Q:WHAT METHOD DO YOU USE TO TEACH?
A: We use the communicative approach using a modular course with a task-based approach. This means focusing on the use of authentic language and having students complete meaningful tasks, or activities, using the target language at the end of each chapter. Such activities can include practicing visiting a doctor, asking/giving directions, or calling customer service for help. Each chapter prepares the student to carry out said task by learning and practicing the necessary grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structures. When possible, this includes group and pair work exercises aiming to motivate students to participate actively in the learning process. Communication is central to the process and takes into account all the different learning styles.
The communicative teaching method views language as a medium of communication. It recognizes that communication has a social purpose: the language learner has something to say or to find out. In this teaching method importance is placed on helping the student get the message delivered. This is what really matters: if the student can understand and be understood. It is centered in helping the student develop certain skills and abilities: oral interaction and expression, hearing and reading comprehension, and writing expression. In each class students will be lead to practice Spanish in contextualized, practical and everyday situations through activities with predefined goals.
Q. HOW FAST WILL I LEARN?
A: There is no one answer to this question. Everyone learns at a different pace and there are many variables that influence progress: aptitude, hours of class time, hours put into homework, background with the language, motivation, dedication, contact with the language outside of classroom, etc. While there is no formula, there are tips to guarantee your personal success:
- Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—speak up as much as possible.
- Do your homework.
- Expose yourself to as much Spanish as possible in your free time: movies, radio, Spanish-speaking friends, meetup groups, etc.
- Be consistent. You will make progress. At times it might not feel like it, but Spanish is like anything else you endeavor (practicing a sport, learning an instrument, dancing/yoga, building muscle, losing weight) you have to keep at it to see results.
- See our student corner page for some great websites to help in this process.
Q: MAY I JOIN AN A COURSE IN MID-SESSION OR AFTER THE START DATE?
A: Yes. If you have the requisite Spanish skills, you are welcome to join any course we will prorate the cost.
Q: WHAT IF I'M THE ONLY PERSON TO SHOW UP FOR A GROUP CLASS?
A: The class will last one hour.
Q: HOW DO I KNOW WHAT MY LEVEL IS?
A: Please fill out our get started form, or contact us directly to find out.
Q: CAN I COME TRY A CLASS BEFORE ENROLLING?
A: Yes. You may purchase a trial-class for $60 (group or private). If you decide to continue, you can apply this amount toward any course.
Q: I AM CURRENTLY ENROLLED IN A CLASS, BUT CAN NO LONGER CONTINUE? CAN I RECEIVE A REFUND?
A: There are no refunds on packages once classes have commenced.
Q: CAN I MAKE UP A CLASS?
A: For private classes, up to two classes may be rescheduled with 24-hour notice for the $500 series and unlimited for the $600 series. For groups, it is important to attend all classes as no make-ups are permitted. If you do need to miss a class, please contact us and we will send you what was covered and the homework. If you know you will be missing a class in the future, you can always ask your instructor what you should study before you return.
Q: CAN I SWITCH TO GROUP FROM PRIVATE LESSONS OR VICE VERSA?
A: Yes. We can apply your account balance towards a different package. Please call us as soon as you decide to do this as any classes you miss before notifying us will be deducted from your enrollment. We will work with you on arranging lessons that will fit your schedule.
Q: I FEEL LIKE I'M GETTING BEHIND, WHAT CAN I DO?
A: If you have been studying on your own, but are still feeling a little lost, we can always arrange a private lesson with your instructor to help you catch up. You may also join another group at a lower level or join a new group to repeat material you’ve covered and become more familiar and comfortable with the topics taught. Please call or e-mail us to make arrangements.
Q: I HAVE SOME CONCERNS REGARDING MY CLASS/TEACHER/ENROLLMENT/PAYMENT. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
A: Feedback is always welcome as it helps us improve our courses and make sure our students are getting the best language learning experience possible. You may send an e-mail to info@bayareabilingual.com or call 510-394-8247.
Q: WHAT HOLIDAYS DOES YOUR BUSINESS OBSERVE?
A: Classes that fall on the following holidays will not be held unless the teacher and students decide otherwise: New Year’s Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day Weekend, and the last two weeks of the December Holiday season.
