Two easy tips for how to study Spanish!

Almost all Spanish tests, when you break them down to their most basic components, are a combination of vocabulary and grammar.

If you can make sure that you know well and can confidently use the vocabulary and grammar that will be covered on the test, you will probably end up with a good grade on your test.  Here are a couple of tips that teach you how to study Spanish:

Tip 1: Study your vocabulary from Spanish to English and from English to Spanish.

Don’t lose easy points because you can’t recall or produce the vocabulary that you’re responsible for.  The mistake that many students make is only studying their vocabulary words from Spanish to English – or – from English to Spanish, and not studying the terms in both directions. The direction in which you … Read More »

“The stakes are too high – I can’t practice Spanish with my patients.”

We often hear this sentiment expressed in our Medical Spanish classes, and while it is a responsible approach to patient care, it may not always be true.

The underlying principle at work when you feel the hesitation to use Spanish with your patients is a good one; you want the best for your patients and you don’t want to do anything that would compromise them or their condition.  But have you considered that there might be a way for you to use the Spanish that you have AND make sure that your patient is getting quality care?

Common Ground will never advocate reckless use of Spanish with your patients; trying to navigate situations that are beyond your language ability is akin to treating a patient outside of your own scope of practice.  … Read More »