2ND EDITION • INNOVATIVELANGUAGE.COM

Premium PlusStudent Manual

Getting Started1

Get started by taking your LevelAssessment Test. Just click on thelink in the left-hand column of yourDashboard — the page you seewhen you first log in.

Now, we know it can be temptingto jump ahead. You’re ready to startpracticing, after all... You’ve got 1000questions... Language is all aboutcommunication, not tests...

...but, whatever you do, don’t skipthis step!

It’s going to serve as the foundationfor your entire course, and yourteacher will use the information to getyou pointed in the right direction.

In the end, you will save a lot of time.After you complete the LevelAssesment Test, you will receivestudy recommendations by email soyou can get started in the fastest,most efficient way.

Take The Assessment Test

STEP 1

Next, log in to Premium PLUS My Teacher and write a self-introduction.

This key exercise will set the stage for every future relationship you’ll have with speakers of the language you’re studying.

Beginners should keep it simple. Just write what you can, even if it’s just your name and whereyou’re from.

If you have trouble with this, it’s no problem. Just ask! Your teacher is there for you.

But this exercise is not just for beginners. Advanced learners should write their self-introductions, too.

You only have one chance to make a first impression, after all. You should curate your self-introduction as a living document and continually revisit it throughout the learning process.

After your teacher receives your self-introduction, he or she will review it, offer feedback and corrections, and help you make it even stronger.

Refer to Appendix B for additional ideas.

Log in to Premium PLUS My Teacher and Write a Self-Introduction

STEP 2

Get Started With the Audio and Video Lessons

Writing your self-introduction is animportant step, but how many timeswill you introduce yourself in writing?

Probably not as many times as you’llneed to speak it out loud.

That’s why your next step is to recordyour self-introduction.

Few people know this, but this is oneof the secrets to learning a language.

Practice this a few times until you feelcomfortable with it. Then send it toyour teacher for his or her feedback.You can do this directly in PremiumPLUS My Teacher.

Your teacher will help you improvepronunciation and fluency, but,more importantly, this activity willgive you confidence to use yourself-introduction in your everyday life.

Record Your Self-Introduction

STEP 3

Set YourSelf-study Schedule

STEP 4

The Premium PLUS My Teacher method incorporates various aspects of our audio and video lessons, vocabulary tools, and utilizing My Teacher as a supplement to your studies. Your teacher can offer you an unlimited amount of flexibility in organizing your studies. For best results though, you should set up a customized self-study schedule which shows the time dedicated to your studies week-by-week. Not only will you be more likely to stay motivated with a weekly routine, your teacher will have an easier time helping you to develop and maintain the best plan that works for you.

Generally, we recommend a series of tasks that students should complete, ideally over 4-6 days per week.

Within those days, we recommend that students complete each of the following tasks:

Lesson: Listen to at least one audio or video lessonReview: Read the accompanying PDF Lesson Notes. Repeat key phrases and grammar points out loud until you feel comfortable saying themVocabulary: Review flashcards for the lesson, including vocabulary words from your previously studied lessons.Practice: Produce original sentences using these grammar points and vocabulary words. Feedback: You can submit your sentences to My Teacher for both writing and speaking feedback.

The Weekly ScheduleBased on your weekly availability, please write down a proposed schedule that contains at least one of each task above and submit it to your teacher. You can do this by writing your schedule directly in My Teacher or you can handwrite your schedule, take a picture of it, and upload the picture to My Teacher.

Please note, these guidelines are a suggestion based on methods that best encourage retention and the ability to reproduce language. However, you are free to add or repeat tasks during each week in a way that best suits your studying needs. Feel free to discuss this with your teacher.

STEP 4: SET YOUR STUDY SCHEDULE

MARCH

While you study our various learning paths, audio, and video lessons, you have the option to receive a variety of assignments throughout the week. These assignments will be able to test key aspects of learning a language, such as writing or speaking, and will test your ability to produce language on your own. These assignments can be reviewed by your teacher and returned to you for feedback and evaluation.

In addition to these assignments, at your request, or based on your proposed Weekly Schedule, we ask that you submit a weekly progress report, which includes a summary of your learning experiences and achievements for each week, which will be reviewed by your teacher. This will allow you to reflect on what you have learned and will require you to be mindful in reinforcing what you study.

