The document contains feedback from student surveys conducted during the 2015 Costa Rica English Festival, primarily focused on preparation for a spelling bee and impromptu speeches. Students expressed a desire for more resources such as secret word lists, definitions, and practice materials, and shared how participation helped them improve their English skills and confidence. The overall sentiment emphasizes the importance of perseverance, taking risks, and valuing the educational experience regardless of winning.

1. 2015
Costa Rica English Festival
STUDENT SURVEYS

7. Share secret word list before
The Spelling Bee words
2 rounds per level after level 12
Pronouncers clearly pronounce words
Do not say correct or incorrect during practice

8. Students who are native speakers/with English speaking parents shouldn’t
participate

12. 36%
30%
13%
7%
4%
10%
Who helped you prepare?
my teacher during class
my teacher after class
a peace corps volunteer
another person - tutor
myself
classmate/family

15. Resources Used

17. Resources Used

19. What Spelling Bee resources
do you wish you had had?
 secret words
 definitions of words
 books with words
 more words
 spelling games
 audio files -to know how to
pronounce the words
 PCV
 website

20. What
Impromptu Speech
resources do you wish
you had had?
 to know more about the topic
 sources of info about the topic
 to be able to write whole speech
 Internet
 Website
 a book with good content
 visual aids
 more vocabulary in class
 more practice for speeches
 more ideas
 change the time for after
bachillerato
 rubrics
 English native speakers
 Powerpoint presentations

22. I learned by
watching my
peers.
I learned how
to express
myself better.
I spoke only in
English the
whole time I
was there!
How did participating help you improve your English?

24. I learned …
how to
control my
nerves
that I can survive
in an environment
of English A veces llegamos
más lejos de lo
que creemos que
podemos
to be patient and
never give up on
your dreams
that every kid in
the room is a
champion
that I am
capable
"Que puedo confiar en
mi mismo, y que no
importa de qué colegio
vengo o si es
académico, tengo la
misma capacidad de
cualquier otro
that English Is
Important!

26.  Be confident and thankful for this awesome opportunity
 I would tell them that taking risks is really important to grow
 Work hard to learn as much as you can. Be proud of your growth even if you don't win
 Don't be scared! This is an amazing opportunity to improve our knowledge. Nothing is impossible! We
can do it.
Advice?

28.  Sometimes you win. Sometimes you learn!
 Study, because English is very important!
 Nada es imposible!
 Que hay que esforzarse y que aunque no se gana el conocimiento
aprendido es increible!
 You should definitely do it! It's an amazing experience.
Advice?

30. 2015
Costa Rica English Festival
STUDENT SURVEYS