Developing Courses of Spanish for Specific Purposes in Agriculture to Bridge the Communication Gap Between the Hispanic Workforce and English-Speaking Veterinary and Animal Sciences Students

This study addresses the integration of Spanish for Specific Purposes in Agriculture (SSPA) into the curricula of English-speaking veterinary and animal sciences students at three collaborating universities (Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, and Ta...

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Main Authors: Leonor Salazar, Allen Jimena Martinez Aguiriano, Silvana Pietrosemoli, Arlene Garcia
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-12-01
Series:Animals
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/14/24/3639
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author Leonor Salazar
Allen Jimena Martinez Aguiriano
Silvana Pietrosemoli
Arlene Garcia
author_facet Leonor Salazar
Allen Jimena Martinez Aguiriano
Silvana Pietrosemoli
Arlene Garcia
author_sort Leonor Salazar
collection DOAJ
description This study addresses the integration of Spanish for Specific Purposes in Agriculture (SSPA) into the curricula of English-speaking veterinary and animal sciences students at three collaborating universities (Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, and Tarleton State University), to bridge communication gaps in agricultural settings. We designed and implemented three SSPA courses focused on key areas such as animal health, welfare, and food safety, using insights from industry professionals. The courses incorporated contextualized language instruction, including vocabulary, grammar, and practical communication scenarios relevant to the field. Teaching materials including interactive resources and metacognitive strategies were developed to enhance learning and engagement. The results showed that while the courses improved students’ communication skills, challenges such as technical issues and balancing academic commitments required adjustments to course delivery. Significant differences in performance were observed between institutions, with a considerable impact on the course completion rates and final test scores. The study concludes that SSPA courses significantly enhance the ability of veterinary and animal sciences students to effectively communicate with the Hispanic workforce, providing a model for similar language integration efforts in specialized fields.
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issn 2076-2615
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series Animals
spelling doaj-art-558773fb427b4e8dbe403722c71173d92025-08-20T02:55:42ZengMDPI AGAnimals2076-26152024-12-011424363910.3390/ani14243639Developing Courses of Spanish for Specific Purposes in Agriculture to Bridge the Communication Gap Between the Hispanic Workforce and English-Speaking Veterinary and Animal Sciences StudentsLeonor Salazar0Allen Jimena Martinez Aguiriano1Silvana Pietrosemoli2Arlene Garcia3Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine, Amarillo, TX 79106, USATexas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine, Amarillo, TX 79106, USADepartment of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USATexas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine, Amarillo, TX 79106, USAThis study addresses the integration of Spanish for Specific Purposes in Agriculture (SSPA) into the curricula of English-speaking veterinary and animal sciences students at three collaborating universities (Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, and Tarleton State University), to bridge communication gaps in agricultural settings. We designed and implemented three SSPA courses focused on key areas such as animal health, welfare, and food safety, using insights from industry professionals. The courses incorporated contextualized language instruction, including vocabulary, grammar, and practical communication scenarios relevant to the field. Teaching materials including interactive resources and metacognitive strategies were developed to enhance learning and engagement. The results showed that while the courses improved students’ communication skills, challenges such as technical issues and balancing academic commitments required adjustments to course delivery. Significant differences in performance were observed between institutions, with a considerable impact on the course completion rates and final test scores. The study concludes that SSPA courses significantly enhance the ability of veterinary and animal sciences students to effectively communicate with the Hispanic workforce, providing a model for similar language integration efforts in specialized fields.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/14/24/3639development of coursesanimal science studentsveterinary science studentsanimal welfareSpanish for Specific Purposes in AgricultureHispanic workforce
spellingShingle Leonor Salazar
Allen Jimena Martinez Aguiriano
Silvana Pietrosemoli
Arlene Garcia
Developing Courses of Spanish for Specific Purposes in Agriculture to Bridge the Communication Gap Between the Hispanic Workforce and English-Speaking Veterinary and Animal Sciences Students
Animals
development of courses
animal science students
veterinary science students
animal welfare
Spanish for Specific Purposes in Agriculture
Hispanic workforce
title Developing Courses of Spanish for Specific Purposes in Agriculture to Bridge the Communication Gap Between the Hispanic Workforce and English-Speaking Veterinary and Animal Sciences Students
title_full Developing Courses of Spanish for Specific Purposes in Agriculture to Bridge the Communication Gap Between the Hispanic Workforce and English-Speaking Veterinary and Animal Sciences Students
title_fullStr Developing Courses of Spanish for Specific Purposes in Agriculture to Bridge the Communication Gap Between the Hispanic Workforce and English-Speaking Veterinary and Animal Sciences Students
title_full_unstemmed Developing Courses of Spanish for Specific Purposes in Agriculture to Bridge the Communication Gap Between the Hispanic Workforce and English-Speaking Veterinary and Animal Sciences Students
title_short Developing Courses of Spanish for Specific Purposes in Agriculture to Bridge the Communication Gap Between the Hispanic Workforce and English-Speaking Veterinary and Animal Sciences Students
title_sort developing courses of spanish for specific purposes in agriculture to bridge the communication gap between the hispanic workforce and english speaking veterinary and animal sciences students
topic development of courses
animal science students
veterinary science students
animal welfare
Spanish for Specific Purposes in Agriculture
Hispanic workforce
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/14/24/3639
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AT allenjimenamartinezaguiriano developingcoursesofspanishforspecificpurposesinagriculturetobridgethecommunicationgapbetweenthehispanicworkforceandenglishspeakingveterinaryandanimalsciencesstudents
AT silvanapietrosemoli developingcoursesofspanishforspecificpurposesinagriculturetobridgethecommunicationgapbetweenthehispanicworkforceandenglishspeakingveterinaryandanimalsciencesstudents
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