From Hesitation to Mastery: Highlights from Our English Course in Bologna

In today’s globalized society, English is a vital means of communication, spoken by over 1.35 billion people worldwide. The recent "Intermediate English Language Course for Education Staff" was held in Bologna from 21/07/2024 to 27/07/2024. The course aimed to improve the participants’ language skills, with a focus on communication, grammar, and vocabulary at the B1/B2 level. We had the pleasure of welcoming educators from various parts of Europe: Viera and Radka from Spojena skola Giraltovce in Slovakia; Radomir, Jaroslava and Renata from Gymnázium, Mladá Boleslav, Palackého 191/1 in Czech Republic; Katrin, Kirsten and Manuela from Max-Eyth-Schule BBS Schiffdorf in Germany; Ewa and Mariusz from Stowarzyszenie Kadry dla Konina in Poland; and Susana from IES Valle del Oja in Spain. Their enthusiasm and commitment created an engaging and collaborative learning atmosphere.

Personalized Learning Approach

The course was tailored to address the distinct needs of each participant while ensuring B1/B2 proficiency standards. The introductory activities encouraged participants to express their expectations, concerns, and previous challenges with learning English. This collaborative start set the stage for the instructor to adapt the course content effectively. The participants’ enthusiasm and engagement enabled us to explore diverse topics, improving their English proficiency through team-based and interactive activities within a supportive environment.

Integrated Focus on Grammar, Speaking, and Vocabulary

Participants engaged in a well-rounded curriculum that emphasized grammar instruction, conversation practice, and vocabulary building. Interactive sessions allowed them to apply grammatical concepts in real-world scenarios, aiding language acquisition. They discussed everyday topics like workplace settings, travel, hobbies, daily routines, future plans and work-life balance, as well as exchanged cultural insights about their home countries. We used game-based tools (e.g., Kahoot, Wordwall, Quizlet), multimedia resources, and dynamic activities to enhance learning, retention, and enjoyment in the classroom.

Building Vocabulary and Idiomatic Language

Fluency requires a strong vocabulary and a good grasp of idiomatic expressions. The course introduced participants to a wide range of vocabulary relevant to different contexts, encouraging them to actively incorporate new words and idiomatic phrases into their communication. This practice improved their fluency and communication effectiveness.

Enhancing Listening and Speaking Skills

The course prioritized developing listening and speaking abilities. Participants enhanced their listening comprehension through engaging audio materials, such as official language tests, presentations, YouTube videos, and music. They practiced fluency, accuracy, and communication strategies through group discussions, speeches, and role-plays, providing ample opportunities for real-world application.

Advanced Grammar and Complex Structures

Participants expanded their grammar knowledge by learning more advanced structures, refining their understanding. Topics included verb tenses (past perfect, past simple, and present perfect) and conditionals (zero, first, second, and third), using detailed comparisons and diagrams to aid comprehension. With targeted exercises and guided practice in writing and speaking, participants gained greater accuracy and confidence in their grammatical skills.

This intensive course greatly improved participants’ language abilities, deepening their understanding and boosting their confidence. By focusing on communication, grammar, vocabulary, and cultural awareness, the course prepared them to excel in international settings and support educational internationalization. The supportive learning environment and effective teaching methods helped participants overcome their fear of speaking English. We will miss the vibrant energy and enthusiasm each participant brought to the class. We wish them a safe journey home, filled with new insights, improved skills, lasting friendships, and inspiration!

​More info on this course here.

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