German advanced: small group conversation
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
Choose a start date
- Course Code: LG635
- Dates: 01/05/24 - 19/06/24
- Time: 14:45 - 15:45
- Taught: Wed, Daytime
- Duration: 7 sessions (over 8 weeks)
- Location: Online
- Tutor: Vera Messarius
Course Code: LG635
Choose a start date
Duration: 7 sessions (over 8 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
To enable students to talk about a wide range of everyday subjects, enlarge their vocabulary and enable them to understand and discuss complex subjects.
This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.
What will we cover?
A range of different topics will be introduced, most of them coming from news clips and newspaper articles.Students and the tutor will agree topics at the beginning of the course based on the students' interests. Students might have the opportunity to give a presentation and read some piece of literature at home to be discussed in class.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Based on C2 criteria, individual learning outcomes will be discussed at the beginning of the course.
Common learning outcomes include:
- explain facts and arguments in fluent and well-structured language, conveying evaluative aspects and most nuances precisely, and pointing out sociocultural implications (e.g. use of register, understatement, irony and sarcasm).
- converse comfortably and appropriately, unhampered by any linguistic limitations in conducting a full social and personal life.
- understand extended speech even when it is not clearly structured and when relationships are only implied and not signalled explicitly.
- mediate effectively, taking on different roles according to the needs of the people and situation involved, identifying nuances and undercurrents and guiding a sensitive or delicate discussion
- understand television programmes and films without too much effort.
-understand any kind of spoken language, whether live or broadcast, even when delivered at fast native speed, provided I have some time to get familiar with the accent.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
For students with a very good knowledge of German in all areas and a fairly wide range of vocabulary. Students own contributions and suggestions are welcome. C2
For further details of the specific foreign language skills required for this level, please see the languages self-assessment chart at the start of the languages section of our course guide or on our website.
It is also essential that you have knowledge of more complex grammar terminology such as: the subjunctive, the conditional, the dative, the accusative, subordinate clauses and conjunctions.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Our courses are characterised by spoken interaction and communication. Typical activities include pair work, group work, role plays and games. A range of resources will be used to support your learning including presentations, hand-outs, and audio-visual material.
Homework is highly recommended to consolidate learning.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Audio visual material and newspaper articles are provided by the tutor. If a course book is recommended please try: Grant and Cutler - http://www.foyles.co.uk/Grant-and-Cutler-at-Foyles (020 7734 2012).
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Other German level 6 courses. Please enrol early to avoid disappointment.
I am a native German and an experienced language teacher for German, French and Spanish with over 25 years of experience in Secondary Schools and in Adult Education. Keeping students engaged and motivated, that is my speciality! The best piece of praise I ever got from an adult student was: “Your lessons are brilliant and such a joy. I never thought it would be possible for me to learn so much and have fun at the same time”. It just goes to show that a skillful teacher and a motivated student are the perfect ingredients to successful learning. I follow the communicative teaching approach and tailor every lesson to the needs of my learners using textbooks , podcasts, films, music and other authentic materials to cater for all learner types. When I am not teaching I love travelling the world , scuba diving and playing lots of sports.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
