Tutt* a tavola! Volume 2

Reviewed by Anna Rocca, Professor, Salem State University on 12/8/22

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

A continuation of Tutt* a Tavola Vol. 1, Tutt* a Tavola Vol. 2 is intended as a textbook for the second semester of elementary Italian. Tutt* a Tavola Vol. 2 does an excellent job covering cultural topics and grammar structures, and integrating them with contextualized vocabulary, readings, exercises, and video clips. Its initial section contains an Instructor Guide, a useful Table of Content— “Topics covered”—and a link on pronunciation. Six chapters form the main body and each of them covers an average of three grammar points. Students’ goals are listed at the beginning of every chapter. At the end of the chapter, a final review exercise—“Prove it”— gives students immediate feedback on their gained skills. To facilitate and improve students learning of vocabulary, exercises and readings introduce new terms with hyperlinked glosses in English. Additionally, a final Vocabulary with hyperlinks on pronunciation concludes each chapter. The textbook final section comprises a Glossary, nine grammar Appendixes, and AK. An ancillary component (Workbook/Lab) is available for purchase at a very modest price and provides additional exercises, audio sections, speaking activities, audio scripts, and AK.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

The content is accurate and error-free. Small typos do not affect the readability or integrity of the text. The textbook is above all unbiased. Indeed, one of its main purposes is to address diversity and inclusion.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

Tutt* a Tavola Vol. 2 has been published in 2021 and is the most up to date OER Italian textbooks I have ever used. The material can also be customized according to different course needs, and it is organized in a way that can eventually allow for smooth future implementations.

Clarity rating: 5

The textbook is written in a very accessible prose, and it is easy to browse. English is used to give students encouragement and support—“Study Tips”—, to expose them to more in-depth cultural information—“Nota Culturale”—, and to make them reflect on complex grammar points. Grammar is presented using both deductive and inductive approaches. Useful references and comparisons to English grammar are offered.

Consistency rating: 5

The organization, prose, design, and presentation of vocabulary, exercises, and readings are consistent throughout the textbook.

Modularity rating: 5

There is a clear pattern within and between chapters that builds upon the previous ones. Every chapter is divided into small sections—opening songs, vocabulary and grammar presentations, film clips, explorations of cultural topics, and short readings from Italian literary texts—, each of them followed by activities. Each chapter can be internally divided into Modules.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

Tutt* a Tavola Vol. 2 is very well structured. Each unit is consistent, and each section is clearly marked. Topics and grammar flow together. Chapters follow a logical progression from learning and integrating new vocabulary to more creative applications of the new material. The chapter sections are short and user-friendly, especially for students struggling to read longer passages of text on a screen.

Interface rating: 5

The textbook interface is logically arranged and easy to navigate. It does not present issues. The online textbook can be downloaded into 3 different formats: EPUB, Digital pdf and Print pdf. With the minor exception of a very few distorted charts in the pdf format, the textbook is exquisite.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

The textbook contains no grammatical errors.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

Tutt* a Tavola Vol. 2 deserves the highest praise for targeting cultural topics related to the heterogeneity of contemporary Italy that are relevant to our student body. The authors take into account the diversity of our students, who are able to see themselves represented. Diversity and inclusiveness are intentionally and effectively embedded in vocabulary, graphics, readings, songs, film clips, and activities. Hyperlinks to external authentic materials together with cultural sections—“Nota Culturale”—aim to expose students to current matters and to debunk stereotypes, thus offering a much-needed perspective on the complexity and variety of present-day Italy.

Comments

Kudos to the authors of this textbook! I'm grateful to have access to Tutt* a Tavola Vol. 2 as a valid alternative option to expensive textbooks. The selection of authentic materials is nicely varied, including films, songs, websites, literary excerpts, and games, and I expect it to work effectively for my students as well.