LASI's Instructional Philosophy for Foreign Language and English as a Second Language Programs
Proficiency-based Instruction
Latin America Studies Institute has researched the theories in language learning and teaching and has adopted the proficiency-based Instruction approach. In Proficiency-based Instruction the importance of a communicative competence and the ability to perform to real-world tasks in the target language are stressed to encourage meaningful interaction, rather than the instruction and the discussion of grammar rules. The emphasis on practice and language production, however, does not neglect grammar, listening, writing and reading. The grammatical features of a language are introduced through an inductive approach which encourages learners to draw conclusions about the underlying rules of the language from the many examples they see and practice. During these activities learners use the grammatical structures in a natural and fluid way. The Spanish, Portuguese and English as a Second Language (ESL) classes of the Latin America Studies Institute also provide opportunities to develop listening and reading skills through tasks based on the level of competence of the students. The use of listening and reading materials helps motivate and give foundation skills for developing and improving Spanish, Portuguese or English language competence and helps the students become more proficient in the language.
LASI’s foreign language courses have been developed based on the description of the ACTFL (American Council for the Teaching of Foreign Languages) Proficiency Guidelines. The students are provided with the basic language communicative functions and structures during the Basic and Intermediate levels. In the Advanced I level adult learners acquire the ability to understand without difficulty and are comprehensible to native speakers who are not accustomed to dealing with foreigners. The Advanced II level will allow students to discuss a wide range of topics and situations. During this level they will learn to use idiomatic expressions and their vocabulary will become more precise. They will easily be able to read contemporary Spanish, Portuguese or English language literature.
Hours of Instruction
Total of 48 hours of instruction per course. The Latin America Studies Institute offers classes as follows:
Group Instruction:
- One class per week:
o 12 weeks (one 4-hour session per week)
o 12 Saturdays (one 4-hour session per week)
- Two classes per week:
o 12 weeks (two 2-hour sessions per week)
- Intensive courses:
o 6 weeks (two 4-hour sessions per week)
- Super Intensive courses:
o 3 weeks (four 4-hour sessions per week)
The Latin America Studies Institute would be glad to design courses according to the specific needs of companies and institutes. Please call 215-519-1557.
Private and Semi-Private Instruction:
- Individual and small groups are available upon request
Class Size
Generally, the minimum class size is 4 with a maximum of 12. There are times when we decide to open a class with more students.
Performance Evaluation
The Latin America Studies Institute emphasizes the use of language for communication with other people and gaining understanding of other cultures. The time required to reach successive proficiency will depend on individual dedication and motivation. Levels of proficiency are evaluated by the number of tasks that the student can perform in each level. Their progress will be evaluated through the administration of a midterm and final proficiency test. Students must be able to perform 78% of the tasks practiced in each level to pass to the next.
Latin America Studies Institute’s Staff
The instructors of the Latin America Studies Institute are native professionals they are trained in foreign language teaching techniques. In addition, they have a great command of the Spanish, Portuguese and English languages which are used fluently and appropriately. During the classes, instructors facilitate communication by creating conditions conducive to learner-centered instruction.