Please note: Premium PLUS is not meant to be a detailed proofing or correction service. Overcorrecting the work of learners is as counterproductive as not correcting their work at all.

Instead, teachers will target specific aspects of your communication, with the goal of helping you study efficiently and eliminate general weaknesses.

For writing exercises, you will receive a corrected text and be prompted to rewrite portions of the document and/or work on areas of weakness for your next writing composition.

For audio recordings, you will receive feedback on intonation, word linking, vowel length, syllable stress, and specific sounds.

Weekly ExercisesYou’ll also have the ability to send messages and files to your teacher by Premium PLUS My Teacher at any point in the week. Use this method to ask questions or engage in casual exchanges using English or the language you are studying (see the Faculty Directory).

Casual exchanges are highly encouraged, and you should not hesitate to contact your teacher at any time.

STEP 4: SET YOUR STUDY SCHEDULE

MARCH

Custom ListsSuccessful language learners spend timecollecting and organizing vocabularyterms that are meaningful to their ownsituation, interests, and lives.

To better enable you to perform thiskey activity, we’ve developed theCustom Lists tool.

Custom Lists has been designed so youcan collect useful terms and localexpressions from your environment, andthen have them checked by one ofInnovative Language’s native speakers.

Many students have used Custom Lists asa kind of portfolio tool to document andrecord areas of learning and culturalinteraction.

In particular, students have found it usefulin starting impromptu interactions andconversations with other speakers of theirlanguage of study, especially whentraveling abroad.

Your teacher may ask that you use itfrequently as part of your routine.

See this page for more informationon how to use it.

Custom Lists

ENG Search

E-Mail SupportHelp Guide

What’s New

My Lists

My Profile

Discover Lists

We know that the most effective language learning often takes place in casual exchanges with native speakers. Premium PLUS My Teacher is your online space to practice just this, while allowing you to submit assignments and ask any questions you might have while you study our extensive audio and video lesson archives. Premium PLUS My Teacher acts as an effective supplement to your studies with our audio and video lessons, where you can direct your questions and converse with a native speaker.

With Premium PLUS My Teacher, your teacher can give you formatted feedback on a variety of assignments that can evaluate your language production. You can also send and receive audio recordings directly to and from your teacher with voice recordings as well as other multimedia tools.

You can access Premium PLUS My Teacher from any device and browser at myteacher.innovativelanguage.com. If you are on the go, Premium PLUS My Teacher is available on the Innovative Language 101 App for the Android, iPhone, iPad, and Kindle Fire. The Innovative Language 101 App is the recommended way to use My Teacher on a mobile device, and it offers a lot of other great features to keep you learning when you’re on the go.

PREMIUM PLUS

My TeacherMy Teacher Is Your Direct Link To Your Teacher

KATRIN

Welcome to 1-on-1 instruction via chat. Congratulations on your Premium Plus subscription, you’re now on the road to your German learning goals.

My name is Katrin, I will be your private tutor. Get started by writing me a short self introduction in German (around 250-500 charcters is ideal.)

Katrin O

Hallo Katrin,

Ich bin ein Amerikaner. Mein name ist Jack. Ich komme aus Philadelphia, aber wohne in Doven en Amerika.

Here is my Linked in proifile, I am trying to translate it in to German right now: http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=1016

JACK JOHNSON

SEND

Type your message.

PREMIUM PLUS

BadgesAs you complete assignments in My Teacher, you'll have the opportunity to earn badges. Badges recognize exceptional work, and you can collect them on the "My Report" page under "My Account."

Badge Name Achievement

First Steps Get started with My Teacher

Correspondent Introduce yourself in writing

Personal Emcee Introduce yourself by sending an audio or video file on My Teacher

Scribe Complete weekly writing assignments

Orator Complete weekly speaking assignments

Word Patron Share Custom Lists with your teacher

Photographer Send your teacher an image file on My Teacher

Auteur Send your teacher a video file on My Teacher

Favourite Verbs

Snacks

Media

21 Entries

Kickboxing

7 Entries

4 Entries

1 Entry

Fish Dishes

28 Entries

New List

Add to...

Every trimester, there is one other keydate that you need to be aware of:Dean’s Date.

This date falls on the first Tuesdayof April, August, and December.On Dean’s Date, you will need to submita Learning Portfolio in which you presentevidence of your progress.

