Teaching method at Liden & Denz
All our courses are based on communicative approaches and combine learning common expressions used in everyday situations with thorough and systematic grammatical approach. This is of vital importance for learning a language like Russian, which has an inflectional system and a non-fixed word order – a language in which word endings or word’s place create the meaning. Conversational topics are given with appropriate grammar structures, while the grammar part of the course proceeds gradually from simple “basic concepts” to more complex issues in a psychologically proven order (e.g. naming objects – describing locations – actions with objects – moving to and from, etc.).
One of our most important principles consists in giving our students the linguistic means to express themselves in everyday situations by constant training of communicative skills and models, which allows learners to reach their own communicative objectives.
All our teachers are native speakers and hold a university degree either in Teaching Russian as a Foreign Language (RKI) or Linguistics. We encourage our teachers to learn new languages, because we believe that having this experience as students is a valuable source for further improvement of their professional skills. Our teachers apply a variety of techniques ranging from introduction to the Russian language history, from etymology and comparative linguistics to role-play, live discussions and creative work (drawing, story telling) in the class. Teacher training sessions take place on a regular basis. In a team work they share their experience, discuss the problems they recently solved, new methods and techniques they implemented and evaluate new teaching materials.
If you have additional questions:
Я люблю русский язык
This is our own textbook for beginner and elementary students of Russian, covering levels A0, A1 and A2. It is the result of several years of hard work by our academic team and has been extensively trialled by our intensive students. The book is used in our classes and contains material for around 240 contact hours as well as links to over 100 audio files, which can be accessed via tablet or smartphone.
In our group courses we teach beginner to intermediate levels year-round adding upper-intermediate and advanced classes during busy summer period. For reasons of compatibility, we have adapted the framework of the European Language Portfolio. Clicking on each circle reveals Liden & Denz sub-levels with averaged lesson numbers and recommended exam(s) for that level. Students enrolling for a one-to-one course will need less time to pass from one level to the next.
Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
Has no difficulty in understanding any kind of spoken language, whether live or broadcast, delivered at fast native speed. Can appreciate films, plays, TV and the radio almost as fully as a native speaker, including humour, nuance, and implied meaning. Can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in the most complex situations.
All students receive a graded certificate (in Russian) at the end of their stay, indicating course type, course dates, numbers of lessons and level achieved. We take great importance that students attend classes punctually. We may refuse to issue a course certificate to students who persistently arrive late. Our teachers expect students to arrive for tuition rested and alert.
For students wishing to take an internationally recognised exam during their stay, we recommend to sign up for a telc Russian language test. telc tests can be taken at any Liden & Denz campus. The exam is closely aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The telc Russian language test is available for A1, A2, B1 and B2 language levels. Our teachers are also qualified to prepare for TRKI state exams, to be taken at the university.
Recent posts on learning Russian
Liden & Denz and beyond: languages in Moscow
The good command of foreign languages gives plenty of personal, social and professional advantages. It opens the gates to different cultures ...
Ciao a tutti! My name is Matilde and I’m a 22 year-old Italian girl with a passion for traveling and experiences abroad. I love learni ...
Russian as part of your daily routine: Россия 1, Россия 24, Planeta RTR…
Foreign language skills are hard to acquire and to develop! There is not only grammar, vocabulary, syntax, pronunciation, etc. There is also ...
6 Classic Films For Students of Russian
The medium of film is one of the most fun and effective ways to absorb a new culture and language. It's also an easy activity to do from any ...