Scuola Portofino method
The basis of our teaching method is communication. Students will actively exercise the fundamental functions of the language. our Italian language courses are based on the stimulation to learn through direct communication between the teacher and the student, all the while remembering the student’s age, basic education, and goals.
From the very beginning of the course, particular attention is given to conversation, in order to develop students’ abilities to express themselves and communicate in Italian. Naturally, this method includes the study of the rules of syntax and grammar, as essential to Italian language learning, but alone are not sufficient to gain a true command of Italian. Our language courses are aimed to the gradual success of the linguistic abilities of comprehension, speaking, reading and writing, also through the study of the historical and artistic aspects, through visits to the monuments of the town together with teachers.
According to the course level, in our classes, students deal with simple and complex matters, by reading texts and newspapers. Therefore, it’s easier for them to have become accustomed to Italian culture and society and also to take part in everyday life.
The aim of this method is to teach students in a very short time to speak and to “think” Italian as well as master the art of Italian Grammar.
Teaching staff
All the teachers who work in our school are of Italian mother tongue also our instructors are university graduates with extensive teaching experience both in Italy and abroad. Before joining our staff, teachers attend our own specialization course and undergo a training period. The school is a training center for Italian language teachers accredited by the Ministry of Education and by the Siena University for Foreigners.
All the teachers at our school are specialized in teaching the Italian language to foreigners.
Tests
Before the beginning of their first course, students are given an oral and a written entrance test to determine their knowledge of the Italian language and so ensure that they are placed at the appropriate level. (The Listening, Speaking (oral), Reading and Writing tests take 45-60 minutes)
Students must pass an evaluation test at the end of each level in order to move up to the next one.
Test your Italian language level now.
Textbooks and teaching materials
Our teachers add to the basic textbook materials taken from many texts published by different specialized Italian publishers so that each grammar, lexicon, and the syntactic subject is proposed to the students with the best material currently available.
“Real-world” materials are carefully collected and used throughout the courses: YouTube excerpts, online education, DVDs, radio and TV podcasts, newspaper and magazine articles, Italian films (shown exclusively in the original language), literary texts, songs, internet pages, and PowerPoint audio-visual presentations.
For any further information please contact us.