You’ll receive a template and guidelinesto follow when the date is approaching.On the basis of this learning portfolio,your teacher will make an assessmentof your ability level and recommend newchallenges or areas for you to focus on.

We align our assessments with theCouncil of Europe’s Common EuropeanFramework of Reference (see here formore information), which will help youcommunicate about your proficiencylevel with others.

Dean’s Date

The First Tuesday of April, August, and DecemberSAVE THE DATESRefer to appendix C for more information.

Faculty Directory2

Nora, ArabicZani, Afrikaans Radwa, Arabic Tzvetelina, Bulgarian Olivia, Cantonese Han, Chinese

Peyton, English Remy, English Betsey, Filipino

Hanka, Czech Amalie, Danish Jacob, Dutch

Brittney, English

Weiwei, ChineseDehua, Chinese

* We have new teachers joining our team all the time. You may have a di�erent teacher than the one pictured.

Jun, English Shayna, English

Xiaojing, Chinese

Päivi, Finnish Marie Alice, FrenchTuure, Finnish Alisa, GermanYasmine, French

Jennifer, German Katrin, German Samantha, German Eleni, Greek

Gergo, HungarianNeha, Hindi Udita, Hindi Csaba, Hungarian Dorottya, HungarianLenny, Hebrew

Stefania, Greek

* We have new teachers joining our team all the time. You may have a di�erent teacher than the one pictured.

Anne, German

Emilia, French

Yuki, JapaneseSayaka, Japanese Claire, Korean Jaehwi, Korean Kyejin, Korean Bryce, Norwegian

Christine, Persian Mehrnaz, Persian Katarzyna, Polish Piotr, PolishIda, NorwegianHanne, Norwegian

* We have new teachers joining our team all the time. You may have a di�erent teacher than the one pictured.

Nana, JapaneseSara, ItalianDipta, Indonesian Fira, Indonesian Chiara, Italian Ofelia, Italian

Paloma, Portuguese Raluca, Romanian Oksana, Russian Anna, Spanish

Laura, Spanish

Carla, Spanish

Joshua, SwahiliMedina, Swahili Engla, Swedish Vicky, Swedish

Parisa, Thai Elif, Turkish İçten, TurkishFeyza, Turkish Hamza, Urdu Giang, Vietnamese

Mika, Romanian

Carmen, Spanish

* We have new teachers joining our team all the time. You may have a di�erent teacher than the one pictured.

Huyen, Vietnamese

* We have new teachers joining our team all the time. You may have a di�erent teacher than the one pictured.

Academic Policies3

Participation

We encourage you to approach thiscoursework with the same urgencythat a face-to-face language coursewould demand.

Because we understand that eachstudent's needs and goals forlanguage acquisition are unique,we strive to offer a balanced coursethat is both flexible and effective.

Online and app-based learning isindeed convenient, but requiresstudent-driven commitment tostaying on track and completingassignments. Teachers will providesupport based on the learningschedule that you choose, butultimately, your level of participationis a choice.

Academic Integrity

Coursework submitted within 10days (for the Dean's Date learningportfolio) of the posted due date willbe accepted and eligible to receivefeedback. If you wish to receivefeedback on assignmentssubmitted after that time frame,please contact your teacher directlyto make arrangements. It is notguaranteed that late work will beaccepted beyond the 10 day(Dean's Date) grace period.

At the moment, we make effortsto accept late work on weeklyassignments, but cannot guaranteethat it will evaluated.

A student’s academic workshould be of his/her own making.It is important that each studentremain accountable for his/her ownwork, whether it be work individualor group assignments or tests.We recognize that the vast majorityof students maintain highly ethicalwork standards; however, failure toabide by this standard of conduct isconsidered to be academicdishonesty.

Due Dates and Late Work Policy

Appendices4

The multimedia supported by Premium PLUS My Teacher includes

JPG, PNG, MP3, MP4, and M4A. It does not support Word documents

or PDF uploads at this time.

For written text, Premium PLUS My Teacher can support up to 750

characters per message, with no message limit. If you prefer to send a

long text in one piece, we recommend pasting the link to a shared

online document in My Teacher.

