Spunti: Italiano elementare 1

Reviewed by Maria Teresa Bonfatti Sabbioni, Adjunct lecturer, Northeastern Illinois University on 3/26/25

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

The book provides a very clear index, easy to navigate. The introductory paragraph for instructors is short but effective and summarizes the goal of the textbook, and the types of activities such as: audio tracks with dialogues and/or specific pronunciation, digital focused exercises of various grammatical elements. The book also provides sample lesson plans for each chapter

Content Accuracy rating: 5

The content is accurate, error free and unbiased in all the following components pertaining to the Italian language and culture:
- Spelling of individual words, sentences and paragraphs.
- Grammatical tables displaying verb conjugations for modes and tenses, direct and indirect object pronouns, list of idiomatic expressions etc.
- Content of written texts describing the most common cultural, social and religious aspects of the Italian society.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

Texts, links, power points and pictures seem to be up to date and functioning. For example, as a Romance language, Italian has a rich morphology based on binary gender assignment for both animate and inanimate nouns, as well as the lack of morphological neutral words or morphemes. Therefore, the textbook suggests how Italian could display features of inclusivity in relation to gender assignment by using the pronoun “loro=they/them” in place of “lei-she” or “lui/he”.
The cultural information provided in the textbook also seem unbiased and objective.

Clarity rating: 5

- The exercise directions addressed to American students, are provided in specific manner through a clear and and understandable English.
- The metalinguistic vocabulary for grammatical elements and functions are used appropriately, although I was not able to find a glossary that could help students understand the metalanguage used in grammatical explanations

Consistency rating: 5

The book seems to display a consistent vocabulary through the various sections, especially in the way directions are provided and in the use of metalanguage

Modularity rating: 4

The textbook content is organized in the following way:
- N. 3 short introductory sections: Foreword + Premessa per gli insegnanti + Contributors: Each sessions, is dedicated to teachers and language instructor
- N. 6 major units and an appendix with extra links and activities for teachers to use
- Each unit incorporates from 10 to 14 sub units or sub section.
- Each Unit starts with the sub section “Introduzione/Introduction” containing:
o A brief paragraphs for teachers with a summary of the Unit content in terms of grammar and vocabulary;
o Activity packet link for in-class use

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

The topics are presented according to a very traditional linguistic progression of elements. Being a textbook for foreign language learning, the topics with vocabulary and grammatical elements, follow a sequence that aligns with other traditional second language learning/teaching material

Interface rating: 5

The text doesn't display interface issues. The links presented (For example, to flash cards, texts, websites, etc.) work properly. Tables are clear and well formatted. The textbook displays few pictures. It’s mostly in black and white with colors used to highlight specific morphological endings.
The PDF format, the fonts, the page formatting, don't make the textbook too appealing (Colors, layout, images, are some of the features that make language textbooks highly expensive)

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

I did not detect any grammatical errors in both languages.

Cultural Relevance rating: 4

The textbook provides cultural elements, presented in objective and unbiased ways. These cultural aspects don't seem to represent the pivotal point of the book. The focus seems to be grammar exposure and consequent use of the grammatical elements in oral communication. The linguistic and cultural diversity of contemporary Italy are not ignored, but also not highlighted or emphasized.

Comments

Positive aspects:
The textbook provides an abundance of activities, and practices: from audio files for pronunciation, to printable grammatical activities, links to flashcards, basic cultural information, and suggestions for instructors. There are also lots of digital activities that students can use as reinforcement and home practice. The book is clearly the result of the authors’ effort and dedication for their profession and for their students.

Negative aspects
The textbook doesn't seem to employ any specific methodology for second language teaching and learning and I found the introductory quote misleading. The introductory paragraph (Our approach to language instruction is interactive, conversational and fundamentally task-based. We see grammar as a means for enabling effective communication, which is why our explanations of grammar are simple and concise) states the use of a conversational or communicative method “fundamentally task based”, but I did not find evidence of:
a) language course developed according to the features of the communicative method. In this method a generic and wide scope text is first presented to students who are then guided by their instructor to the discovery of every details and specific linguistic element of that text - The Communicative method is based on the extraction of linguistic elements through direct analysis of the linguistic input, usually in written form. through very specific steps: from linguistic chunks and generic context to the analysis of specific meanings and grammatical structures. In the communicative method, grammar is implicitly taught .
b) language course developed according to tasks based approach (In this method, students learn by doing. They initially are exposed to language through practical tasks through which they identify, analyze, use and reinforce in action, vocabulary and various linguistic elements).

