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Methods and Levels

Methodology

We follow a communicative methodology based on the following system:

  • the student has a central role, he learns by engaging himself to work with his classamtes forming small goups;
  • the teacher helps the students to make the comunication easy;
  • we use predominantly authentic materials with gradation of tasks;
  • a spiral learning process;

Levels and courses

The courses offered by the institute are organized according to the “Common European Framework for Language Reference: Learning, Teaching, Assessment” of the European Council.
We offer the following levels: A1 (Breakthrough), A2 (Way stage), B1 (Threshold), B2 (Vantage), C1 (Proficiency).
In response to the local requirements, some levels have been divided into sub-levels with duration of a Trimester (44 hours) each.

A1
At the end of this level, called “Breakthrough” – one trimester, duration 44 hours – the student understands and is able to answer simple questions about himself: where he lives, what he does, what he possesses.
His vocabulary is still very limited and made of simple memorized sentences. The interaction is possible if the other person speaks very slowly and clearly, and is willing to collaborate.

A2
At the end of the A2 level (composed of A2.1 + A2.2) – two trimesters, duration 88 hours – the student reaches the level called “Way stage” of the Common European Framework for Language Reference.

  • A2.1
    At the end of this level – one trimester, duration 44 hours – the student can already satisfy his primary needs.
    He knows how to use a conventional expression to greet, to talk about himself and to ask for information. He can interact with his surrounding using short communicative exchanges and begins to understand the description of events in the past.
  • A2.2
    At the end of this level – one trimester, duration 44 hours – the student knows how to express his immediate needs; he can conclude simple commercial transactions, ask and give basic information on his city and his private life. He begins to describe events in the past.

B1
At the end of the B1 level (composed of B1.1 + B1.2 + B1.3) – three trimesters, duration 132 hours – the student will have reached the level called “Threshold” of the Common European Framework for Language Reference.
The completion of the B1 level prepares the student sits for the CILS One B1 Certification test of the University for Foreigners of Siena.

  • B1.1
    At the end of this level – one trimester, duration 44 hours – the student can have a more active conversation. He understands and reacts to simple verbal exchanges on routine arguments. He can describe his surroundings and speak of his free time. He uses some simple statements to talk about past activities and about his habits (even in the past). He describes his environment and things he possesses.
  • B1.2
    At the end of this level – one trimester, duration 44 hours – the student make himself understood and can exchange ideas on familiar arguments in predictable situations. He understands the main points of a moderately long discussion, if clear and standard language is used. He can use with flexibility some past tense structures and tries to express his ideas by referring to personal experiences.
  • B1. 3
    At the end of this level – one trimester, duration 44 hours – the student can interact with confidence and knows how to react in unfamiliar situations during a journey in a country where that language is spoken. For example, he knows how to present a complaint, and can take the initiative in a conversation, even though he still depends extensively on the interlocutor. He can also write a simple text on familiar arguments or of personal interest. He knows how to describe his experiences, the events, dreams, hopes and ambitions, and can briefly explain his opinions and projects.

B2
At the end of the B2 level (composed of B2.1 + B2.2 + B2.3) – three trimesters, duration 132 hours – the student reaches the level called “Vantage” of the Common European Framework for Language Reference.
The completion of the B1 level prepares the student to sit for the CILS Two B1 Certification test of the University for Foreigners of Siena.

  • B2.1
    One trimester, duration 44 hours. Once the student reaches this post-intermediate level, he has a clearer vision of the language.
    He understands the main significance of complex texts about concrete and/or abstract arguments, and interacts with a fair degree of fluency and naturalness that makes a normal conversation with local inhabitants possible, without excessive efforts.
  • B2.2
    At the end of this level – one trimester, duration 44 hours – the student can expose and sustain his opinions improving his social interaction.
    He actively takes part to a casual discussion on familiar topics; he can comment and clearly express his point of view, evaluate alternative propositions and formulate hypotheses.
    He also knows how to express his opinion, for example during a discussion on current events, while highlighting the for and against.
  • B2.3
    At the end of this level – one trimester, duration 44 hours – the student speaks with a natural fluency and efficiency. He understands in detail everything he’s told in standard language launches the discussion and breaks in at the appropriate moment. He adapts to argument, style and emphasis changes that occur during a conversation. He can relate with native interlocutors without the need to be treated in a different way than other natives. He can auto-correct himself and take note of his mistakes.
    In spite of the limited use of connectors in his speech, he will nonetheless be able to produce some clear and detailed texts on a vast range of topics, sustaining his own point of view with adequate explanations.

C1
At the end of the C1 level (composed of C1.1 + C1.2 + C1.3) – three trimesters, duration 132 hours – the student will have reached the level called “Proficiency” of the Common European Framework for Language Reference.
The completion of the C1 level prepares the student to present for the CILS Three C1 Certification of the University for Foreigners of Siena.

  • C1.1
    At the end of this first part of the level – one trimester, duration 44 hours – the student will be able to communicate clearly and to produce a fluid and linear speech. He will indeed know how to use speech connectors and will benefit of this profound knowledge to highlight the progression of his thought.
    He knows how to develop his arguments and can emphasize the main points of a discussion while choosing elements of support. He understands a vast range of complex and long texts and can recognize its implicit significance.
  • C1.2
    At the end of this level – one trimester, duration 44 hours – the student will have a vast range of linguistic instruments that will allow him to express himself with agility and casualness, nearly without efforts. He can use the language with flexibility and efficiency for different purposes: social, professional and academic.
  • C1.3
    The speech capacities achieved in the previous level are perfected and at the end of this level – one trimester, duration 44 hours – the student can produce a clear and well-structured speech, demonstrating a controlled use of the connectors’ organization diagrams as well as of the other mechanisms of organization, both at the oral and written level.
    He can produce clear, well-constructed and detailed texts on complex arguments, demonstrating a sure control of the text structure, even in some specific speeches.