SPANISH

Why Spanish?

Spanish is not a language spoken solely in Spain; it is spoken as a mother tongue in the islands under the sovereignty of Spain as well as in many South American states. The Spanish language is also the second official language in the United States. Statistics reveal that by the year 2020, out of every 100 Americans, 35 of them will be speaking Spanish as the mother tongue. Even today, 3 out of every 10 Americans can speak Spanish.

In recent years, in the framework of trade, culture and education agreements signed between Turkish and Spanish governments, the number of those wishing to learn Spanish has increased and the demand is rising.

Recently, Spanish has started to be taught in schools as a compulsory elective course in many countries from Germany to Japan owing to its increasing popularity.

Yet another reason why there is a growing demand for the Spanish language is that it is the official language in schools in many countries and, after English, it is the most widely spoken language in the European Union. Ankara University TÖMER is one of the leading institutions to meet this demand.

Lessons

In TOMER, all classes are furnished with a U-type seating system so that learners can communicate with the teacher as well as their peers in the most efficient way. Each class is equipped with DVD players and televisions and these are used during the teaching process effectively. Each class holds 5 to 16 learners.

Spanish courses consist of 12 levels: 4 basic levels, 4 intermediate levels and 4 advanced levels. Learners who receive diploma in the Spanish classes arranged in accordance with the European Language Portfolio reach B2 level. The diploma is received in 12 months (480 hours total) in monthly intensive courses or in 24 months (576 hours total) in bimonthly courses. A certificate is issued at the end of the elementary and intermediate courses. ‘TOMER Diplomas’ confirmed by Ankara University Rectorship are issued at the end of advanced courses.

Eclectic Method is applied in the classes in TOMER and the learner holds the central position in teaching activities; the instructor acts as a guide in the class, every learner has an equal right to speak and the learners are dynamised in the classes. Target language (Spanish) is spoken during the classes, four basic language skills (Listening Comprehension, Speaking, Reading Comprehension, Written Expression) are practised equally, and Grammar, a lateral skill, is taught, as well.

Courses for General Purposes

Basic level coursebooks are Nuevo Ven 1 and its supplementary book. In the Intermediate levels Nuevo Ven 2 and its supplementary book are used as coursebooks. Advanced level coursebooks are Nuevo Ven 3 and its supplementary book. In addition to these books, supplementary materials prepared by TOMER Spanish Department are used as course materials.

Course attendees who have completed elementary courses reach A2 level according to the European Language Portfolio. These learners are able to introduce themselves and their family members, ask for and give directions, order in a restaurant and do shopping by using the three basic tenses (present, past and future) and imperatives. Course attendees who have completed intermediate courses reach B1 level. These learners are able to express themselves easily, understand newspaper or magazine articles at least to a certain extent, prepare short reports, write CVs and application letters to apply for a job. Course attendees who have completed advanced courses reach B2 level. These learners are able to read and understand newspapers and articles easily, watch films in Spanish without subtitles and speak Spanish without any difficulties.

The most important feature of the books used in Spanish classes is that they place equal importance to the Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing Skills in accordance with The Common European Framework. Within the framework of the specified targets, learners practise listening, speaking, reading and writing regularly in each class from the beginning to the end of the programme.

Courses for Specific Purposes

Preparation courses for specific purposes like KPDS, DELE, and AIESEC tests, the tests of some public or private institutions, and translation courses are held on demand. Questions types and test techniques as well as grammar are taught in these classes.

Speaking Clubs and Speaking Classes

For learners already registered at TOMER Spanish courses, there are speaking classes organised at different hours upon request. The lessons are given by experienced Spanish, Mexican or Colombian instructors and the learners practise speaking in different topics which may arouse learners’ attention. Spanish Culture is introduced to the learners. These classes are free of charge for the course attendees of TOMER.

Final Tests  

Final tests evaluating the four basic skills are held at the end of each level which coincides with certificate levels. The test is taken at the end of 40 hours in intensive courses and 48 hours in bimonthly courses in order to evaluate to what extent the learners reach the stated targets. Grading criterion is presented below. If a learner fails to meet the pass mark required for a skill, a make-up test is given for the skill concerned only. Learners who fail in more than one skill are asked to repeat the level. Levels at the end of which a test is given are listed below:

In the levels which do not require a test at the end, learners’ success is assessed by the instructors according to the performance evaluation criteria. The instructors carry out these evaluations by observing the learners’ contribution to the classes, how regularly they do the homework given, their success in quizzes, their enthusiasm and the speed of their improvement. The learners who are disapproved to pass by the instructor may demand to take a final test and may pass according to the result of the test.

Grading Criteria for the Tests