What kind of a teaching method do ESS school use?
ESS school use an interactive, conversationally-based, all-Spanish method of direct learning, called the Functional Method, which customizes instruction to the interests and abilities of each individual student. The ESS Functional Method facilitates a natural and continuous conversational exchange between student and teacher (both orally and with reading/writing) on topics of personal interest determined by the preferences of each student. Teachers monitor and guide the dialogue process and encourage and support the student in expanding their communication skills to the level they are willing to reach withing the given time frame, which are explored at the appropriate to their reading, writing, speaking, and oral comprension abilities, at their level of competency. The actual curriculum is flexible because each class is planned according to the competency level, learning aptitude, and personal interests of each individual student, but is still guided and motivated by the experience of
