Our Teaching Method
At Team Lingue – International House, our teaching method is founded on a simple principle: languages are learned by using them, not by memorizing rules.
For this reason, our Italian courses are designed to activate both language learning (conscious understanding) and language acquisition (subconscious development), helping students communicate naturally and confidently in real-life situations.
Teaching Italian: our language teaching method
Our Italian course program is based on the Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) approach, which develops all four language skills:
- Listening
- Speaking
- Reading
- Writing
This method draws on internationally recognized linguistic theories, including:
- language acquisition and learning hypotheses;
- the work of linguists such as Stephen Krashen;
- the theory of multiple intelligences.
The result is a balanced approach that respects different learning styles and maximizes each student’s progress.
1. How will you learn
One of the most common questions we get is: “Will I study the theory, or how to use the language?”
The answer is: both, but in the right order.
Just like we learned our first language, Italian is first acquired through exposure and use, and only later analyzed consciously.
At IH Team Lingue:
- students are exposed to Italian from the start;
- grammar is always explored in context;
- rules are discovered, not imposed;
- language is treated as a living system, not a list of formulas.
Learning Italian means diving into a sea of Italian, not observing it from the shore.
2. Real language vs artificial language
We strongly believe in the use of authentic materials.
For this reason, our teachers regularly work with:
- real conversations;
- newspapers and articles;
- videos and audio from everyday Italian life;
- texts created for native speakers.
Simplified or artificial language may seem easier at first, but it does not prepare students for real communication outside the classroom.
Exposure to rich, authentic language helps students develop flexibility, confidence, and real communicative competence.
3. Structure and balance
Just like a good cake, our courses are made of carefully balanced ingredients.
Each standard course is divided into two complementary parts:
Language analysis sessions
Focused on understanding how the language works:
- analytical listening and reading;
- controlled speaking and writing;
- grammar and lexical exploration in context;
- problem-solving and hypothesis building.
These activities activate the learning process (conscious level).
Communication activity sessions
Focused on using the language globally:
- authentic listening and reading;
- free speaking and writing;
- role plays, discussions and games;
- holistic comprehension activities.
These activities activate the acquisition process (subconscious level). Together, these two components ensure both accuracy and fluency.
3. Who is at the center of the lesson?
The student. Always.
At IH Team Lingue, we believe that:
‘every minute the teacher speaks unnecessarily is a minute taken away from the student.’
Our lessons are designed so that students:
- actively participate;
- reflect and make hypotheses;
- collaborate with classmates;
- discover linguistic patterns themselves.
The teacher acts as a facilitator and guide, intervening at the right moment to support and consolidate learning.
4. With or without a textbook?
We do not rely on a single fixed textbook.
Instead:
- teachers select and create materials based on the class;
- lessons are adapted to students’ needs and goals;
- materials remain fresh, current and relevant.
At the end of the course, students take home a personalized collection of texts and materials used in class.
5. Blending technology with human connection
We use multimedia tools such as videos, podcasts, and digital texts to enrich our lessons and encourage discussion.
However, technology is a resource, not a method. Human interaction, communication and relationships remain at the heart of our teaching philosophy.
6. Correction: when and how?
Correction is handled carefully and strategically.
- During language analysis, errors are discussed collectively
- During communication activities, fluency is prioritized
- Students practice without fear of constant interruption
Excessive correction creates anxiety and blocks learning. Our goal is to help students communicate effectively first and refine accuracy progressively.
7. High quality standards
Our Italian courses follow:
- CEFR – Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
- European and International House academic standards
All our teachers:
- are university graduates;
- hold recognized qualifications in teaching Italian as a foreign language;
- receive continuous academic training.
8. Teacher rotation and continuous monitoring
To reflect real-life language exposure:
- students work with different teachers during the course;
- they hear different voices, accents and teaching styles.
Progress is constantly monitored through:
- regular teacher meetings;
- continuous classroom observation;
- personalized academic decisions.
Small class sizes guarantee active participation and individual attention.