German American Social Club Nevada
The German-American Social Club course offers a structured, comprehensive learning experience starting with a focus on A1-level content, while being adaptable to accommodate a diverse group of skill levels. The course progresses through A2 and B1, with each session tailored to meet the needs of learners at various stages. Everyone can still join at A1, regardless of where the course is in its progression. The course alternates between bi-weekly in-person sessions and bi-weekly Zoom sessions, providing flexibility while maintaining consistent, engaging instruction for learners at different levels. The course also integrates the Vera Birkenbihl method, focusing on brain-friendly learning and passive learning techniques to enhance retention and understanding.
Note: This course is available only for members of the German-American Social Club. Membership to the club costs $35 per year, and applications are reviewed by the board of the club.
Course Details:
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Duration: 60 minutes per session
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Frequency: One class every week, alternating between bi-weekly in-person sessions and bi-weekly Zoom sessions.
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In-person sessions at the German-American Social Club (held every other week).
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Zoom sessions for remote learners (held on alternating weeks when in-person classes are not held).
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Class Timing: The Club board will select the specific time for the course. Available time slots are:
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Weekdays between 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
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Saturday mornings from 10:00 AM – Noon
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Location: In-person sessions will take place at the German-American Social Club. Remote learners can join via Zoom for the alternating online sessions.
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Levels: The course will start with a focus on A1 and progress through A2 and B1, allowing students to gradually advance their skills.
Class Structure:
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In-Person Sessions:
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Instructor-led learning with a focus on A1-level grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and sentence structure at the beginning.
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For more advanced learners (A2 and B1), differentiated instruction will be incorporated to address their specific learning needs, ensuring they are engaged with content at their level.
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The course incorporates Vera Birkenbihl’s approach, which emphasizes brain-friendly techniques such as de-coding, passive listening, and learning through context. These techniques help make learning German more intuitive and enjoyable.
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Interactive Elements: In-person classes will include activities such as role-playing, language games like Kniffel and Monopoly, and brain-friendly language learning games designed to reinforce vocabulary, grammar, and conversation skills for learners at the A1-level.
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Cultural Insights: Each class will incorporate aspects of German culture, exploring traditions, customs, history, and social norms as they relate to the language being learned.
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Zoom Sessions:
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Real-time, instructor-led sessions for remote learners via Zoom.
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Homework and supplementary resources will be provided through Google Classroom, ensuring that all learners have access to study materials and assignments, regardless of format.
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Advanced Learners (A2, B1):
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As the course progresses, more advanced learners (A2 and B1) will receive differentiated instruction. In later sessions, as learners progress beyond the basics, content will be adjusted to meet the needs of more advanced students. This differentiation will ensure that each student remains engaged and is taught at their appropriate level as the course moves forward.
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These learners will focus on topics and grammar structures at their level (A2/B1) while still participating in group activities and discussions that reinforce their skills.
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Group Dynamic Shift at 15 Students:
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When the class size reaches 15 students, the learning approach shifts to a more individualized style, giving students greater control over their learning.
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Self-Directed Learning: Students will have the option to take more control of their learning process, which may allow for less regular attendance. This shift in dynamic means that students can potentially attend fewer classes while still progressing, as the content will be tailored to meet individual needs.
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The group dynamic will become more flexible, allowing students to pursue specific areas of interest and focus at their own pace, while still receiving guidance when needed.
Pricing Structure:
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No Weekly Payments Initially:
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There will be no weekly payments at the beginning of the course.
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Full upfront payment will be required when signing up for the 8-week course block.
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8-Week Course Block:
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Price per person for 8 sessions: $160 per person
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Total cost for 8-week course block: $160 for 8 weekly sessions, alternating between bi-weekly in-person and bi-weekly online classes.
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When Weekly Payments Begin: Weekly payments will start only when the class size reaches 10 students. Until then, all participants will be required to pay upfront for the entire 8-week course block.
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Price Reduction for Larger Class Sizes:
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When the class size reaches 15 students, the price per session will drop to $12 per person per hour. This means:
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Price per session (when class size reaches 15 students): $12 per person
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Total per person for the 8-week course block (when 15+ students): $96 for 8 sessions.
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Payment Options:
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Initial Payment: $160 upfront for the entire 8-week course block (when the class size is below 15 students).
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Weekly Payment: Once the class size reaches 10 students, weekly payments will be introduced. Payment will be $20 per session, due before each class.
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Price Reduction: When the class size reaches 15 students, the price per session will be reduced to $12 per person per hour, and students will pay $12 per session for the remainder of the course.
Hybrid Program:
The course alternates between bi-weekly in-person and bi-weekly Zoom sessions every other week, ensuring flexibility while maintaining consistent learning.
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In-Person Sessions: Students will attend the German-American Social Club in person for a more interactive and immersive experience. These classes will focus on A1-level content at the start, but will be differentiated to ensure that learners at A2 and B1 levels also receive appropriate instruction as the course progresses.
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Zoom Participation: On the alternating weeks, remote learners will join the class via Zoom, allowing them to participate in discussions, grammar exercises, and group activities from home. The content will be adapted to meet the needs of learners at different levels, with special attention given to A1-level learners in the beginning.
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Consistency in Learning: While the format alternates, the content will be consistent across in-person and Zoom classes. All students will have access to the same resources and materials, ensuring that everyone receives the appropriate level of instruction, whether they attend in person or remotely.
Course Materials:
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Textbooks: Core materials from Hueber and Westermann, with a focus on grammar, sentence structure, vocabulary, and cultural context.
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Digital Tools: Interactive exercises from Lingopie, Duolingo, and other learning platforms, supporting both in-person and Zoom learners.
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Cultural Content: In addition to grammar lessons, the course will explore German culture, covering topics like social norms, holidays, and regional differences.
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Additional Resources: Weekly vocabulary lists, grammar practice exercises, and homework assignments will be provided for both in-person and online learners.
Additional Benefits:
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Google Classroom Access: Both in-person and online learners will have access to Google Classroom, where homework, additional resources, and materials will be available.
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Interactive Activities: In-person sessions will incorporate interactive games like Kniffel and Monopoly, as well as brain-friendly language learning games to reinforce language concepts in an engaging way.
Maximum Flexibility for Students:
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Students can alternate between in-person and Zoom sessions every other week, ensuring that they can participate regardless of their location or schedule.
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All students, whether attending in person or remotely, will have access to Google Classroom for extra practice materials, homework, and resources.
Missed Classes and Credits:
If a student is unable to attend a class they have paid for, they will receive a credit that can be used towards future classes. The credit can be applied in two ways:
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For a future German-American Social Club group class (either in-person or online).
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For one 30-minute private online tutoring session with Nico Jacobi.
This ensures that students don’t lose the value of their payment and can still benefit from the course, even if they miss a session.
Contact Us:
For any questions about the course or the German American Social Club of Nevada, feel free to reach out:
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Email: info@jacobiteacher.com
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Free Online Consultation: You can also book a free online consultation to discuss the course further.