• Method

Our teaching method is the SWIRL method, combined with Target Language Only

What is SWIRL?

SWIRL is Hills Learning’s own teaching methodology. It comprises of S – Speaking W – Writing I – Intonation (Pronunciation) R – Reading L – Listening

We use this teaching method along with our philosophy of target language only in the classroom. So we expect that both teachers (and students) try to use the language that they are learning in the classroom as much as possible. Hills Learning incorporates FIVE language techniques in both group classes and private lessons. These techniques are Speaking, Writing, Intonation, Reading and Listening (SWIRL). 

We believe that these language techniques are indispensible to one’s language acquisition and production. At Hills Learning, we aim to offer a Highly Interactive Language Learning experience to students in both group classes and private lessons. Hence, our language lessons are structured into three tiers of focus.

The top tier comprises of Speaking and Listening.

In all our language classes, the focus of the classroom are the speaking and listening components of the language. We feel that these are the most important aspects of learning language, “to speak is to know.” It’s also been the most popular with our students, most students want to focus on communicating the language orally, whether it’s for travel, business, or personal enrichment.

The second tier focuses on Intonation (Pronunciation).

Please note, while we say “Intonation” we really mean Pronunciation. Although Intonation is important in tonal languages such as Chinese, Cantonese or Thai, pronouncing language correctly really determines your ability to get your point across. In Mandarin if you use the wrong tone you’ll say a completely different word. In phonetic languages such as Korean or Japanese it’s also important.

The third tier of SWIRL comprises Reading and Writing.

Although this is the bottom tier and thus least in importance, it’s important to say here “last but not least.” Our philosophy is that while the other language skills are ranked higher, you will never be fluent in the language without learning how to read and write it. This is a very important point because it's one of the most challenging skills to develop in our classrooms, and usually we assign students homework for reading and writing. It’s important to learn to how to read in all languages, because once you do you can learn to pronounce the alphabet (and eventually the language) correctly.

 

Our teaching method is the SWIRL method, combined with Target Language Only

What is SWIRL?

SWIRL is Hills Learning’s own teaching methodology. It comprises of S – Speaking W – Writing I – Intonation (Pronunciation) R – Reading L – Listening

We use this teaching method along with our philosophy of target language only in the classroom. So we expect that both teachers (and students) try to use the language that they are learning in the classroom as much as possible. Hills Learning incorporates FIVE language techniques in both group classes and private lessons. These techniques are Speaking, Writing, Intonation, Reading and Listening (SWIRL). 

We believe that these language techniques are indispensible to one’s language acquisition and production. At Hills Learning, we aim to offer a Highly Interactive Language Learning experience to students in both group classes and private lessons. Hence, our language lessons are structured into three tiers of focus.

The top tier comprises of Speaking and Listening.

In all our language classes, the focus of the classroom are the speaking and listening components of the language. We feel that these are the most important aspects of learning language, “to speak is to know.” It’s also been the most popular with our students, most students want to focus on communicating the language orally, whether it’s for travel, business, or personal enrichment.

The second tier focuses on Intonation (Pronunciation).

Please note, while we say “Intonation” we really mean Pronunciation. Although Intonation is important in tonal languages such as Chinese, Cantonese or Thai, pronouncing language correctly really determines your ability to get your point across. In Mandarin if you use the wrong tone you’ll say a completely different word. In phonetic languages such as Korean or Japanese it’s also important.

The third tier of SWIRL comprises Reading and Writing.

Although this is the bottom tier and thus least in importance, it’s important to say here “last but not least.” Our philosophy is that while the other language skills are ranked higher, you will never be fluent in the language without learning how to read and write it. This is a very important point because it's one of the most challenging skills to develop in our classrooms, and usually we assign students homework for reading and writing. It’s important to learn to how to read in all languages, because once you do you can learn to pronounce the alphabet (and eventually the language) correctly.

 

Our teaching method is the SWIRL method, combined with Target Language Only

What is SWIRL?

