Building Conceptual Understanding in Online Spanish

How do students truly understand grammatical concepts in a second language, especially in a remote asynchronous classroom? This project reimagines how Spanish preterite and imperfect tenses are taught by shifting away from rule memorization and toward conceptual understanding. Grounded in sociocultural theory, the study explores how learners develop deeper aspectual awareness when instruction centers on… continue reading

Defining Key Concepts in Sociocultural Theory

When scholars talk about Sociocultural Theory, they often rely on shared terms that carry heavy theoretical weight but uneven meanings. Clarifying those terms – without flattening their complexity – is the driving force behind A Brief Glossary of Key Terms and Concepts in Sociocultural Theory and Second Language Learning, coauthored by Próspero N. García, Associate… continue reading

Building Stronger Starts for NJ Kids

The pandemic exposed deep inequities across communities, including critical gaps in literacy for young Latino children. In a new post for the Rutgers-Camden Faculty Blog, Associate Professor of Spanish Silvia Perez-Cortes—who will soon serve as Graduate Program Director for the Teaching Spanish (MAT) program—shares the story behind A Rutgers Collaborative Helps New Jersey Kids Get… continue reading

Spotlight on Teaching Spanish Alum at FLENJ

Educators attending the Fellowship of Language Educators of New Jersey (FLENJ) Annual Conference on March 19, 2025, will have the opportunity to explore innovative methods for enhancing interpersonal communication in world language classrooms. Among the featured presenters is Ashley Rios, a graduate of Rutgers Graduate School-Camden’s Teaching Spanish MAT program, who will lead an interactive… continue reading

A Mother, Educator, & Student: One Teacher’s Journey

Imagine standing at the front of a classroom, not just teaching but constantly adapting—finding new ways to inspire a generation raised on screens and instant connections. For longtime Spanish teacher Nidza Bruno, this challenge became an opportunity to evolve, culminating in her earning a Master of Arts in Teaching Spanish degree at Rutgers-Camden. As Tom… continue reading

Reading Picks for 9 to 90 From World Languages Faculty

Summer is for stories that stick with you, whether you’re diving into the classics, exploring graphic novels, or uncovering deeply personal memoirs. Faculty from Rutgers-Camden’s World Languages and Cultures Department, who also teach in the Teaching Spanish MAT program, have created a summer reading list perfect for anyone—de 9 a 90 años. Their picks span… continue reading