The modular and sequential course design is learning objective oriented and systematically prepares participants to meet the educational objectives of the respective course levels and official language tests (such as telc Exams, TestDaF, DSH, etc.).
The contents and learning progressions of each course level are concise, clearly articulated descriptions of what students should know and be able to do at the end of a specific course level and closely follow the guidelines of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
Communicative language teaching and action-oriented learning are our methods of choice; the elementary courses start off teaching everyday communication and basic grammar, thereby laying the foundation for study-related forms of communication, increasingly complex topics and greater reading and text comprehension. The order in which language skills are developed in the classroom mirrors the order in which natural language acquisition occurs: Hearing, Speaking, Reading and finally, Writing. In addition, unique teaching projects regularly include the German-speaking environment and challenge students to practice their language skills in real life situations.
The textbook DaF kompakt neu (3 Volume set leading up to proficiency level B1) fulfills all the requirements of adult learners today. Integrating career scenarios and presenting different kinds of jobs with everyday German takes into account the professionally motivated interest of many adult learners while the initial focus on set linguistic phrases helps students establish a firm basis of spoken language which they can build on in their written work. Many sections include facts on German regional and cultural studies. Additional materials that come with the textbook include an audio CD, a workbook with further practice material and worksheets and an interactive tablet version. Students can also find further learning materials on the publisher’s website.
Upon graduating from level B1 the textbook series ‘Aspekte neu’ is used and accompanies the student to level C1. This intermediate/advanced textbook series is perfect for the further development of vocabulary, grammatical structures and conversation. The materials provided enable the student to master important aspects (pronunciation, vocabulary, morphology, syntax, text structure, common science-related work techniques) needed to pursue a course of studies while attending a German university.
The intensive teaching format requires the implementation of a variety of methods and means of delivering course contents. Our courses are designed accordingly and feature frequent changes in methodology, independent learning in individual work, work in pairs and group work. Student-centered learning is the educational mindset present in our classrooms; this puts students’ interests first and allows them to spend a large proportion of the lesson time speaking German.
We achieve methodological diversity through regular usage of a wide variety of materials including, but not limited to text, photos/images, video, audio and interactive Smartboards.
Exercises that promote listening comprehension play a great role in our courses, as the development of this particular skill is absolutely essential to the foreign language student. Not only are students with good listening comprehension skills better able to participate effectively in class, this skill set is a vital part of any and all forms of oral communication (work, university and everyday life) and should therefore be cultivated as soon as possible.
We complement these exercises with language-learning games, role plays, teaching projects and city walks in the German-speaking environment.
Last but not least, we also incorporate information media such as TV, radio and newspapers in our lessons. Depending on the students’ proficiency level, we utilize online daily newspapers, materials from „Deutsche Welle“ (Germany’s international broadcaster) or the public broadcasters’ new program “Tagesschau”. This trains the participants’ receptive skills and allows them to analyze and discuss the latest events in Germany and the rest of the world.