SWIRL is Hills Learning’s own teaching methodology. It comprises of S – Speaking W – Writing I – Intonation (Pronunciation) R – Reading L – Listening

We use this teaching method along with our philosophy of target language only in the classroom. So we expect that both teachers (and students) try to use the language that they are learning in the classroom as much as possible. Hills Learning incorporates FIVE language techniques in both group classes and private lessons. These techniques are Speaking, Writing, Intonation, Reading and Listening (SWIRL). 

We believe that these language techniques are indispensible to one’s language acquisition and production. At Hills Learning, we aim to offer a Highly Interactive Language Learning experience to students in both group classes and private lessons. Hence, our language lessons are structured into three tiers of focus.

The top tier comprises of Speaking and Listening.

In all our language classes, the focus of the classroom are the speaking and listening components of the language. We feel that these are the most important aspects of learning language, “to speak is to know.” It’s also been the most popular with our students, most students want to focus on communicating the language orally, whether it’s for travel, business, or personal enrichment.

The second tier focuses on Intonation (Pronunciation).

Please note, while we say “Intonation” we really mean Pronunciation. Although Intonation is important in tonal languages such as Chinese, Cantonese or Thai, pronouncing language correctly really determines your ability to get your point across. In Mandarin if you use the wrong tone you’ll say a completely different word. In phonetic languages such as Korean or Japanese it’s also important.

The third tier of SWIRL comprises Reading and Writing.

Although this is the bottom tier and thus least in importance, it’s important to say here “last but not least.” Our philosophy is that while the other language skills are ranked higher, you will never be fluent in the language without learning how to read and write it. This is a very important point because it's one of the most challenging skills to develop in our classrooms, and usually we assign students homework for reading and writing. It’s important to learn to how to read in all languages, because once you do you can learn to pronounce the alphabet (and eventually the language) correctly.

Our Teaching Philosophy

  1. Target language only
  2. You'll notice that this is the number 1 part of our philosophy, use the target language. This means NO ENGLISH in class. We truly believe that using the target language in class is the best way of developing ways  to communicate in it. It's like learning an instrument, the only way you'll be able to play is to practice playing the instrument, and not discuss about how the instrument is played.
  3. It’s okay to make mistakes
  4. The majority of our students are adults and therefore, some of us are self conscious about making mistakes, and not sounding sophisticated when speaking. This is not the mindset to have when learning a foreign language, the quicker people are comfortable making mistakes and just getting their point across, the quicker they will develop the confidence to communicate.
  5. Follow your language objectives (Can-Do Statements)
  6. While the Can Do Objectives are setup by Hills Learning mainly for the group classes, we do firmly believe in the power of goals and motivation. Always keep your objectives in mind when taking classes for learning language, and make sure you're taking steps to achieve those objectives. 
  7. Preview and review
  8. Most of our group classes take place only 1x a week. While we try to utilize that classroom time to have students speak and interpret that target language as much as possible, it is still only 1.5 or 2 hours per week. Previewing the next classes contents, doing homework assignments, and following your own self study methods are key to really developing your language proficiency.

Accreditation

Introduction

Hills Learning is a fully accredited institution by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. What this means is a governing body has come in and observed our classes, facilities, administration, finances, instructors, and overall program and given us the distinction of being an accredited institution. 

Generally what this means is that the institution has a quality offering, meaning that our curriculum, teaching methods, assessments, and other parts of our program have been checked by experts in the field. It also means that we are a data driven organization, we have specific objectives that we have set for educational performance for our students and our teachers for the coming years. 

Here's a recent history of our accreditation and key dates for the future:

 

Accreditation Timeline

June 2014 - Hills Learning applies to be a candidate for accreditation

July 2014 - After the initial application process and president approval, Hills Learning applies to be a Candidate for Accreditation

November 2014 - Candidacy Approved, and Initial Site Visit Confirmed

February 2015 - Candidacy Site Visit by Middle States Representative to Hills Learning. Multiple recommendations analyzed and condensed into one report for actioning.

