A MESSAGE THAT I WROTE FOR MY STUDENTS IN 2011-2012:
Learning a language is just like becoming a talented musician, becoming great at a new sport, or becoming a good driver... there is no magic spell, it requires constant dedication, hard work, passion, enthusiasm and determination. It requires heart and mind. It requires theory and practice. It requires work that you do in class and work that you do out of class too.
Coming to class regularly is very important - and if you can't get to class then try asking what was done in class as soon as possible so that you don't get behind. If you have timetable problems, let us know - we'll talk together about the best way to overcome the problem.
Remember that the work we do in class and the work I give you to do at home is a departure point which you must necessarily follow up on with extra work of your own initiative (if you have no ideas, speak to me - I'll help you find some). Regular exercises, writing, reading comprehensions etc. are necessary, and though I often give work to do in class (or at home), it is important that you do more too!
It is also important that you show me your work. Of course, you can check your grammar exercises in your grammar books, but if you don't understand your errors then come to speak with me so that we can look at them together. When you do written work and reading comprehensions (and remember that you should be doing past exams and other types of practice regularly), then show me what you've done so that I can add my comments/corrections as points to work on and improve.
If you're having any problems or difficulties whatsoever (things you don't understand, things you find difficult, things you're not enjoying too much, things you need to check), then let me know as soon as possible so that we can work them out together - if you leave problems or difficulties until the end of the year it usually becomes too late.
Remember that during semester time I'm available twice a week during office hours 'ricevimento' - check the blog for details - and I'm always pleased when students come to visit!
