English Program

Conversation

Academia has four levels of Conversation:

Beginner – Students practice using noun-verb-object sentences. They learn to ask questions, use adjectives and speak in the present, past and future tenses.

Intermediate- Students get more practice with verbs and learn to use a wider range of grammar in expressing themselves.

Enhanced Intermediate – Students learn to express themselves with greater clarity and accuracy. They learn to describe intensity and opinion.

Advanced – Students practice speaking on topics that require them to use more shades of meaning and nuance.

Academia realizes that students have different ways of learning. To meet these needs, teachers use a variety of teaching styles:

FREE STYLE classes have topics such as, "Who wears the pants in your family?" or "Do all kinds of beer taste the same?" These classes are designed to develop the ability to communicate freely in everyday life using natural speech.

GUIDED CLASSES may have a text that introduces topics such as making appointments, seeking help, giving directions.

ACTIVITY BASED CONVERSATION classes which provide activities that stimulate speaking. 

DISCUSSION CLASSES where current events presented in news, video, or print formats are featured.

Conversation classes have pair, group and role-play activities that increase speaking time for each student. In higher level classes students may make oral presentations, debate, negotiate or make oral presentations.

Some advanced level students often take classes in the Comprehensive English series where speaking is one of the featured skills.

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Grammar

With the Azar texts (The “Red”, “Black” and “Blue” books) as an outline, teachers use interactive techniques to bring texts alive. All grammar courses include conversation and vocabulary and are designed to involve students in their learning. Other courses, such as Writing, Conversation, and Vocabulary give students experience in using grammar as they would in daily life. Grammar courses are taught in three levels:

Beginner – basic sentence structure, tenses, irregular verbs, if and time clauses, count and non-count nouns, comparatives, some modals.

Intermediate – more on verbs (action/non-action; transitive/intransitive; modals) adjectives, adjective clauses, connectors, parallel structure.

Enhanced Intermediate – modals (more uses and practice), reported speech, uses gerunds and infinitives.

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Vocabulary

All vocabulary is taught in context. Academia does not teach through recitation or memorization. Lists, such as the Academic Word List are used as resources and not as texts.

Students can chose from a variety of learning methods. They can chose to encounter words through reading, film, discussion, broadcast or cable news.  In some courses students write the words and create their own contexts. There are courses for idioms and a unique course for phrasal verbs alone.

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Pronunciation

While many other schools teach pronunciation along with conversation or speaking, Academia is the only school in Hawaii with courses devoted to pronunciation alone. Students can chose between two learning methods.   One course systematically covers each sound through a series of interactive games and exercises.  As students speak and hear others pronounce words and phrases they improve both speaking and listening skills.

The other method has students reading passages that represent everyday speech and getting immediate feedback. The readings are targeted to help with the individual pronunciation problems of the students in the class.

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Writing

In 2007 Academia inaugurated new writing curricula with several new course outlines. Because not every one of these classes is offered each term, students interested in them should email us two months ahead of their arrival to see what is offered and what arrangements can be made.

WRITING: FOCUS ON GRAMMAR I, II AND III give students more opportunity to use grammar as they would in a university, the business environment or for a standardized test.

WRITING FOR THE STANDARDIZED TEST I AND II focus exclusively on the TOEFL essay.

Business Writing classes include BUSINESS WRITING: SHORT CORRESPONDENCE and BUSINESS WRITING: REPORTS, PRESENTATIONS AND THE BUSINESS PLAN.

NARRATIVE WRITING I, II AND III incorporates grammar but focuses more on content, organization, writing style and word choice.

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Comprehensive English

These upper level courses are designed to bring together grammar, speaking, listening, writing and thinking skills. In these classes students may prepare papers, projects and/or story boards. They may read books observing vocabulary, grammar points while analyzing plot, literary technique, character development or historical content.  

Some of these courses are taught with a focus so that students learn other disciplines. Courses offered may focus on business, Pacific Island cultures and another on world cultures or focuses on the reading and writing skills needed for college or career.

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