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language
Expats.cz is working with Archimedes
Language Academy as one of Prague’s
most innovative language schools. Forget
textbooks and grammar lessons, Archimedes
Language Academy offers personalized
one-to-one courses which combine
communication with current technology
allowing for a holistic learning experience.
Knowing Czech might not be necessary in business, but
it certainly enhances a person’s experience of living here.
For this reason Archimedes offers clients a very realistic
target. After doing their Czech course, you are expected
to communicate at an A2 level, which means you can
communicate about those things of immediate relevance.
Archimedes sets out this goal in an easy to follow system.
You start with “superlearning” then move through the day
practicing with flashcards dictation along with sessions
with a teacher. The school presents this method as a
circle, through which you move during the day.
To ensure that this circle gets you somewhere,
Archimedes sets out a study schedule which can be
slotted into a person’s busy day. Archimedes understands
that small portions at regular intervals will achieve much
more than a long sessions of learning once or twice
a week. The school even helps with the scheduling,
providing a concrete and manageable learning schedule.
The schedule is assisted by Archimedes’ use of
technology. Today we live quite plugged in lives.
Archimedes works with technology to make learning
accessible, effective and above all fun. This end is
achieved through the school’s very own app called the
ALApp. This app contains all the resources to help with
effective self study.
Archimedes recognizes that technology alone will not
give a person the language skills they need so students
have sessions with a teacher. These sessions allow a
student to look specifically at the language points they
are interested or need to improve. Furthermore the ALApp
can incorporate the specific phrases which the student is
interested in, so that you are revising what you need.
In addition, Archimedes uses a very novel system of
telephone calls which a student can receive during the
day. These 10-minute conversations allow for more
constant practice. Moreover it puts you in the position
of using the language on the telephone which is quite
different from face-to-face conversation not to mention
much more common in today’s world.
Last of all, Archimedes runs a series of workshops on
a variety of topics from beer appreciation to being an
actor. In each workshop the emphasis is on using the
language to communicate about a specific topic. Moreover
the topics are enjoyable and focus on things people are
interested in. Who wouldn’t want to talk about Czech beer
in Czech?
Archimedes realizes that many of us are either too busy
or don’t have the finances to participate in all that they
have to offer, so they allow you to tailor the course to your
time and interests. You can opt for the complete package
or just go with those features you want. Also you are not
required to sign a contract so you buy only the modules
you want. The only minimum requirement is the ALApp
which contains a module’s worth of work. Most modules
run from one to two months. The length of time is up to
the individual.
Because the ALApp is so central to a course with
Archimedes it wouldn’t hurt to look at it in a little more
depth. The ALApp is an app designed for Apple devices,
especially the iPads and using their touchscreen interface
to make learning easy.
Nowhere is this clearer than the flashcards. These digital
flashcards have Czech and English on both sides and
you can flip them over like real cards. Plus, the cards
can be stacked in easy, medium and hard piles. You are
notified about phrases in the hard pile in 24 hours and this
continues until you move them to a different pile.
Dictation might not sound like fun, but this app gives
you all the practice you need, plus you can repeat the
sentences and sections to hear a part again. It is a great
way of not only building your understanding but practicing
where to put all those little markings in Czech words.
An audio book in Czech and English allows you to read
a text in Czech and consult in English to make sure you
understand. You can cover up the English section and
even listen along so that you’re getting both the visual and
aural aspects of learning. The “superlearning” component
even allows you to learn while you are relaxing. As you
listen to classical music, key phrases are read to you at
first in both languages and then only Czech.
Archimedes has updated language learning for the modern
age. No more rote learning case endings, now you can get
into Czech in a way that is fun, accessible and above all
has you at the center.
Check out the videos Expats.cz produced in cooperation
with Archimedes (My Language Adventure) at www.
expats.cz/my-language-adventure/
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