Good practice in language learning

Organisation of language learning and participation in language learning

1. Language learning takes place in Estonian and lessons are measured in academic hours. The duration of one academic hour is 45 minutes.
2. Participants in language courses and special courses are required to attend all classes, be active, and independently complete homework assignments given by the teacher.
3. If a learner does not participate in class as required (e.g. does not answer the teacher’s questions or take part in activities), the teacher has the right to remove the learner from the class. In the event of repeated violations, the student may lose the right to participate in the course.
4. Successful learners who have fulfilled the course completion requirements may continue to a higher-level language course that they have not previously completed. The requirements for successfully completing a course are listed in the description of each course. It is not possible to enrol in a lower-level course. In exceptional cases, the service manager may decide to transfer a student to a lower- or higher-level course.
5. If a learner does not meet the course completion requirements, they will not be able to continue to the next level language course.
6. Learners who discontinue or do not successfully complete a language course can, if necessary, continue to develop their Estonian language skills at the same level in a special course or through activities that support language learning (e.g. language cafés, language clubs, educational programmes, or supervised independent studies in the Keeleklikk and Keeletee environments).
7. Students may participate in a maximum of one language course and one special course during one semester to ensure consistent and effective learning.
8. If the teacher sees that the language level of the course is not suitable for the learner or, conversely, that the language skills of the learner exceed the requirements of the course, the teacher may suggest that the learner be transferred to a more suitable course and/or counselling. To determine language proficiency, the teacher may use tests, conversations, or other assessment methods.

Registration

1. Adults aged 18 and over who have an Estonian personal identification code and an ID card, Mobile ID, or Smart ID can register for language courses. An exception is the language learning agreement programme, where the minimum age for participants is 15 years.

2. Learners who have lived in Estonia for more than five years can register for Estonian language courses (levels A1, A2, B1.1, and B1.2) via the self-service portal on the Integration Foundation website.

   Newly arrived immigrants (including recipients of temporary or international protection) who have lived in Estonia for less than five years can register for Estonian language courses on the Settle in Estonia portal. 

3. The Integration Foundation offers a comprehensive solution for a smooth language learning journey – those who have successfully completed a course can continue to the next level course (from A1 to B1).
4. Where possible, learners who successfully complete a course will be offered enrolment in the next level language course. After that, it will be possible for other interested parties to register for available spots in the self-service system.

Withdrawal from a course and discontinuation of language learning

1. The learner can withdraw from a course up to 24 hours before the start of the course via self-service.
   If there are less than 24 hours left before the start of the course or the course has already begun, the teacher must be notified of the withdrawal or discontinuation in writing. In this case, the student will remain on the student list until the end of the course and non-attendance will be counted as an absence.
2. A student who has discontinued their studies cannot participate in the same level course a second time.
3. If a student is absent on three consecutive occasions and does not notify the teacher in advance, they will be considered to have dropped out of the course and failed. In this case, the student will not be able to participate in the same level course again.

Participation in language courses online

1. In order to participate in online language learning, each learner must have a computer, speakers, and a camera.
2. If a learner does not follow the rules and principles established for the online lesson (e.g. does not turn on their camera or answer the teacher’s questions), the teacher has the right to remove the learner from the lesson. In the event of repeated violations, the student may lose the right to participate in the course.
3. To ensure that online lessons are enjoyable and productive for all participants, we ask learners to adhere to the following rules:

• Be ready for class at least 5 minutes before it starts.
• Lessons are always started by the teacher (e.g. by opening Zoom).
• Choose a quiet and comfortable place to study where you can concentrate and where no one will disturb you.
• Before class, check that your internet connection, microphone, and camera are working.
• Always participate in class using your full name and write your username in Estonian.
• Have your textbook and other learning materials ready at the beginning of the lesson.
• Participate in class with your camera on – this makes communication more direct and friendly.
• Keep the microphone muted when you are not speaking. Unmute your microphone only when you wish to speak.
• Be active and participate in all activities: listen, speak, ask questions, and interact with your groupmates.
• If you have any questions, please write them in the chat box.
• Do not participate in the lesson while driving, using public transport, or working.
• Please arrange for someone to look after your children for the duration of the lesson.
• If possible, participate via computer rather than phone – this will make it easier for you to follow along and take notes.
• Lessons are not recorded – this is online contact learning, not recorded e-learning. Online language learning (e.g. via Zoom) requires active participation in lessons in real time.