The theoretical-practical course gives the teacher the efficient means to teach, on one hand deepening their understanding of the theoretical aspects of glottodidactics and on the other analyzing the instruments and techniques that allow development and/or reinforcement of diverse linguistic abilities. In such a manner, the direct observation of the language classes of the different levels and elaboration of materials and didactic activities are taught side-by-side (workshop, practical exercises). A specific module completes the process of the DITALS certification and analyzes various parts of the exam.

Who is it for?

This training course is intended for:

• those who want to start working as teachers of Italian as a Foreign Language in Italy and abroad;
• Italian and foreign teachers who want to improve their own knowledge;
• Italian and foreign teachers who want to deepen, verify or demonstrate their didactic proficiency of teaching Italian to foreigners for the DITALS exam of the University for Foreigners of Siena;
• foreign teachers who have requested funding assigned by the Socrates / Comenius 2 and Grundtvig III Program within the projects of co-operation among the States of the European Community for the training of school personnel;
• Primary, Middle and High School teachers who are interested in acquiring pedagogical instruments for use in State schools, which are becoming ever more interested in the multi-cultural and multi-ethnic aspects of their educational system.

STRUCTURE:

The course (that lasts a total of 70 hours) is modular, in order to meet the diverse typologies of the recipients. Forms:

• Didactics
• Phonetics
• Body language
• DITALS preparation
• Drills/Training
• Class observations

PROGRAM

Form A – Didactics (22 hours)

• Basic Theories
The Common European Picture; Certification. The AIL is an example of a proficiency certificate. Foreign language/Second language; Communicative approach (the student as the focal point, authentic materials, the role of the teacher); Grammar (Indicative/Deductive); The main linguistic capabilities; Phases of the didactic component.

• Techniques
Techniques to develop written comprehension; Global reading; Analytical reading; Techniques to develop written processing; Techniques to develop oral processing; Communication among equals; Market, onion, hot seats, various types of role-play; Audiovisual benefits.

• Class dynamics
The teacher’s role; Class dynamics (formation of couples and groups, emotional filters, critical situations); Errors to avoid.

• Materials

Form B – Phonetics (4 hours)

Form C – Corporal workshop

Form D – Ditals preparation (12 hours)

a. What the Ditals ceritification is; Ditals I and II

b. Section C (Glottodidactic knowledge)
Fundamentals of sociolinguistics; Explanation of various approaches and
methods; Bibliography selection and research suggestions; Review and comment on a sample exam

c. Section A (Analysis of didactic materials)
Analysis criteria of didactic materials; Review and comment on a practice exam; Practical exercises

d. Section B (processing of didactic materials)
Elaboration of didactic phases and connected techniques; Verification and evaluation techniques; look over and comment on a practice exam

Form E – Exercises (12 hours)

a. Guided exercises

Formation of didactic groups starting with authentic materials; Elaboration of proposed elaboration (instructions and ways of carrying out); Discussion

b. Didactics of a written test.
Suggestions on didactic activities beginning with authentic materials chosen by peers; Discussion

c. Role-play
Role-play suggestions starting with authentic materials chosen by all students. Discussion

d. Explanation of a grammatical argument.
Students are assigned a grammatical argument to explain; Discussion

Observation of Classes (16 hours)

COURSE CENTERS:

The Intensive Training Course and the DITALS preparation course are held at the following course centers:

• Italian language school in Rome
  Scuola Leonardo da Vinci - piazza dell’Orologio 7, IT-00186 ROME
  Tel.: +39-06.6889.2513 - Fax: +39-06.6821.9084 - Email: rome@scuolaleonardo.com
  Director of Studies at the course center in Rome: Prof. Leonardo Moretto
  Email: leonardo.moretto@scuolaleonardo.com
• Italian language school in Florence
  Scuola Leonardo da Vinci - via Bufalini 3, IT-50122 FLORENCE
  Tel.: +39-055.261181 - Fax: +39-055.294820 - Email: bookingflorence@scuolaleonardo.com
  Director of Studies at the course center in Florence: Dr. Guido Ristori
  Email: guido.ristori@scuolaleonardo.com

Trainers:

• Carmen di Oronzo (didactic adviser)
• Massimo Aureli
• Renato Capitani
• Laura Mastroddi
• Guido Ristori
• Corrado Veneziano