THE METHOD

We work with the communicative method, using and developing it since more than 20 years in Runawasi school in Cochabamba.

This method allows us to use the grammar, dialogs, lectures, exercises, conversations, pictures – didactic or artistic -, radio, television and other means and resources, to make communication possible from the first moment. With this method the classes are direct, active, intense and completely participative.

THE MATERIAL

Most of the material we use is elaborated by the director of the school, who is a linguist with studies in Zurich, Switzerland, and with more than 30 years of experience in teaching Spanish and Quechua, using and developing the method and the material, in Switzerland and in Bolivia. The material reflects life within the neighborhood in which the students live and attend school, as well as the daily reality of Cochabamba, Bolivia and Latin America. Teaching materials are drawn from official history books, oral traditions, Bolivian and Latinamerican literature, ethnographies, and various other publications. We believe that the learning process is more comprehensive, interesting, and rapid, when one employs the eyes, ears, speaks and writes, and uses all senses. In order for this to happen, however, the learning material must fit the context, be up-to-date and representative of the surrounding reality.

The classes


The classes are one on one, that is one teacher - one student, but small groups can be formed circumstantially, around topics of common interest such as grammar, literature, history, social concerns, economics, etc. These group sessions are intended for intensive discussion and practice of the language. Beginning students have, at least for the first week, a teacher who speaks their own language or another language common to both. After the third week, or before, when a student has reached the required level, he/she can integrate specific themes of interest such as texts, articles, or essays, etc. (taken from books, magazines, newspapers and other material), along with the basic lesson material of the school.

We do not know if our method is better than others, nor are we interested in making comparisons. We aspire to be better and suspect that our method is indeed different. We operate according to a philosophy of quality service and use a method that meets the interests, needs and expectations of our students. Our material is dynamic and undergoes frequent additions and revisions. We have no definitive text, since we believe that time and experience enrich the quality and quantity of our material, both that of our own creation and that which is “borrowed.”

We must also mention that our practice of changing teachers every day has yielded very positive results. Each of our teachers brings his/her own experience to the classroom, and these vary based on the contexts in which they have lived and worked or at what life stage they are presently at. As a result, each teacher develops a unique teaching method and creates a framework of teaching support which helps to explain topics which may be grammatical or may take any other form. Without question, no two teaching methods or teachers are the same. Naturally, their personal views make them more individual, and often the teacher-student interaction blossoms into friendship.

Welcome to our school, Runawasi, “the house of the people", the meeting place.