Think of GLN on Giving Tuesday!

*The below is from 2014 GLN Teaching Fellow Luis Ortiz Echevarría.

Yesterday, I attended my first GLN language class and witnessed the learning process in action! The class was conveniently located by the Rosslyn Metro Station and had about 15 students—all of which arrived on time and were enthusiastic to be there. Attending this class reaffirmed for me the importance of the service that GLN provides: an opportunity to learn new languages and cultures with a group of interested, committed, and self-motivated adults!

Students worked in groups to develop a real life dialogue that applied words and concepts they acquired throughout the semester. Instead of a lecture based approach, the GLN learning approach allowed students to learn from their peers and ask questions to their peers. The teacher and the teacher’s assistant were there to help with the learning the process—and of course—help with beautiful Portuguese pronunciation!

I think that the classes and approach that GLN espouses is an important contribution to the international and cosmopolitan city we live in. I am excited not only to be a Teaching Fellow next year for Spanish, but also a student of Swahili. This gives me the opportunity to both give to the community and also continue developing professionally.

This year, I am really excited that GLN has joined the #GivingTuesday movement. #GivingTuesday is the Tuesday after Thanksgiving and is focused on giving back to community-based, humanitarian, and philanthropic causes. Please consider making a small gift this #GivingTuesday to help GLN support our network of dedicated Teaching Volunteers to provide high quality and affordable language classes to the DC community!

Luis Ortiz Echevarría
2014 GLN Teaching Fellow
@losrenty