April 2015 - Hills Learning Planning Team Established, with one teacher representing each language, and a client representative also nominated

September 2015 - Accreditation Survey Conducted of all students of Hills Learning and employees. 100+ responses received.

October 2015 - Results of survey analyzed by planning team and objectives and action plans proposed for Hills Learning

December 2015 - Objectives Approved by Middle States Association

February 2016 - Site Visit by Middle States Association, two representatives came and interviewed multiple students, teachers and other stake holders of the learning center. The team also analyzed and commented on the accreditation report submitted by Hills Learning (200 page report).

March 2016 - Visiting Team's Report Processed and sent to President for Approval. Recommendations taken under consideration by Hills Learning, but the conclusion by the visiting team is to recommend Hills Learning for accreditation.

May 1, 2016 - Accreditation granted to Hills Learning for a term of 7 years, until May 1 2023

May 1, 2019 - Midterm review due

May 1, 2023 - Reaccreditation

Accreditation Objectives

The accreditation objectives are the drivers of Hills Learning's educational program and are reviewed semi-annually by the planning team. Data for each objective is collected and analyzed. Each objective is aimed to be fulfilled by 2023:

 

  1. 75% of all students will pass their speaking assessments
  2. Technical Objective: By 2023, 75% of all students enrolled in a 12 hr class will increase their speaking (based on ACTFL) by one phase level. Data Points: Assessment grades from speaking assessments. Can-Do Statements issued in group classes, where students self assess themselves on each can-do statement at the end of the semester.
  3. 75% of all students will pass their proficiency assessments (proficiency is listening, reading and writing)
  4. Technical Objective: By 2023, 75% of all students enrolled in a 12 hr class pass their proficiency tests (70% or greater) Data Points: Assessment grades from proficiency assessments. Can-Do Statements issued in group classes, where students self assess themselves on each can-do statement at the end of the semester.
  5. 60% of all our students continue taking classes with us
  6. Technical Objective: By 2023, 60% of all students enrolled in a 12 hr class will continue learning with us as measured by 6 month increments Data Points: Data from active versus inactive students at Hills Learning
  7. 90% of all classes will be conducted in target language
  8. Technical Objective: By 2023, Hills Learning classes will use target language only (90% or greater). Data Points: Class observations given by administrators, colleague teachers, and students in feedback forms.
  9. 60% of class time is STT (Student Talking Time)
  10. Technical Objective: By 2023, Hills Learning classes will have STT, or Student Talking Time, of (60% or greater). Data Points: Class observations given by administrators, colleague teachers, and students in feedback forms.

Curriculum

40 Levels Per Language

Hills Learning prides itself on having multiple levels for all languages for its classes. We want to make sure that students will have enough curriculum in our classes to build speaking skills, and develop the grammar and vocabulary that is necessary for fluency. We also want to make sure that the label we give classes accurately describes student proficiency levels.

Here is a quick synopsis of our levels for every language:

BEGINNER 1, 2, 3                           ADVANCED BEGINNER 1, 2, 3

PRE-INTERMEDIATE                                                1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

INTERMEDIATE         1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16

UPPER INTERMEDIATE                  1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

ADVANCED                                                                        Multiple

Here's some sample timelines to help visualize how long it would take for each level:

January through March - Beginner 1

April through May - Beginner 2

June through July - Beginner 3

September through October - Adv Beginner 1

November through December (possibly January) - Adv Beginner 2

We like to say that it's possible to take about 5 levels of classes a year with us. So in other words, students can take about 7 years of classes with us (in the group setting) that will reach through the top proficiency of an intermediate speaker with us. We then have another 7 years of advanced class levels. 

