Our Dual Language Model
Adult-Focused
The amount of working adults who wish to be successful in the current economic environment is increasing. They are pursuing a college education in exponential leaps and bounds across the country. We are experts on how to serve this shifting student marketplace and provide the services needed to serve the adult learner. We develop and sustain a learning environment where adults participate in the planning and evaluation of their learning. Educational activities are built on the learner’s prior knowledge and experience.
Accelerated
In the accelerated learning model, the academic year is divided into nine five-week segments or five eight-week segments. Classes meet once a week for four hours for a period of five or eight weeks. They may concentrate in two classes at a time, and by attending classes only two days per week, complete up to 18 credits in one semester. The accelerated program allows students more flexibility during the semester.
Dual-Language
The need for bilingual professionals who are confident in English and Spanish is increasing every day. The global nature of business and the rapid and continued growth of the Latino population in the United States, make bilingualism an essential element for employers. They prefer to hire and train partners who are effectively working in more than one language and culture. Our dual language program is designed to prepare professionals in their field of study while improving your language skills in English and Spanish.
Our Discipline-Based Dual Language Immersion Model ® has seven basic elements that, together, guarantee the success of bilingual education:
Use of Both Languages in Content Courses
All courses follow a strict design whereby 50% of all learning occurs in English and 50% in Spanish. Faculty uses just one language in each workshop; the language assigned for the class in the instructional module. The only exception is for Language Courses since they are taught entirely either in English or Spanish.
Systematic Distribution of Language Arts Domains
In designing the course, special attention is given to ensuring that students have the opportunity to develop the four language domains: speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
Language Course Sequence
In addition to language development in all courses, all degrees include language enhancement courses. Students are assigned to these language courses based on scores obtained in the language placement tests.
E-Lab
In addition to formal classroom work, students have access to web-based resources that facilitate learning in both languages, electronic programs to maximize language skills, resources to reinforce content and writing, and other instructional materials that are available through our Virtual Libraries for Universidad del Este, Universidad Metropolitana, and Universidad del Turabo.
Language Development Across the Curriculum
In addition to the learning objectives of the discipline, language objectives are incorporated and applied every week. The learning assessment is structured so that the student’s grades reflect 30 percent for proficiency in language skills and 70 percent for knowledge and application of course content. Language incorporation allows students to develop their language skills, both in English and Spanish, while gaining an advanced degree in the field of study they chose.
Placement Testing
Upon entering the program, all students must complete a placement test in both languages to determine if they need to reinforce their language skills.
Bilingual Faculty & Staff in a Multicultural Environment
All faculty and administrative staff are bilingual, ensuring that students receive support services in their preferred language. Although faculty members use only one language at a time during classes, they speak both languages to provide an environment in which students feel free to ask questions and seek advice. Both facilitators and staff have intensive professional development opportunities to ensure that they have the necessary skills to meet the specific needs of students in a bilingual environment.