The Methodology
About the Methodology
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the syllabus of the first module?
It is a rich selection of communication tools, which actually enable the immediate development of conversational fluency during each scheduled activity. The first module, called 'structural' or 'standard', aims to ensure the absorption and automation of the essential structures of the language, the general vocabulary, and the usual expressions. The content is divided into 24 units, strategically prepared for maximum use of class time.
2. What is the scope of this instructional content?
Each module is made up of a very dense material that contains the most comprehensive set of resources for general communication. The practice in class develops all the content gradually distributed in 24 units. The strategy of intensive practice and involvement in a dynamic and sequential process of listening in and speaking out, complemented by reading and writing exercises, means that every minute in class is fully assimilated. The content represents a volume equivalent to four times more than any other regular course.
3. Why is the first module named ‘structural’ or ‘standard’?
This module is so defined because it is the only program in the "Mastering Foreign Languages" series that is not classified at the advanced level like the later modules. Its content starts with basic level subjects, but progresses quickly through the intermediate level, from where you reach the advanced stage in the shortest possible time.
4. Does the method require some previous knowledge of the language?
Not necessarily! Anyone, even without any language knowledge, can follow the process step by step. In fact, the program starts with what is most basic to learning a language. Those who are new to the program can learn and practice it naturally and safely, gradually preparing themselves for the next steps.
5. How is the motivation and interest of more experienced people maintained when going through these elementary activities from the beginning of the first module?
More experienced people have the opportunity to review the essential topics embedded in these activities and ensure a secure foundation for development. The methodology aims at the practice and automation of structures within an engaging dynamic, with a focus on communication. More experienced people soon realize that "everything they knew before" and that had not brought them the desired fluency, gives way to an environment of natural and spontaneous communication. Communication based on grammatical language is exercised and the use of language vices, affectations and regionalisms is discouraged.
6. How important are these dynamic practices, as well as pattern drills, a kind of 'language therapy', in the development of fluency and total mastery of language?
These practices allow for quick and pattern-aware automation and lead people to improve and redefine their overall communication. Usually people report, as a result of these practices, that they also notice a significant improvement in performance in their mother tongue, expressing themselves more objectively in their social and work interactions, meetings, presentations, negotiations, etc.
7. What can be obtained as a concrete result of this methodology?
The concrete and immediate result is the development of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in the language being practiced. The dynamics of listening in and speaking out are concentrated at the core of the process, as the 'fluency of the conversation is the main objective'. Hence, the student is motivated and strengthened for the more advanced stages, as he realizes that, during the conversation practice sessions, he starts to reason directly in the language in training and stops using the mother tongue as a reference.
8. Don't people run the risk of forgetting what they learn in class, since the method does not include homework?
In the process of acquiring language skills, it is proven that the more dynamic the activities are, the better one assimilates and automates what is practiced. In this case, there is no need for homework, as the people for whom the programs are designed are very busy and rarely have time to spare. It is recommended, however, that, as far as possible, people review the lesson done before the next one.
9. What ensures that people regularly and faithfully attend classes, even when the schedule of activities in their company or office is busy?
The method and strategy adopted make intensive conversation practices easy, interesting and enjoyable, especially as people self-evaluate themselves for the performance obtained and prove their level of achievement is high, generally much more than expected. Therefore, it is quite common that many people, after completing the first two levels of general conversation, are still attending various other improvement programs. It is also often the case that certain individuals bring professional subjects of interest to them, or request the development of additional programs with an emphasis on specialized terminology.