Methodology
The Institute adopts a communicative approach based on the following cornerstones:
- central role of the student learning through pair work, group work and role taking;
- the teacher operates as a facilitator of communication;
- predominance of use of authentic material with gradation of tasks;
- spiral learning process;
- predominant use first and then exclusive use of Italian language.
Courses levels
The subdivision of the courses offered by the Institute is in line with that of the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment” of the Council of Europe (Common European Framework).
The Institute offers the following levels: A1 (Breakthrough), A2 (Waystage), B1 (Threshold), B2 (Vantage), C1 (Effective Operational Efficiency), C2 (Mastery).
To meet local needs, some levels have been divided into sub-levels each lasting 25 hours.
A1 Breakthrough Level | Full Description >
At the end of this level the student understands and is able to answer simple questions about himself: where he lives, what he does, what he owns. His language repertoire is still limited and consists of memorized simple sentences. Interaction is possible as long as the other person speaks slowly and clearly and is willing to cooperate.
A2 Waystage Level | Full Description >
By the end of the A2 cycle, the student will have improved his communication skills, expanded his vocabulary, and be able to communicate more naturally in a variety of contexts and situations.
B1 Threshold Level | Full Description >
Upon completion of the B1 cycle, the student will have reached the level called “threshold” of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and consolidated previously acquired skills, reinforcing comprehension, communication skills, as well as reading and writing skills.
Completion of the B1 cycle prepares the student for the CILS B1 certifications at the University for Foreigners of Siena.
B2 Vantage | Full Description >
Upon completion of the B2 cycle, the student will have reached the level called “Independent” of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, enriching his or her vocabulary, improving accuracy in speaking, consolidating acquired skills and learning more complex grammatical structures.
Completion of this cycle prepares the student to face the CILS two B2 certifications of the University for Foreigners of Siena.
C1 Effective Operational Efficiency Level | Full Description >
At the conclusion of the C1 cycle courses, the student has reached the level called “operational efficiency” of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and has the ability to explore different aspects of Italian language and culture, such as history, art, traditions and current affairs.
Completion of this cycle prepares him for the CILS three C1 certifications at the University for Foreigners of Siena.
C2 Mastery Level | Full Description >
At the conclusion of C2 cycle courses, the student is able to understand effortlessly virtually anything he or she hears or reads. He or she can summarize information from a variety of oral and written sources, restructuring arguments and informational parts into a coherent text. He or she expresses himself or herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely and renders distinctly subtle nuances of meaning even in rather complex situations.