Language school: Difference between revisions
Undid revision 396316277 by 195.137.59.86 (talk) |
Removing unsourced content |
||
| Line 6: | Line 6: | ||
A '''language school''' is a [[school]] where one studies a [[foreign language]]. Classes at a language school are usually geared towards, for example, [[communicative competence]] in a foreign language. Language learning in such schools typically supplements formal education or existing knowledge of a foreign language. |
A '''language school''' is a [[school]] where one studies a [[foreign language]]. Classes at a language school are usually geared towards, for example, [[communicative competence]] in a foreign language. Language learning in such schools typically supplements formal education or existing knowledge of a foreign language. |
||
Students vary widely by age, educational background, work experience. They usually have the possibility of selecting a specific course according to their language proficiency. According to the ''Common European Framework of Reference for Languages'' ([[CEFR]]),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/linguistic/cadre1_en.asp|title=Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, teaching, assessment (CEFR)|access-date=17 December 2016}}</ref> there are six language levels that define student language proficiency based on their speaking, writing and reading |
Students vary widely by age, educational background, work experience. They usually have the possibility of selecting a specific course according to their language proficiency. According to the ''Common European Framework of Reference for Languages'' ([[CEFR]]),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/linguistic/cadre1_en.asp|title=Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, teaching, assessment (CEFR)|access-date=17 December 2016}}</ref> there are six language levels that define student language proficiency based on their speaking, writing and reading skills. |
||
== Structure == |
|||
As a general rule, new students take a placement test which enables teachers to determine which is the most appropriate level for the student. Courses can be organized in groups or for individuals (one-to-one lessons). Private language schools are generally open year-round and are equipped with pedagogical material (books, tape recorders, videos, language laboratories, a library, etc.) |
|||
===Organization=== |
|||
Most language schools are private and for-profit. Fees vary depending on a multitude of factors, including local cost of living, exchange rates, and demand for the language in the area where a school is located. Language schools are either independent entities or corporate [[Franchising|franchises]]. |
|||
===Teachers=== |
|||
Teachers are expected to possess [[native speaker]] [[Language fluency|fluency]] or acquired competence in their target languages; formal qualifications to become a language teacher, however, vary by school, region or country. This ensures the quality of the language school and provides students with a richer experience. Teachers may have graduated with a [[Bachelor of Arts|BA]], [[Master's degree]] or a [[PhD]] Pedagogy, experience and strong teaching skills are the principal criteria during the recruitment of the language school's teachers. {{Citation needed|date=May 2012}} |
|||
===Accommodation=== |
|||
Many language schools offer various kinds of accommodation to their students: host family ([[homestay]]s), [[dorm|campus residences]], shared housing, or hotels. |
|||
==Qualifications== |
|||
Most students will sit an international language exam and receive an internationally recognized qualification. |
|||
===International language exams=== |
|||
Language schools commonly offer specific programs to those wishing to prepare for internationally recognized language exams such as: |
|||
* [[TOEIC]] ([[English language|English]]) |
|||
* [[TOEFL]] ([[English language|English]]) |
|||
* [[CaMLA]] ([[English language|English]]) |
|||
* [[TrackTest]] ([[English language|English]]) |
|||
* [[University of Toronto TEFL]] ([[English language|English]]) |
|||
* [[Cambridge English Language Assessment]] ([[English language|English]]) |
|||
* [[DELF]]/[[DALF]] ([[French language|French]]) |
|||
* [[TestDaF]] ([[German language|German]]) |
|||
* [[SIELE]] ([[Spanish language|Spanish]]) |
|||
* [[DELE]] ([[Spanish language|Spanish]]) |
|||
* [[JLPT]] ([[Japanese language|Japanese]]) |
|||
* [[TOPIK]] ([[Korean language|Korean]]) |
|||
* [[Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language|TOCFL]] ([[Chinese language|Chinese]]) |
|||
* [[Hànyǔ Shuǐpíng Kǎoshì|HSK]] ([[Standard Mandarin|Chinese Mandarin]]) |
|||
* [[DELI/DILI/DALI]] ([[Italian language|Italian]]) |
|||
* [[CNaVT]] ([[Dutch language|Dutch]]) |
|||
Some organizations combine language study with travel to destinations where the language is natively spoken. This concept of immersion travel makes it easier for students to experience and understand the destination country's culture and language. |
|||
==Language courses== |
==Language courses== |
||
Revision as of 09:11, 2 September 2024
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (March 2022) |
A language school is a school where one studies a foreign language. Classes at a language school are usually geared towards, for example, communicative competence in a foreign language. Language learning in such schools typically supplements formal education or existing knowledge of a foreign language.
Students vary widely by age, educational background, work experience. They usually have the possibility of selecting a specific course according to their language proficiency. According to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR),[1] there are six language levels that define student language proficiency based on their speaking, writing and reading skills.
Language courses
English
Globally, English language schools have seen the greatest demand over schools for other languages. Over one billion people are said to be learning English in a second language or foreign language context.[2] In the United States alone, ESL learners make up over one-third of all adult, non-academic learners.[3]
Arabic
Arabic has also grown in popularity in the last decade. Reasons include the continued growth of Islam worldwide (the Koran holy book is in Arabic), as well as cultural, economic and political reasons.[4]
Hindi
The Hindi language along with the culture of the Indian subcontinent has started to become important due to recent foreign policies, global competitiveness, and emigration from the country. Hindi began to be introduced as a foreign language in some American schools in the 2000s. Instructors in the language were sought to teach from the kindergarten level right up to the university as part of the National Security Language Initiative.[5]
See also
- Language education
- English language learning and teaching
- English as a Foreign or Second Language
- Français langue étrangère
- Arabic language school
- Second language acquisition
References
- ^ "Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, teaching, assessment (CEFR)". Retrieved 17 December 2016.
- ^ "How many people learn English globally?". Retrieved 17 December 2016.
- ^ "How large is the English learning market worldwide?". Archived from the original on 20 December 2016. Retrieved 17 December 2016.
- ^ "A God-given way to communicate". Economist. 22 April 2010. Retrieved 2015-03-04.
- ^ Hemali Chhapia (March 23, 2008). "India shining: US headhunts Hindi teachers". Times of India.
