Teaching Philosophy

Admission to the Arabic Language Learning Program is open to students at any level of ability. Although most students study for five to ten-week terms to learn to speak Arabic, framework courses can be designed for just several weeks in length up to however long a student wishes to study.

The Arabic study program is divided into three basic levels of instruction: Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced. Three stages of instruction are offered at each level of ability. Classes are held Saturday through Wednesday, with classes staggered between 8am and 5pm. *schedule varies during Ramadhan

A comprehensive placement examination, evaluating each student's speaking, listening, reading and writing skills, is administered prior to the start of each term. Arabic language learning classes are organized on the basis of examination results in consultation with the teaching staff. Students are then placed in either two hours of private lessons or four hours of group lessons to learn to speak Arabic.* Ability and total enrollment are factors in the placement process. 

Enrollment in the intensive and non-intensive Arabic language learning programs is limited to eight students per class, although class size is frequently smaller. The Center attempts to preserve the smallest class size possible in order to maximize the student-teacher interaction necessary to learn to speak Arabic, and to tailor course work to the students' individual interests and abilities.

All teachers place the greatest emphasis on developing a student's ability to speak and comprehend Arabic by listening to native speakers. Although taught in class, reading and writing are particularly emphasized in homework assignments. Outside of class, all the Arabic language teachers maintain office hours during which students may visit for additional help.

The Yemen Language Center's Arabic study program is organized around a set of basic objectives and a core curriculum, designed by the teaching staff for every level and stage of instruction offered. In the past, for example, this discretionary time has been spent studying Yemeni music and poetry. In addition to regular quizzes, there are two major examinations during each term: the midterm examination and cumulative final examination, which the student must complete successfully in order to receive the official Certificate of Completion.

Languages other than Arabic are not permitted during the lesson, except at the beginning level when students have not yet acquired sufficient vocabulary to understand grammar and vocabulary explanations in Arabic. Even in these instances, however, the teacher will use only as much English as absolutely necessary. The Center strongly believes that students develop Arabic language skills more rapidly and effectively if they are completely immersed in Arabic from the outset of their studies. Outside the classroom, students are encouraged to communicate among themselves in Arabic, and to make social contacts which provide an opportunity to practice their language skills with native speakers.

Each week, the teaching staff and the director discuss individual student progress, and the effectiveness of teaching techniques in order to improve the Arabic language classes. Furthermore, an annual review takes place to evaluate the effectiveness of the teaching system, course materials and administration. This process is aided by instructor input and extensive student feedback, collected verbally, and by means of a course evaluation and self-assessment form completed by each student.

*Students are given a placement exam upon arrival. If there is no group suitable to their level, they will be placed in individual classes. It is not an option.

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