Course Management
Correct management of the educational process is an essential integral part of effective learning.
Terms of the courses
The period of the program varies and depends on the chosen pace either by a certain group or an individual. Usually, to reach the FCE (First Certificate in English) level one needs to study around 600 – 700 hours with the teacher (not including learner’s self-studies in his/her own).
The approximate time expected to be spent on each level is as follows:
• "Starter" - 100-120 hs,
• "Elementary" - 100-120 hs,
• "Pre-Intermediate" - 100-120 hs,
• "Intermediate" – 100-120 hs,
• "Upper-Intermediate" - 100-120 hs,
• “Advanced” – 100-120 hs.
At the student’s request, the length of the course may be shortened up to 84 hours. In this case, the learner should compensate the rest of the expected time on his/her own. The reason why we do not follow the contemporary, so called, “new methods” of express learning is the theme of another topic. The only thing that should be mentioned in the current theme, is the need of having a full understanding of the complexity of the subject in view. As one of the world-known psychologists said, ”different languages are not only different designations of the same object, but different perceptions of that object”. This suggests that getting to know another language implies changing the learner’s mind to some extend.
To learn another language does not mean a simple familiarization with its grammatical and lexical peculiarities. Our educational process does not aim just at getting knowledge about the language rather at knowing the language itself. The purpose of the studies is to inculcate and fasten the learner’s communication skills in all four spheres of language use: reading, speaking, writing and listening. We encourage our students to Practice new material until it is used automatically, and until it is well-rooted in the long-term memory. We say, “the language ought not to disturb living dialogue!” To achieve this, one needs time. For this reason the program lasts up to 700 hours.
Lessons’ frequency and duration
As experience shows, the most effective approach is to have 2 lessons for 1,5 – 2 hours a week. Though, this is discussed between teacher and student during the interview.
Lesson structure
The structure of lessons vary and depend on a number of factors. The main course of the lessons is defined by the material in the chosen textbook. Correspondingly, the work with the textbook depends on the material covered.
Each lesson usually starts with the revision of already studied information, questions related to the homework, and the introduction of a new theme. After that, new grammatical and lexical constructions, words and phrases are explained by the teacher, and then thoroughly Practiced by the students in the class and at home.
Depending on the flow of the lesson, students’ questions and atmosphere, we tend to use the most suitable additional Practice: PPT presentations, discussions, situational games, etc. Usually, the course takes place in active and an intensive form so that the students leave the class with some tiredness.
All covered material is revised several times during the course. This is done by the student doing homework, special exercises, discussions and tests. The level of gained knowledge and skills is regularly checked after each section, stage and level of the program covered. It is also necessary for one to be able to move from one level of studies to another. It is almost impossible to grade the quality of the studied material and to control the educational process without regular and well-designed assessment.
Practical guidelines
Several guidelines ought to be noticed in this section.
Firstly, enrollment in the courses takes place based on the results of the test, questionnaire, and interview.
Secondly, we expect perfect attendance. An absence should be announced no later than 12 hours before the lesson is due; otherwise, the lesson is to be considered attended.
Thirdly, timely payments should be made according to the terms of the agreement.
Although the teacher constantly encourages students to have a rigorous attitude towards all requirements, the ultimate responsibility for following such, is on a student.