Uploading Multimedia: Web or Mobile Browsers

To record and upload multimedia files (including audio, video,

and image files)

1. Click on the paperclip icon at the bottom right hand corner of the chat window.

Appendix A: Technical Support

2. Select which type of file you wish to upload:

A) Regarding audio files, if you wish to record your voice using our

recording tool, select “Record Audio.” You can record files up to 2

minutes long using this tool.

You can send as many audio files as you wish per day.

B) If you wish to record a long audio file in one piece, record your

voice using a separate recording application, save it as an MP3, and

upload the file to My Teacher using the “Choose Audio” option.

Uploading Multimedia: Innovative Language 101 App on iOS

To record and upload a multimedia file:

1. See process for recording on a web browser

Please note: The Innovative Language 101 app for Android and Kindle

Fire does not currently support uploading multimedia files. You can

access Premium PLUS My Teacher on

myteacher.innovativelanguage.com on either a desktop or any mobile

device.

Appendix B: Augmenting Your Self-Introduction

Building up your Self-Introduction with the Pyramid Approach.

No matter how long you study a language, you will find it useful to

constantly revisit and revise your self-introduction.

Any time you meet someone new, whether at a party, a business

meeting, a job interview, or a date, you'll need to use at least

some part of this script to talk about who you are and where

you're coming from.

And, as you become a more sophisticated user of a language,

your self-introduction should become more sophisticated, too.

To help you develop your self introduction, think about these

categories as you grow and improve as a language user.

At the bottom of the pyramid are the more basic things you can

say about yourself. As you become a more advanced user, try to

move up the pyramid and incorporate other aspects of yourself

into the self-introduction.

A. Identifying yourself — stating your name, age, and nationality/native country B. Placing yourself in society — stating your major and/or profession, as well as information about your family (how many members, etc)C. Sharing personal details — describing hobbies, pets D. Highlighting your strong points — discussing abilities E. Elaborating on your interests — talking about goals and passions F. Giving your background — talking about past experiences G. Expressing your opinions — giving a position on political, religious, and/or environmental matters

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

The Pyramid Approach

Getting to know people doesn't end with your self-introduction, of course. Conversations usually take the form of a give-and-take involving the exchange of questions.

Because of this, we recommend that all students, whether beginner or advanced, study the Top 25 Questions You Need to Know audio series, which you'll find under the Absolute Beginner category.

Beginners will have a chance to learn extremely useful words, sentences, and phrases, and even advanced users (who may want to simply review the curriculum), will find a helpful reminder of the questions they can use every day.

Expanding on Your Self-Introduction with the Top 25 Questions

Appendix C: The Language Portfolio and the Language Passport

Language Portfolio

As Dean's Date approaches, check My Teacher. You will receive guidelines for preparing your Portfolio there. Contact your teacher on My Teacher if you have any questions.

Language Passport

Every Dean's Date, you'll be also asked to fill out the Language Passport. This is a useful self-evaluation tool, and it can even serve as a form of self-certification. Some people even use these kinds of documents as part of their resume or CV when they apply to jobs.

You will receive a template in My Teacher, but here are some guides for filling out your level for each language.

UNDERSTANDING

LISTENING

How well can you understand the language when you hear it?

A1 I can recognize familiar words and very basic phrases (1 - Introduction to 2 - Absolute Beginner Level)

A2 I can recognize and understand the highest-frequency words and phrases of immediate personal relevance. I can catch the main point of short clear announcements (3 - Beginner)

B1 I can follow the main points of clear standard speech on familiar matters regularly encountered in school, work, leisure, etc. I understand the main points of TV and radio programs on familiar matters. I can follow simple arguments. (4 - Intermediate)

B2 I can follow and understand even extended speech and lectures or follow a complex line of arguments if the topic is reasonably familiar. I understand most of TV and radio programmes including news. (4 - Intermediate)

C1 I can follow and understand extended speech even if it is not clearly structured and when the relationships between things are only implied. I can understand movies and TV programs. (5 - Advanced)

PRODUCTION

SPEAKING (Interaction)

How well can you understand the language when you speak it

with someone?

