- just you and the teacher (Tutorial)
- share a lesson with 3 other students (Quatorial)
- form part of a small group of 8 students maximum (Octorial)
The
course you choose can consist of all lessons being of one single format (eg. all
Tutorials) or a combination of Tutorials and Quatorials or
Octorials. Most programmes also include Fluency Practice Workshops, Masterclasses and Plenary Sessions.
 | Tutorial™ lessons |
| 1 student per teacher | |
| The teaching programme is based entirely on individual lessons. This means that the tutor’s attention is focused on one student, and allows for a perfect match between lesson content and the learning requirements of the student. The Tutorial also enables teaching methods to be adapted to the learning style and pace at which the student can successfully learn. Tutorial tuition thus ensures that maximum progress is made in a short period of time. |
 | Quatorial™ lessons |
| 4 students per teacher | |
| Lessons take place in small groups of a maximum of 4 students per teacher. The Quatorial provides high levels of individual attention within a small, dynamic learning unit. The low number of students means that the tutor is able to address fully the linguistic needs and objectives of each participant. |
 | Octorial™ lessons |
| 8 students per teacher | |
The lessons are given in small groups of a maximum of 8 students. This structure allows the teacher to monitor the work and progress of each student within the dynamics of a group learning environment. |
 | Fluency Practice Workshops |
| 8-12 students per teacher | |
These usually take place in groups of 8–12 students of different levels (reflecting reality) and are designed to promote active expression in the language. They focus on a variety of aspects of the language and include, for example, pronunciation, presentations, lectures and debates. |
 | Masterclass |
| Self-learning under active guidance | |
The teacher, in charge of a maximum of a dozen students, sets learning projects which he/she monitors on a one-to-one basis for five to ten minutes at a time. The teacher thus acts as a catalyst for individual study. |
 | Plenary Session |
| News review | |
A 15 minute session every morning in which selected students present to the rest of the group an analysis of the previous day's news for a brief group discussion. This serves as a warm-up exercise and is held at the very beginning of every day. |
Results-driven
OISE lessons are based on the premise that clear aims and hard work yield the best results. All lessons are taught in the OISE house style, the essential features of which are:
- transparent objectives, clearly identified at the beginning of each lesson
- focus on key language skills and language learning strategies
- appropriate time limits set for each activity
- a pace calculated to challenge the learner at all times
- interaction between teacher ↔ student and student ↔ student (as appropriate)
- private study exercises, which consolidate classroom activities and preparation time to maximise the benefits of the lesson
- feedback on progress achieved at the end of lessons.