benefit your language learning journey.

Ready to get an “A” in Spanish class? Sign up for Spanish lessons with us today to learn how to study Spanish effectively and bring your language skills up a notch.

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