We have maintained a tradition of excellence in language training since 1985. Our direct method approach to language training was developed out of students’ needs to communicate quickly and effectively. The method focuses on developing verbal proficiency. Students are encouraged to do more than 70% of the speaking in class. Lingua is one of (5) five certified Goethe testing centers in North America.

APPROACH

The four skill areas essential to good communication are the focus of the Lingua approach:

• Speaking
• Listening/Comprehension
• Reading/Comprehension
• Writing/Structure/Vocabulary

Although basic levels in foreign language acquisition require some use of English, teaching takes place mostly in the target language. A hands-on approach is followed; the student is encouraged to actively participate in class activities. Oral communication is emphasized, with the student practicing in the target language through oral drills and conversation on a variety of subjects. Reading and writing are generally taught in the final stages of the process. If the student wants to devote more class time to reading and writing, he/she will be provided with the opportunity to have that practice. Lessons are carefully planned. A clear objective is presented at the beginning of the lesson. By the end of the lesson, the student will know, or be able to use, what he/she has learned. The pace of the class is determined by the student. A variety of materials, activities, and techniques are used to foster learning and motivation in the student.

TEACHERS

The teaching staff consists of educated, native fluent instructors with background in pedagogy, and thoroughly trained to implement a concise curriculum that enables a student to reach their language goals. The teachers discuss experiences from their native country with the students, bringing cultural enhancements to each lesson. The teachers create an engaging, responsive, interactive program that gives an awareness to and understanding of international communication.

METHODOLOGY

Language is an oral phenomenon; therefore, all teaching and learning is done in an oral context. Reading and writing skills are essential, but must be preceded by, and rest on, oral mastery.

The training method is based on a building block approach. During the early stages of instruction, primary emphasis is given to establishing basic structure. Lingua proceeds always from simple concepts to complex concepts, from concrete to abstract.

In the early stages, students deal with simple declarative sentences, then questions. Students are first taught to identify and describe the people and objects in their immediate surroundings. This is expanded, enabling the student to describe abstract relationships, feelings, emotions, conditions, and cause/effect relationships.