Knowledge can be rapidly converted into efficient performance through appropriate techniques and learning strategies. To improve the basic language skills fast (speak, listen, write, read), four key areas have been identified. Each aspect poses specific challenges that must be addressed simultaneously throughout the entire training process (please see graph):

                                
                                 Information Processing
         Learn/memorize vocabulary and grammatical concepts

                                         Automation
                  Make spontaneous use of information

                                           Creation
         Achieve a high level of confidence and self-assurance

                                          Production
                      Secure a superior level of quality






     • Talk as native speakers do       • Boost comprehension

Dynamic Phonetics (blending of sounds)

When people speak slowly, words are clearly separated and comprehension is easy; however, when a language is spoken at a normal rate (this is the way native speakers talk), sounds become blurred and words are harder to understand. That's why students who get used to thinking and communicating slowly are often unable to understand clearly what native speakers say. Traditional methods attempt to address the need by encouraging what amounts to inefficient communication - an approach that often leads to a false sense of accomplishment rather than genuine language proficiency (please check the link "Conventional Methods" to understand why most communicative language courses don’t work). 

The techniques of Automation, Dynamic Phonetics and Sharp 'n Smart, exclusive to ATPAL, are the result of 35 years of experience in the field of language training. With this innovative approach, participants get accustomed to using the target language as their own; from the very first day, they learn to produce the sounds of fluent speech.

The Assertive Approach: Developing New Skills

Rote memorization of words and faulty communication are very different from acquiring genuine foreign language skills.

At the beginning of the language-learning process, knowledge (basic rules of grammar and vocabulary) will be a priority. However, as students increase their level of knowledge of the target language, performance becomes the real issue. A large vocabulary and understanding of grammatical concepts aren't worth much in practical terms unless they can be used proficiently. In fact, students who succeed in developing, at an early stage, the capacity to convert what they learn into fluent speech don't require large amounts of language "information" in order to reach a superior performance level.

The above can be summarized as follows:

1) The goal is to develop superior language skills, not the development of faulty communication habits.
2) Though the volume of information about a language is important, it cannot make up for poor performance.
3) Students can develop the capacity to use the language accurately, spontaneously and confidently from an early point - if the
     proper techniques are used from the beginning of the process.

What Is Being Assertive?

Essentially, it is to be proactive, persistent and, above all, honest. It involves the following:

a.   Identify the goal(s)
b.   Target weaknesses
c.   Take honest and proactive measures to address difficulties
d.   Objectively assess progress based on frequently measured results

People who study the target language using traditional methods can easily communicate but quality is often marginal.
Why?
Because they have not been properly trained to address their language weaknesses one by one, using a systematic approach.

The problem of poor speaking/listening is not resolved with study and practice alone. Knowledge and appropriate practice are only partial solutions; students are often confronted with other not so apparent obstacles in their quest for improving their language capacity.

With the assistance of professional instructors and through a positive, assertive approach, participants get motivated to analyze their situation and determine the causes at the root of their difficulties. Using the assertive tools and problem-solving techniques provided by ATPAL, students soon become proficient in devising strategies and developing personal solutions to the most troublesome aspects of the target language in order to rapidly achieve success. The ATPAL system is designed for fluent and efficient use of the language.

Close attention to each participant in a small-group setting (3-10 students) is instrumental in creating a rigorous and intense yet friendly, productive, and highly rewarding working environment.

ATPAL is a no-nonsense training system; the goal is to speak fluently and develop superior listening skills. Fast.

Since 1972, we have been committed to delivering highly efficient language programs, using the most advanced training techniques.