A1 I can interact in a very simple way, using set phrases, provided that the other person is willing to speak slowly, rephrase things and help me formulate simple sentences. (1 - Introduction to 2 - Absolute Beginner Level)

A2 I can communicate in simple and routine tasks — like shopping or eating out — requiring a simple exchange of information on familiar topics. I can handle very short social exchanges, even though I cannot usually understand enough to keep the conversation going for a longer time. (3 - Beginner)

B1 I deal with most of situations likely to arise when travelling in the country where the language is spoken, such as checking in, complaining, booking, buying things and bargaining. I can enter unprepared and sustain a conversation on familiar matters, such as current news, work, school, hobbies. (4 - Intermediate)

B2 I can interact spontaneously and at the degree of fluency which will make a normal conversation with a native speaker possible. (4 - Intermediate)

C1 I can use language precisely and effectively for both private and business purposes. I can precisely formulate ideas and opinions without hurting the other person's feelings. (5 - Advanced)

READING

How well can you understand the language when you read it?

A1 I can recognize familiar words, names and simple sentences. I recognize familiar words on posters, etc. (1 - Introduction to 2 - Absolute Beginner Level)

A2 I can read very short simple texts and sometimes find specific information in everyday materials, like menus or timetables. I can read and understand short personal letters. (3 - Beginner)

B1 I can follow and understand a text consisting of mostly high-frequency everyday and job related words. I can follow a description of feelings, wishes and events. (4 - Intermediate)

B2 I can read articles and news about contemporary problems where the author expresses his or her opinion or point of view. (4 - Intermediate)

C1 I can read and understand long and complicated text while appreciating the distinction of styles. I can follow specialized articles and other technical instructions even from outside of my field. (5 - Advanced)

PRODUCTION: SPEAKING

How well can you understand the language when you speak it?

A1 I can use simple sentences and set phrases to describe my surroundings — where I live and people around me. (1 - Introduction to 2 - Absolute Beginner Level)

A2 I can use simple sentences to describe my living conditions, my educational background, my family, other people and current or recent job. (3 - Beginner)

B1 I can connect phrases in a simple way in order to describe experiences, dreams, hopes, ambitions or events. I can give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans. I can narrate the story of a book or movie and describe my reactions. (4 - Intermediate)

B2 I can present clear and detailed descriptions on a relatively wide range of subjects related to my field or interests. I can explain my viewpoint and give advantages and disadvantages of various options. (4 - Intermediate)

C1 I can present a clear, detailed description with sub-themes, developing particular points and giving an appropriate conclusion. (5 - Advanced)

WRITING

How well can you understand the language when you write it?

A1 I can write a short, simple postcard or fill in basic forms, involving information such as my name, address, phone. (1 - Introduction to 2 - Absolute Beginner Level)

A2 I can write short, simple messages that could fit on a post-it note. I can write a short and simple personal letter, such as for the purpose of thanking someone for something. (3 - Beginner)

B1 I can write simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. I can write personal letters or emails describing impressions or experience. (4 - Intermediate)

B2 I can write clear, long texts on a wide range of subjects related to my areas of interest. I can write an essay or a report stating my point of view, giving reasons to support it. (4 - Intermediate)

C1 I can write a complicated text — an essay, report or article — selecting the appropriate language to the reader in mind. (5 - Advanced)

Appendix D: Tips on Practicing Specific Skills

Listening

- Focus on the study process, not outcomes. Developing a solid process for listening practice will lead to steady improvement.- Choose a bottom up or a top down strategy. Decide if you will focus on specific words or grammar patterns to build meaning, or whether you mainly try to practice the key ideas.- Use headphones. They can give you extra clarity, especially when beginning.- Use videos. Facial movements and other cues can help you catch difficult sounds.- Listen to a sample 1-3 times.

Speaking

- Focus on these three skills separately 1) the mechanics of language and pronunciation; 2) the functions of speech; 3) how speaking works in the target culture (when to take turns, when to interrupt).- Follow this three stage process with your teacher on My Teacher: - Stage 1: Master the Terms Needed to Talk about Language in the Language - Stage 2: Learn how to use language to stall, to get clarification and use checking language - Stage 3: Learn How to Formulate a ‘Minimal Response’ and How to Recognize Scripts in Other Speakers

Writing

- Writing is about accuracy, but don't focus too much on it. It's better to keep writing than try to get it 100 percent right.- Teachers also are trained NOT to correct everything. Instead, their goal is to help you create thoughtful output.

Reading

- Read as much as possible. You can't read too much.- Read with multiple purposes. For example, read to learn something in detail. At other times, simply try to catch the main ideas.- Don't worry about understanding everything all the time.

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