5 Helpful Tips For Teaching AP Spanish Unit 4

Teaching AP Spanish Unit 4 can be challenging if you are not a big science and tech person! I found it tough to design a unit that I was comfortable teaching, until I remembered… We are always learning! So I learned a few new things! Here are some ideas you could also include if you are thinking about how to design your unit for theme 4.

Tech Themes For Teaching AP Spanish Unit 4

In case you missed it, AI is the hottest thing in tech right now! I include a section on AI, Big Data and Machine Learning. I will be the first to admit that I could not define any of these things at first! But this is where my new learning came in, and in most cases, this was also new learning for my students. Once they know how AI works, it’s really fun to include some activities where students find examples of AI in use in unexpected places!

Maybe the next thing I’ll learn more about is Crypto Currency!

Use Careers in Science and Tech for Teaching AP Spanish Unit 4

Have you ever had a class guest? We are lucky enough in our district to have a part-time employee who helps students figure out both career paths for their future and who makes connections with local businesses. We often have “lunch and learn” presentations. And I have asked her in the past to find me a guest speaker who speaks Spanish.

Use members of the community or even parents and relatives! When teaching AP Spanish unit 4, if it’s not your area of expertise, invite in the experts! We had an amazing presentation by someone who works for a major tech company in our area recently. He gave a very interesting presentation about what careers in tech would be the wave of the future. My students were riveted by his descriptions of cybersecurity and Big Data. They had the chance to ask questions afterwards too! It was so great to make their learning relevant to the real world outside of the classroom!

Careers Continued

Have you thought about creating a project that focuses on careers in science and tech? How interesting it would be to have students learn about a job that might be off the beaten path! They could present to the class and inform them about how the people that have this job contribute to society and what skills they have. It has the potential to change someone’s life!

Projects for AP Spanish Unit 4

Another project idea is to have students work in groups to research a recent scientific or technology advance. My students do this project and I have been blown away by the topics they come up with! One group presented about how scientists are using sea life to create pharmaceuticals to help sick people! Here’s my project, in case you want to take a look!

Using a Debate For AP Spanish Unit 4

Another favorite activity for my students is doing a debate. This unit presents so many opportunities for deep discussion and controversy too! If you are looking to get some practice in on multiple skills, this would be a great opportunity to assign some reading, and ask that students use their sources during the debate.

Debates foster spontaneous language use, good listening skills and help students practice appropriate social skills when learning how to discuss and disagree with respect.

How About an Argumentative Essay?

Another great way to get students engaged in what they are doing is to ask them to pick a side for an argumentative essay! This is a task on the AP Spanish exam, so using this as an assessment during AP Spanish Unit 4 makes a lot of sense. There are lots of topics that play to people’s sense of ethics and fairness. Equity and access can also be something students bring into the conversation!

In addition, my students often need, at the very least, 2 opportunities to practice an argumentative essay before being able to format one correctly and write it in the allotted time for the AP Spanish Exam.