Proficiency Based Curriculum

Our classes line up with the ACTFL proficiency guidelines, which are proficiency based standards that are common through the United States in foreign language education. Most universities and colleges reference these standards. Here's a breakdown of how (generally), our curriculum matches up with the ACTFL standards:

BEGINNER              1, 2, 3    ADV BEGINNER               1, 2, 3                    ACTFL NOVICE MID

PRE-INTERMEDIATE                                        1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6                    ACTFL NOVICE HIGH

INTERMEDIATE                                         1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8                    ACTFL INTERMEDIATE LOW

INTERMEDIATE                               9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16                   ACTFL INTERMEDIATE MID

UPPER INTERMEDIATE         1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12                    ACTFL INTERMEDIATE HIGH

ADVANCED                                                                       1-12                   ACTFL ADVANCED LOW

ADVANCED                                                                     13-24                  ACTFL ADVANCED MID

ADVANCED                                                                    25-40                  ACTFL ADVANCED HIGH



Can-Do Statements and Objectives

It is important to Hills Learning that in our curriculum we set specific goals for each level of class for students to achieve. In the group classes, we have five can-do statements that have been created per semester to facilitate learning and have a focus of the class time. It is used by teachers to focus their teaching time, but also for students to refer to and self assess themselves throughout the language classes.

Although the can-do are generally for the group classes and follow the 12 hour semester schedule, they can also be applied to private classes. However we would also recommend especially for private lesson students to have their own goals and objectives in mind, and keep these in place throughout their lessons.


Lesson Notes

At Hills Learning, for every class that we teach, lesson notes are emailed to the students. What lesson notes are are they are summaries, written by instructors, that go through what was covered in class, and any relevant assignments that are due for the next class. 

After every class taken at Hills Learning, the teacher will write down lesson notes. Please note lesson notes include any relevant attachments for the class, as well as any links to youtube or audio files. The lesson notes are then reviewed by administrators, and sent out to the students, usually by 2pm the next business day. 

Here's a summary of the lesson notes:

CONTENTS

HOMEWORK

PREVIEW

Please note that the lesson notes are a permanent record. So although students will get a summary email of their lesson notes, they can also login to the Hills Learning online portal and view all of their lesson notes at anytime. It's a good record for students to keep track of what they're being taught, and any extra materials used in class that they'd like to keep for future reference. 

Assessment

Why have Assessments?

Hills Learning in all of our group classes provides assessments in the final class of the semester. This is actually an accreditation requirement that assessments are given, it allows us to collect data on student progress and teacher efficiacy in the classroom.

More importantly however, we like to say that the assessments are given for the students. It's a good check to make sure that the materials you're learning are actually being retained, and it also gives a clear goal to study for in the end of the semester. 

What Kind of Assessments do you have?

Hills Learning is a learning center focused on part-time language students. Most of our students are attending classes once a week after work hours or on the weekends. The assessments that we administer are designed to check progress and knowledge, but also not to be too difficult. We understand that most of our students are not full-time students, and do not have an abundance of time to study outside of classes (although it is important to note, we do expect students to study outside class time).

We offer two kinds of assessments for every group class. Private lessons also use a similar format:

#1 - Proficiency - (Reading, Writing, Listening) - Designed to be no more than 30 minutes, the proficiency assessment is taken on paper in the last class with your classmates.

#2 - Oral - (Speaking) - The oral assessment is 5 questions that the teacher will ask each student individually. The goal of the oral is to encourage students to communicate and speak in the target language.

Are these Assessments mandatory? What happens if I don't pass them?

When you enroll in any group class, assessments are mandatory. What this means is if you do not take the assessment, you cannot move onto the next level. We need a record of your assessment scores before moving up to the next level. Just in case you know you'll be missing the last class, please contact us as far in advance as possible, and we'll arrange for a different date and time for you to take the assessment.

It is important to note that even if you do not pass the assessments (get a grade below 70%), it is still possible to continue onto the next level. It is also possible, however, that a different level will be recommended. In the event of a score below 70%  a discussion will be held between the teacher, administrator and student about the student's level and which class would be the best fit going forward. 

 

 

Feedback

It is important for all our students to note that we greatly value their feedback. In each group class we offer:

#1 - Online midterm feedback form

#2 - Paper end of term feedback form

Beyond this however, you should feel open to reaching out to your teacher or a staff member about your feedback at any time. We like to think that we have a small, friendly community at Hills Learning and we want to encourage openness and transparency as much as possible throughout your learning experience with us.