Selection for the team of LINGUA FRANCA trainers is based on very strict criteria, taking into account both hard skills and soft skills. Every LINGUA FRANCA trainer must of course be a native speaker of the language they teach, have a university degree and an additional teaching qualification, as well as the necessary teaching experience. Our trainers have to be able to show a high degree of flexibility in their teaching skills and be able to adapt their teaching style to the specific needs of the participants.
When selecting our teaching staff we are also very careful to choose those candidates whose personal qualities allow them to engage and inspire in the classroom: openness, an ability to communicate, sensitivity, patience and a sense of humour. Only in this way can we guarantee that our trainers are able to effectively deal with even the most demanding participants.
Our methodology is always orientated towards the actual daily needs of the students. In order to do this we use teaching material which is specially designed, written and chosen by our management team.
We train all new teachers how to best use our materials and the methodology behind them. In addition, every trainer spends time in the classroom with our most experienced trainers before they are allowed to take on new courses themselves. In this way we can guarantee that the LINGUA FRANCA teaching concept is put into practice and maintain the highest possible quality.
In addition to the ongoing teacher training every trainer takes part in an internal seminar called "Background to Business", in which they are introduced to typical business themes and vocabulary. This allows them to build up their background knowledge in order to communicate more effectively with their students on work-related topics.
As the material and content of every course is specially chosen based on the needs of the participants, every course is unique. At the start of each course our management team gives trainers detailed information about the business activities of the company, the participants' jobs and the specific business themes and vocabulary they will need. For only when the trainer knows who their students are and what they do, can they help to develop the business skills and language that are required.
After 20 teaching hours the participants are given written and oral feedback about their progress from the trainer and 2 weeks later are asked to give written feedback in the form of a questionnaire dealing with the general structure of the lessons, the way the trainer is leading the course, thematic structure, planning, weighting of the content and quality of the teaching material.
After analysing the feedback, our Director of Studies discusses any important points with the trainer. Where necessary, supplementary teaching material is provided, the weighting of the course is adjusted and helpful suggestions relating to the trainer's approach are made. In very rare cases a trainer can be replaced. A progress report is then written and sent to the company.
At intervals of approximately 30 teaching units the group's contact person („class speaker“) is sent an email from our Customer Relationship Manager asking for feedback. The trainer and Director of Studies also meet at regular intervals to discuss the way the course is proceeding and to agree on a plan for the next period of time. The customer is informed about all important developments involving the course.