- The notion of grammar is also not in line with the communicative method. The authors’ statement “We see grammar as a means for enabling effective communication, which is why our explanations of grammar are simple and concise” may mislead teachers in understanding what communicative approach really means. It is true that language learning is about communication and real use, but the application of the method is not given by clear instructions and clear grammatical explanations. On the contrary, the communicative method is based on implicit grammar teaching as opposed to explicit one.
- Although the textbook provides creative suggestions for teachers on how to use the material, the textbook presents the learning of grammar and vocabulary in a very traditional, often explicit way. with tables of verbs, list of vocabulary and expressions that invite memorization.
- The textbook is based on prescriptive notions of grammar with a few (positive) attempts in introducing newer ways, such as the use of 2 adjective groups in place of a more traditional one group
- The textbook lacks of:
o Consistent methodology and approach in each phase of the teaching/learning process: content and vocabulary presentation-grammar analysis – assessment and reinforcement.
o A linguistic understanding of second language teaching such as:
• no mentioning of word order (a part from adjective position)
• little mention of the main features of the Italian phonetic. For example, there is a written list of minimal pairs with geminate consonants, without any reference to what phonetically differentiates the words with one and with consonants. There is a mention of the role of intonation in question and statement making, with little practice and no reinforcement
• Clear differentiation between morpheme and phoneme: the book provides explanation or suggestions on how to spell certain words ending in CA-GA, confusing the sound /k/ with the written form associated in Italian with that sound, in specific phonetic environmentIP
• The word “exception” is used in too many situations to identify groups of nouns or adjectives that don't seem to fit the usual grammatical pattern.

- Last, I think there should be a separate handout as teachers' manual in which instructors are guided through the methodology in a consistent manner. There are suggestions on how to use certain practices, but suggestions should be founded in a solid methodology employed through the entire book.

Reviewed by Anna Rein, Lecturer III, University of Southern Maine on 3/7/21

Comprehensiveness rating: 3 see less

This book is basically a reference for a beginning level grammar structures, it cannot replace a traditional manual. It does not provide essential elements, such as: a context that contains the structures and vocabulary considered in the chapters; a deductive way to explore the grammar; practice exercises and activities to reproduce the vocabulary and the learned grammar; testing or self-testing opportunities; and finally, an index and a glossary.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

The grammar structures provided are clear, concise, essential. It could be a good integration and a good grammar reference in a course.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

The content included in the book mainly consists of grammar structures that do not quickly become obsolete. It is presented in a way that changes could be easily made or materials can be added.

Clarity rating: 5

The content and material are presented in a clear English.

Consistency rating: 2

The terminology is consistently used throughout the 6 chapters and all the grammar topics are at a low beginning level. Although, some fundamental elements typical of a beginning level framework are lacking, such as listing of essential vocabulary, speaking, reading and writing practice. The cultural references are also inconsistent throughout the book.

Modularity rating: 2

The book is divided in 6 chapter and the material is not always presented in the same way. The chapters should be organized in sections and be consistent through the books. Sometimes the pronunciation is included, sometimes it is not. Some videos are provided, but not for all the chapters. A quizlet is included for memorizing the verbs, it could be useful to do the same for all the vocabulary explored in each chapter.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 2

The topics are generally presented in a logical way in reference to the grammar structures. The various parts presented in each chapter are random, it is not clear why some videos are introduced in a specific chapter, such as the one about the Italian piazza, and how they are connected to the linguistic topic.

Interface rating: 3

The interface is plain. I would introduce more images and photos for the vocabulary, the content, and the cultural references. I would introduce graphics for the grammar presentation. Also, videos introducing the grammar structures would be useful.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

I did not find mistakes.

Cultural Relevance rating: 3

Most of the people that speak in the videos have a north Italian accent. I would introduce a greater variety of regional accents and a greater variety of towns and cities from all over the country. Italy, today is also characterized by a very diverse population from north Africa or eastern Europe that should be represented.

