This site uses technical (necessary) and analytics cookies.
By continuing to browse, you agree to the use of cookies.

Teaching Methods and Textbooks

Methodology
We use a communicative approach, and we gradually introduce grammatical structures and idioms, applying these notions for the reading of newspaper articles, magazines and also some contemporary Italian fiction. During class, some time is dedicated to the use of video/tapes and listening comprehension. We clearly encourage students interaction under the teacher’s guidance.

Course Levels
The Italian Institute offers all levels of courses, divided by numbers of students and type of knowledge, following the guidelines of the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages”.

Teachers
Our teachers are all native Italian speakers and specialized in the teaching of Italian as a foreign language.

Textbooks and teaching materials
A variety of newspapers/magazines articles, as well as extracts from contemporary Italian fiction and the following texbooks, are being used during class:

  • L. Ziglio, G. Rizzo, Nuovo Espresso 1, Alma edizioni
  • M. Balì, G. Rizzo, Nuovo Espresso 2, Alma edizioni
  • M. Balì, G. Ziglio, Nuovo Espresso 3, Alma edizioni
  • M. Balì, I. Dei, Nuovo Espresso 4, Alma edizioni
  • G. Massei, R. Bellagamba, Nuovo Espresso 5, Alma edizioni

 

Insights

  • Guide to linguistic levels                                                                                                                                        

    Elementary

    A1.1 and A1.2
    You can understand and use everyday expressions and simple phrases, can ask and answer basic questions and can interact if the other person speaks slowly and clearly.

    A2
    You can understand sentences and frequently used expressions relevant to topics such as personal and family information, shopping and local geography. You can exchange information simply and directly on familiar and routine matters.

    Intermediate 

    B1.1 and B1.2
    You can understand main points regularly encountered in work, school and leisure, and can deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling You can offer simple connected text on familiar topics. You can describe and explain experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions.

    B2
    You can follow the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in your field of specialisation. You can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity with native speakers. You can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain various viewpoints on topical issues.

    Advanced

    C1.1 and C1.2
    You can understand a wide range of demanding texts and recognise implicit meaning. You can express yourself fluently and spontaneously, using language effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. You can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects.

    C2
    You can easily understand virtually everything heard or read. You can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. You can express yourself very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.