CEFR stands for the "Common European Framework of Reference for Languages." It is a standardized framework used to assess and describe an individual's language proficiency in various European languages, including French. The CEFR divides language proficiency into six main levels: A1 (beginner) A2 (elementary), B1 (intermediate), B2 (upper intermediate), C1 (advanced) and C2 (proficient). It is widely used in Europe and has also gained recognition and application in numerous parts of the world.
To help you assess your level and discover some of the course content, you can use this self-assessment grid.
From experience, I know that adult learners are often 'false beginners' who have learned French in some way in the past. For them, private lessons are almost a necessity because they will learn exactly what they need to progress. If you have ever taken group language classes, you have probably experienced the feeling that the content was not tailored to your level or that another student in the group was either much better or, conversely, weaker... In private lessons, you have the teacher all to yourself, and you can ask them all the questions you want. Most importantly, they will offer you content tailored to your level and your goals.
Therefore, we will not follow a textbook from one page to the next, but I will provide you with content and activities that are relevant to your level and what you want to learn most.
Also, we will determine the lesson frequency that best suits your goals. Many of my students take 3 to 5 hours of lessons per week. Others prefer one or two but progress more slowly.
If you don't speak a foreign language regularly, you won't make any progress and you forget it! That's why I also offer a conversation class for advanced learners who want to practice and enhance their conversation skills. Typically, it's a 100% oral class with valuable advice for making progress, occasionally supplemented with grammar or vocabulary ressources to work on for improvement.
The two key words in the learning method I offer are: communication and motivation. You effectively learn what you need, what you experience and what motivates you. That is why we'll work on real life situations that you face when you're in France. The topics will be as closely related to your interests as possible. Are you preparing for a trip to Paris? I will tailor my course with that in mind. Do you want to talk about your profession or your hobbies? These subjects will be covered.
Grammar and verbs conjugation, which can be challenging in French, will have their place in every lesson, but just the right place, always related to a communication situation.
Lesson after lesson, you will accumulate resources in a shared folder (texts, audio documents, vocabulary, grammar, etc.) that you can access whenever you want to review or delve deeper into specific points on your own.
To make significant progress, it is important to do homework; so, of course, I will provide you with some work to do between lessons. While there are plenty of free resources for practice on the internet, some are good, while others are not so great; and if you use them, no one will take the time to correct your mistakes, understand your needs and answer your questions like a qualified private teacher. In this regard also, the guidance of an experienced tutor is the key to success!