The teaching methodology used in an academic context for L2 adult learners: an Italian case study

Abstract

This work is aimed to provide an analysis of the different teaching methodologies adopted in an Italian as a Second Language (L2) curriculum intended for adult learners. The interest in this subject culminated the moment I decided to attend as an observer some classes of Italian as a second language performed at LinguaIt, a private Italian language school and cultural centre. The first part of my paper approaches the didactic aspects involved in teaching a second language, as well as the main characteristics of L2 adult learners. Different teaching methods are examined and compared to the ones employed at Lingua It; particular attention is given to the use of the ludic methodology, considered as one of the school’s key strength. The second part of my dissertation focuses on the evaluation of a questionnaire submitted to subjects enrolled at Linguait; the analysis of their perceptions will help us determine whether these instructional aids contribute to successful learning. The school located in the heart of Verona welcomes students from all over the globe and, apart from the standard language course, it offers a variety of extracurricular activities tailored to meet and increase pupils’ interest.