U.S. Border Patrol Academy Spanish Language Curriculum

Client Need:

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) identified a need to replace its current Spanish Language Training curricula at the U.S. Border Patrol Academy with a Task-Based Immersion (TBI) program. The objectives of the new TBI curricula are to reduce attrition, conserve financial and human resources, improve efficiency at the basic training level, and shift focus from grammar-based, rote memorization and translation activities to a communicative, inductive approach to second language acquisition

PerformTech Solution:

PerformTech collaborated closely with the Border Patrol Academy to produce an immersive 8-week Spanish Language training program. The program focuses Border Patrol Agent trainees on reaching the level of language proficiency required to accomplish critical job-specific tasks safely and effectively in Spanish.

A Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT) approach was employed as the basis for achieving proficiency in the completion of the curriculum objectives. TBLT is an approach to language teaching organized around tasks rather than language. Specific TBLT methodologies include schema building, controlled practice, focus on linguistic elements, and opportunities for students to engage in interactive practice.

Role-play exercises are used to reinforce vocabulary and language skills introduced in the class; daily language lab sessions are vital for ongoing practice. Study hall time is an essential component of the program for students to perform self-assessments and reflect on learning.

The resulting Spanish Academy blends contextualized, job-specific activities with instructor-led classroom and field training, along with complementary and interactive computer-based coursework and self-paced activities. The success of the new curricula is remarkable. For the first time ever, 100% of the trainees in the class passed the final exam! One student commented, “I am totally confident that I can go into the field and do my job.”

 

La Chamba Spanish Immersion Interactive Scenario Game

A core need of CBP’s new Border Patrol Spanish Academy is the ability to provide students with multiple opportunities to practice and use newly acquired language skills to perform tasks in contexts that simulate the levels of complexity and variability of those typically encountered on the job. To accomplish this, CBP staff identified a need for an interactive, comprehensive language tool for students to use on their own for practice and development. The vision for this tool was an interactive game that could be deployed in a lab environment, requiring minimal technology integration and support.

During game design, PerformTech developed a process for pencil illustration, character animation, and lip synchronization to approximate real life interaction. A short development schedule required a non-linear approach to game development. The development of a game editor allowed the team to make modifications to game scenarios through an offline editor that produced updated asset files. A technical passkey system was developed to track student progress and scoring so that any
student could use any lab computer to continue a game, without server-side access.

The game requires students to use linguistic and operational skills acquired during training to
dismantle a human and drug-smuggling network. Interactive activities sharpen listening and
comprehension skills as students explore and uncover the roles of characters in the smuggling ring.
Through a sophisticated scoring system, information about the smuggling ring becomes available to
the students as they perform the activities correctly. Students with timely completion and low error
rates receive higher scores, more elaborate clues, and greater insight into the game. Accumulated
clues are stored in a student journal to assist the student in the successful completion of the game’s
ultimate activity.