Italian language programs in Italy
TEACHING ITALIAN AS FOREIGN LANGUAGE

Our reference teaching methodology is communicativism but not in its extreme consequences (read Krashen). We do think that language analyses is also important. For this reasons we divide our standard course in two parts: "Language Analyses" and "Communicative Tasks".

The language analyses activities include controlled oral and written production, while the communicative tasks involve listening and reading comprehension and free oral and written activities.

Grammatical structures are presented in order of frequency and relative complexity. Teaching material is always introduced in some form of authentic text (newspaper or magazine article, taped dialogue, video-taped situation, letter, short story, etc.). Progress is monitored and all teachers meet weekly to facilitate organization and ensure proper student placement. The instructors rotate weekly to add variety and interest to the group dynamic.

Our Standard group course is divided in two parts: 2 lessons of Language Analysis followed by 2 lessons of practice with Communicative Tasks.

In fact, the study of all the rules of a certain language does not  bring knowledge of that language, meaning that the only use of the rational, analytical, conscious side of our brain is not sufficient to learn a language. In fact, we all, as native speakers of our own mother language, have NOT learned our language by reading and analysing sets of grammar rules or through pedantic corrections (which cause frustration, fears, apprehension, resentfulness and the child/learner to become clammed up etc). Rather - during childhood - we needed to make our mistakes, to have our mistakes passing without people around continuosly correcting us and frustrating our creativity and desire to express ourself. In fact, what we all have needed was a balance between corrections from outside "tutors" and learning through our mistakes.

Correction is one of the activities to be done during a language course, but for sure the whole course cannot be based on corrections. And this is why we do not correct our students in the second half of the lesson ("Communicative Tasks"). What is important here, the aim of this part of the course, is communication, and improving our general ability of communicatin and understanding.

That's why our course is divided into 2 parts "language analyses" (listening, speaking, reading, writing) and "communicative tasks" (listening, speaking, reading, writing). Correction is one of the activities and it relates to the Language Analyses part of our Italian languege courses.

There is a maximum number of 10 students per class although, depending on season, our average class size is generally between 4 and 6 people. This limit ensures a small group environment conducive to communication and offers each student the opportunity to speak as much as possible.

Our Italian language courses are structured to conform with Common European Framework of Reference for Languages : Learning Teaching, Assessment of the Council of Europe and the ALTE Framework , and to conform with the European standards set by ALTE (Association of Language Testers in Europe) and by the Council of Europe.

Ranging from Absolute Beginner to Advanced, our Italian language course programs are divided into six different levels of language abilities. Students may enrol in our weekly classes for up to 6-months of coursework, depending on their goals. All students are placed in a level based on their entrance exam (both written and oral).

** allows students to reach the "threshold level" , the level of communicative competence according to the Modern Language Project of the Council of Europe.

Each level last four weeks.

The table below illustrates typical general ability at each level and in the skill areas.

However, completion of a particular 4-week course does not guarantee advancement to the next level. Language learning is not a mechanical endeavour. It is an academic endeavour which also involves a personal and psychological component. Some students have elected to repeat a particular level or delay advancement by a week or two, so as to continue study and practice of particular structures. Since our Italian language programs are developed by a communicative-based approach, our materials, activities and tasks are quite extensive and it is rare that the student will repeat the same activities, using the same materials. We have designed our program with this in mind.