Comments

This book could not be used as a substitute for a well organize and structure traditional manual. A lot of integrations should be made to improve the quality of the book and make it available to a lot of students interested in learning Italian.

Reviewed by Daria Bozzato, Visiting Assistant Professor, Gettysburg College on 4/21/20

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

"Spunti" is not a textbook, but an Elementary I Italian program developed at Muhlenberg College in order to reduce the cost of more traditional language textbooks. It primarily contains grammar explanations, along with pictures and semi-authentic videos. However, the OER press book does not contain grammar, reading, listening, and speaking exercises. This material is only available on Canvas, which is the platform that students use at Muhlenberg College. Given this limitation, instructors can only use this material as a starting point ("spunti" -as the title itself means) for in class speaking, listening, and writing activities. Hence, if you are looking for a more structured textbook that offers a variety of practical and contextualized exercises, "Spunti" will not satisfy your expectations. Instead, it would definitely be a pivotal tool as a grammar supplement to a more communicative course. Units 1-6 focus on the basic grammar a student of Italian at the Elementary I level should cover in one semester at college level. The text provides an effective index, but not a glossary. Finally, in some units (i.e. Unit 3), there is a link to Quizlet.com for flashcards and some verbs practice.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

The text is accurate, error-free, and does not present any bias.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 2

"Spunti" is an unfinished work, which is still in progress. As it is right now, it is more a supplement of grammar explanations than a complete textbook. By not having access to any sort of mechanical, meaningful, and communicative grammar exercises, in addition to speaking and writing activities, it is imperative for an instructor who wants to use this text in class to implement with other resources.

Clarity rating: 5

"Spunti" is very clear and straightforward, especially in terms of grammar explanations, which do not present extremely technical terminology.

Consistency rating: 2

“Spunti” does not have a consistent framework. Apart from being divided in units (which are also called “Part”), it is not organized in categories. Sometimes it is not clear why a video or a picture is in that specific unit. For example, in Unit 5 there is a video called “Viva il gelato!” after 3 videos referring to Italian family. I would expect to find a similar video in the unit focusing on the use of the verb “piacere” or the –isc verb “preferire.” Maybe there is a logical reason for that video to be there. However, by not having access to the material on Canvas, it is sometimes difficult for an instructor to understand how to effectively use the semi-authentic material.

Modularity rating: 3

Overall, “Spunti” is an easy text to read. Both the online and the PDF formats have a clickable table of contents, which is very helpful and time saving. I do not know how the exercises are connected to the grammar explanations and vocabulary charts. I would suggest adding some clickable icons/symbols to connect students to a specific part of the unit while they are completing their homework on Canvas.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 2

“Spunti” is divided into 6 Units and they all start with a grammar explanation followed by videos, photos, and/or realia. Unfortunately, there is no consistency between every unit. In fact, while Unit 1 presents 6 videos and 3 pictures to be used for possible activities, Unit 2 has only 2 videos and 1 picture. I would suggest organizing every unit with the same categories, namely vocabulary, grammar, reading, listening, and culture.

Interface rating: 4

The interface is clean and straightforward. Both the online and the PDF version are easy to navigate and have a very linear and minimal layout. However, in the PDF version some of the charts are "cut" on the right (i.e. p. 87 and 92).

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

"Spunti" does not contain any typos and only presents one grammar error ("Monterosso a Cinque Terre" instead of "alle Cinque Terre"). For sure, the strength of this text is the precise, clear, and concise explanations of beginning Italian grammar. For this reason, as I already mentioned, it would be a very useful grammar supplement to a more communicative course.

Cultural Relevance rating: 3

"Spunti" is not culturally insensitive or offensive in any ways. Maybe it would be more inclusive if the chapter about family included videos or readings about multi-racial/ ethnic and same sex relationship and/or marriage. The adapted excerpts from "L'Espresso" only refers to the increase number of Italian people divorcing, separating, and living together with their partner (and the differences between the North and the South of Italy). However, it does not give a more contemporary and diverse picture of Italian society (and family).

Comments

I really like the way this text clearly covers and explains crucial grammar points in Italian, for example the Passato Prossimo. I would definitely use it as an extra tool to help my elementary students to better understand some grammar structures. However, it would be difficult to use "Spunti" as a primary textbook since most of the material is not contextualized and there is no access to any sort of exercise.