Instruction and Philosophy

 Enrollment in the intensive and non-intensive language programs is limited to eight students per class, although class size is frequently smaller.  The YLC attempts to preserve the smallest class size possible in order to maximize the student-teacher interaction and to personalize course work to the students’ individual interests and abilities.    

Languages other than Arabic are not permitted during the lesson, except at the elementary level when students have not yet acquired sufficient vocabulary to understand grammar and vocabulary explanations in Arabic.  Even in these instances, the teacher will use only as much English as is absolutely necessary.  The YLC strongly believes that students develop language skills more rapidly and effectively if they are completely immersed in Arabic from the outset of their studies.  Outside the classroom, students are encouraged to communicate among themselves in Arabic and to make social contacts, which provide an opportunity to practice their language skills with native speakers.

 Adjustments to improve the curriculum are discussed during weekly meetings between the teaching staff and the director.  Furthermore, an annual review takes place to evaluate the effectiveness of the teaching system, course materials and administration, and guest lecturers often give workshops to introduce new techniques to teaching.  For example, the YLC/YCMES has hosted Peter Abboud and Aman Attieh in the past to offer its teaching staff lessons and lectures in teaching Arabic as a foreign language and pedagogy.  This process is aided by instructor input and extensive student feedback, collected verbally and by means of a detailed course evaluation form, which each student completes at the midpoint and conclusion of the term.

 The Yemen Language Center’s Arabic program is organized around a set of basic objectives and a core curriculum designed by the teaching staff for every level of instruction offered.

 The program is divided into three basic levels of instruction: Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced. At the Elementary level, approximately 90% of total class time is organized according to this curriculum, with the remaining 10% left to the design of the individual teacher. In the Intermediate and Advanced levels, approximately 80% of total class time is structured according to the curriculum, while the remaining 20% is jointly planned by the teacher and the students, incorporating students’ interest in specific subjects or areas of study.  In the past, for example, this discretionary time has been spent studying Yemeni music and poetry, readings on Islam, Middle Eastern politics, the architectural history of Yemen as well as other topics.  Students are equally responsible for these materials and for the grammar and vocabulary taught in the structured section of the program.  In addition to regular quizzes, there are two major examinations during each term: the mid-term examination and cumulative final examination, which the student must complete successfully in order to receive the official Certificate of Completion.