One of the people that passed the B1 certificate in 2020 is Julia. Julia said the following when she was asked about her experience at KLUB DIALOGU and about the exam itself:
“I will start with the fact that I like to learn foreign languages, and the Polish language course is not my first challenge. I really enjoyed the general Polish language course. Well-established, friendly relations in the group and great teachers were of great importance here. But it was time to prepare for the exam, so I had to change the nature of the class. I started a preparatory course. I believe, that exam preparation is important and necessary. Classes were easy and natural. In the preparatory process we went through almost all common exam tasks. Now not only do I advise, but I also strongly recommend a similar preparation course to successfully pass the exam.”
Sandra, experienced teacher of KLUB DIALOGU has led courses that specifically prepare to the B1 examination. When asked about whether running such a course is different to other courses, she explained:
“The course is dedicated to students who want to take the B1 exam, so the structure of the course should differ from the one used for regular courses. Classes are longer, and all the exam elements are gone through each lesson.” She added with a smile, “Perhaps students are more tolerant of the language itself and are able to accept most of the language exceptions that appear at this level.”
When asked if she enjoys running these kinds of courses, and whether there’s a greater sense of pressure to ensure students to well to learn and remember everything to pass the exam, she expressed that,
“students at this level are already able to speak the language really well. This allows you to conduct cool discussions or even take up controversial topics. Positive reinforcement always works, but the most important thing is the student’s attitude and personal commitment.”
It is worth mentioning that using any additional learning tools, such as quizzes, role-playing, field exercises, etc. work on all levels, and it’s important to make classes as lively and interesting as possible, no matter if it’s a course to prepare for an exam or not.
So, once the exam session comes round and students who have learnt with us take it, we are eagerly waiting for the news of how it went. Just like all of us, Sandra explained how when we get the news that students have passed the exam, it’s a really great feeling, for them, but also for us!
“It is a great pleasure to receive such information from students. There are usually also thank you emails that greatly motivate you to continue working, and student results arouse admiration and satisfaction.”