Our Approach

Conversation is the Key

At CILFO, we help our students find the proper balance between theory and practice so that they can express themselves naturally in both French and English. Our language classes, whether private or group, offer more than the usual grammar lessons. They do, of course, include a fair amount of theory, but we place particular emphasis on the practical use of language in a professional setting. Conversation is the key to our approach. We ensure that students are given the tools they need to transfer their knowledge of the theory into effective communication. As a result, our conversation-centred approach stresses quickness of speech and spontaneity over passive acquisition.

Our private, personalized courses are flexible enough to allow us to accommodate the strengths, weaknesses and learning styles of each student. Everyone proceeds at their own pace and gets the help they need. Students meet with their teachers regularly to discuss their progress. During these meetings, the students' individualized training plans are re-assessed and if necessary, adjustments are made.

Our group courses enable students to learn with others at the same linquistic level. In group courses, students can share their knowledge and experiences for the benefit of all. We also take great care to make sure our group classes are uniform. All students in group courses are re-assessed on a regular basis and if necessary, their training plans are adjusted. For instance, a student may get called back to work for a period of several weeks and may fall behind the rest of the group. In this case, the student would be placed in a different group with students who are at the same linguistic level, as a result, keeping the original group uniform.

Private and group courses are available for Program B, Program C, Developmental and Specialized programs in French and English. Before training begins for any student, the student is asked to take an initial skills assessment test. This skills assessment gives teachers and teaching professionals an idea of the student's linguistic level. The student is placed in a language training program based on the results of their assessment.

We favour an eclectic approach over a predetermined, step-by-step method, so long as we meet our students' needs and provide a well-rounded learning environment. We use a selection of learning tools that include written and oral exercises, newspaper articles for discussion, test simulations, games and activities, and cassettes; drawing on the benefits of each. We have also adapted two of Language Training Canada's programs, Le Français pour Nous — Programme de base de français au travail (PBFT) in French for Level B and C and Interface Canada — Communicative English at Work Program (CEWP) in English for Level B and C into activities that meet the varied needs of our students. Instead of overburdening students with theory, we offer a general framework which permits the use of the methods that best meet each student's needs. Within this framework, we place heavy emphasis on the consistent and coherent learning of verbal structures. Whatever method is used, our goal is the same — to introduce the verb tenses and grammar basics as rapidly as possible so that students may quickly assimilate the material in each lesson and then go on to apply what they have learned in realistic practice conversations.