Information for Teachers

The Summer Language Institute (SLI) is a one-month, intensive, high-energy English language program occurring during the month of July. Instructors assist people in reaching their language goals and enable them to participate in societal transformation. They also have the opportunity to form relationships with students and have conversations that go beyond mere language instruction.

Curriculum & Materials

Classroom activities integrate the skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking. The focus is on interactive lessons that encourage the development of communication skills. Morning classes use the New English File, published by Oxford University Press, as a curriculum guide. This series covers a wide range of language levels, from beginner to advanced. Each level has its own curriculum set with a student book, workbook, pronunciation book, audio cassette and teacher's guide. Afternoon classes cover a variety of specific language skills or content areas. Each of these classes has a developed syllabus. Though LCC uses the New English File and syllabi as curriculum guides, instructors have the freedom to plan their classes using a variety of other available resources. LCC has a large, and continually expanding, selection of supplementary materials. To assist instructors, LCC hosts a required week of orientation, as well as a final debriefing session to end the program. Instructors also receive curricular support in weekly small group and instructor meetings.

Classes

Classes meet for six hours daily over a three-week period in July. The 260 students who enroll are grouped in classes of 12 to 20, depending on English language ability. All students attend a three-hour block of classes each morning, based on the Integrated Multi-skills Approach. This model for teaching English links the four major skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking. Afternoon classes give the student a variety of options, which allow them to focus on specific language skills or content. Courses offered include conversation practice, public speaking, reading, business English, writing, and grammar. Instructors teach either in the morning or in the afternoon, depending on need, as well as on instructors' interests, skills and strengths. Beyond class time, students and instructors have the opportunity to participate in planned extra-curricular activities such as Bible studies, board games, sports and music groups.

Daily Schedule:

9:00 - 12:00 Integrated Language Classes
1:00 - 1:50 Afternoon Class #1
2:00 - 2:50 Afternoon Class #2
3:00- 3:50 Afternoon Class #3
Evening Optional extra-curricular activities

Instructors & Assistants

The SLI team is made up of people from a variety of age groups and educational backgrounds, ranging from university graduates to retirees. The common strengths that guide their teaching are good organization skills, classroom leadership ability, creativity, flexibility, a sense of humour, humility, and warmth.

Many university students come to SLI as classroom assistants and activity co-ordinators. They work with students in small groups or one-on-one under direction from a classroom instructor. Relationship building and social planning are an important aspect of their assignment. For instructors or assistants enrolled in TESOL programs, LCC offers accredited practicum experiences by arrangement with their North American institutions.

Students

The majority of people who attend classes are high school students. Most are currently enrolled in English classes at their high schools, but are eager and serious about learning more. Some adult professionals also attend and are looking to develop their English for work-related reasons. Most students are seasoned language learners, for whom English is a third or fourth language. All students pay tuition to attend SLI classes.

Qualifications

LCC requires that SLI instructors have a minimum of a BA degree, preferably in any of the following areas: general education, foreign or second language teaching methods (TESL, TESOL), linguistics, English, reading or literacy. Instructors preferably have teaching experience, especially teaching English as a foreign or second language. Assistants must have completed a minimum of two years of college.

Costs

SLI teachers pay for their flight to Lithuania. All teachers will live in our student dormitories free of charge. LCC also provides airport pick up upon arrival, orientation sessions and teaching materials.

Date & Length Options

The SLI program runs for a total of four weeks, with one week of orientation and three weeks of teaching.