About Weiter geht's! - FAQ

Is Weiter geht's! a textbook?

Jein. Weiter geht's! works like a textbook package:

- Students each purchase the package, which includes the interactive software and the "Lernbuch" - a textbook/workbook combination.
- Instructors receive additional materials for class use.
- WG! forms the core content for a second-year course.

Weiter geht's! does not have a hardcover textbook. Instead, the Lernbuch contains many of the activities typically found in a hardcover textbook.
Out of class, students work first with the interactive software, and then prepare activities in the full-color Lernbuch. The Lernbuch is also used for reading and assisted writing. Students then bring the Lernbuch to class to complete prepared and other activities in class.

Weiter geht's! works like a textbook package, but places much greater emphasis on interactive software for learning outside the classroom. The workbook is a used both in and out of class and contains many of the activities typically found in a textbook. In addition, instructors have access to handouts for use in class as desired.

How does Weiter geht's! work in class?

Teaching with Weiter geht's! is very much like teaching with any communicative-oriented textbook. German is predominately (or exclusively) spoken in class, students work in small groups or in plenum on communicative tasks. Students tend to come to class better prepared with vocabulary and listening skills because of the extensive work with the interactive software outside of class. Grammar tends to receive less focus in the Weiter geht's! classroom because the grammatical syllabus is much less extensive compared to most other second-year courses with a full "grammar review".

A normal day of work for students generally follows a 3-step pattern. Students first work with the interactive at home (15-45 minutes). Then students prepare written materials in the workbook or write essays (15-45 minutes). In class, student-prepared workbook activities play a key role. Additional activities are available via the handouts. Instructors can choose group, partner, or class activities to round out the lesson.

The Weiter geht's! software is not designed for use in class, though instructors can show parts of it for review if they wish.

Does every student need a computer?

No. Weiter geht's! works best and is perhaps most conveniently used when each student has easy access to a computer. Weiter geht's! can also be installed in language or computer lab for students who prefer to work there.

What grammar does Weiter geht's! cover?

The focus of Weiter geht's! is to meet realistic proficiency goals for second-year German. Therefore, grammar is reduced from that commonly presented in second-year books. Emphasis in Weiter geht's! is on mastering the necessary basic grammar to enable students to function confidently at the intermediate-mid level. Current SLA research clearly shows that learners cannot advance to more complex grammatical structures until the fundamental ones are under control. Weiter geht's! focuses on essential structures such as verb conjugation in present and conversational past, modal verbs, word order, comparatives, prepositions, subordinate clauses and basic cases (nominative-accusative-dative). More complicated structures such as narrative past, subjunctive and passive are treated for recognition only.

Vocabulary acquisition is the most crucial aspect for language learners and thus vocabulary is of much greater concern in Weiter geht's!

Is there an Instructor's Edition?

An Instructor’s Edition is available with suggestions for implementing Weiter geht’s! and comments on how to utilize the exercises in the Lernbuch.

Is there a test bank?

An assessment bank is planned for Summer 2008.

How does Weiter geht's! integrate with first year courses?

Weiter geht’s! is designed so that there is a smooth transition between 1st year programs that use Auf geht’s! to the second year. Because the approach of Auf geht’s! and Weiter geht’s! differs greatly from traditional textbooks, there was a need for an integrated complete 2-year curriculum.

Because students will mostly move on to content courses in the third year, the last part of Weiter geht’s! treats a number of literary and cultural texts, helping students develop the language and culture skills they will need for success in advanced courses.

What do I do if I'd like to adopt?

Contact us at support@evialearning.com if you have more questions about WG! - a desk copy will be shipped to you for evaluation.

Adopting institutions receive access to the handouts and can join the WG! teachers' discussion forum to exchange syllabi, experience, extra class materials, and advice for using WG! successfully.

Most institutions have their students order WG! for themselves via www.evialearning.com because it is less expensive than going through a bookstore. Bookstore orders are of course possible as well.

Weiter geht's! allows you to teach the German language as inseparable from the culture of the German-speaking countries and thereby to continue the development of your students as global citizens.