Learning correctly: Language class or One-to-one?
Learning apps? Netflix? Language course? One-to-one lessons? - The question of the right methods arises again and again when learning a language. This is partly due to the length of the process (at least one to three years), but also due to the changing demands. In the beginning, there is the desire to simply be able to communicate. Later, one wants to participate in more complex discussions and, eventually, to master the language both in speaking and in writing. It is obvious that there are different ways to reach these goals: each student has a different learning type and has different needs, interests, talents and financial possibilities.
The big challenge is to craft a varied learning process, that is in step with one’s changing needs and interests. Likewise, it is also important to pursue a realistic learning project and not to have any illusions about one's own goals, time possibilities and motivation.
One of the most important questions comes at the very beginning: can I really be enthusiastic about this language over a longer period of time (at least one year!) and continuously invest time, i.e. at least 3-4 hours per week?
Especially at higher levels, it is difficult to recognizes one's own progress, which can have a quite negative effect on motivation. For some learners, this leads to a kind of yo-yo effect: you want to improve and enroll in a 2-month group course, but after the course you don't really feel you've gotten better. So you give up and start again a few months later. Most of the time, you're back at the level you were at BEFORE the last course: welcome to the foreign language hamster wheel!
To prevent this, you have to find a suitable course format that fosters your desire to learn the language. Because only a high level of motivation combined with discipline guarantees that you won't stagnate after a few weeks and finally give up in resignation.
Depending on the course format, however, you may not have sole control over your own motivation. In group courses, unfortunately, the larger the group, the less the individual student can determine what happens. This has an effect on motivation. You hardly spend any time alone with the teacher and don't really get to know them. Also, they cannot adapt the lessons and materials to individual wishes and needs, but usually just follow a curriculum that is the same for everyone.
Given these obvious disadvantages of group classes, I strongly believe more learners should consider individual or small group instruction. Most people mistakenly believe that these are necessarily much more expensive. After all, you spend much less time in a course for the same money. But good private lessons don't have to be more expensive at all. As a matter of fact, you need far fewer hours and results will come faster.
The following checklist is based on numerous conversations with students in different course formats. The points are designed to help you ask the right questions to better understand yourself and your learning project, and find the best solution for you.
If several of the following points apply to you, group classes are probably the better option:
I have an A level (beginner).
I’m more extroverted and want to talk and communicate a lot.
I don't have the opportunity to talk to people outside of the language course because I don't have the time and/or my level is too low for that.
For me a language course is an opportunity to get to know other people (e.g. because I am new in town).
I learn better in a group.
I like to have grammar topics explained to me and then practice this grammar in a protected space.
I am not very disciplined and sometimes have problems to concentrate and motivate myself alone at home.
I prefer to work several hours at 60% intensity rather than one hour at 100%.
If several of the following points apply to you, one-to-one lessons are probably a better option:
I have a B or C level.
I have concrete goals and a clear idea of what I want to learn.
I am very motivated, but I can't or don't want to spend more than 1 or 2 hours a week on language lessons, and want to be flexible.
I learn better and more effectively on my own.
I am rather introverted and shy, and it bothers me to make mistakes in front of other people.
I have lived for a long time in the country whose language I want to learn. And although I can express myself well orally and understand a lot, I am well below in the areas of grammar and writing.
I want to specifically improve my writing: Emails, professional communication, academic writing, creative writing etc.
I want to prepare for a language exam (Goethe, Telc, TestDaF).
I have particular grammar problems that I would like to tackle.
I like to study grammar on my own, but from time to time I need some support.
I want to work on my pronunciation.
I study the language mainly for work and, therefore, I want to work mainly on a specific topic (e.g. architecture, tourism, medicine etc.)
I like to read, but I don't know how to find suitable and interesting texts on my level (you can find more tips here).
If after reviewing this checklist you have come to the conclusion that private lessons are a real option for you, one question arises now naturally: How do I find a teacher who is suitable for me, and how do I recognize his or her qualities? Although this form of teaching has many advantages, it comes down to the teacher. Fortunately, you can tell very quickly if you are a good match - you just need to know what to look for.
Maybe it helps here to forget the image of the classic language teacher you just talk to. Instead, you should think about a personal trainer. Just like in the gym, they don’t have to be present at every session. They will create an individual exercise plan, show you the right techniques and motivate you with good advice. And just having a trainer you feel responsible to will make you work harder and be more focused.
In order not to be disappointed later, you should be paying attention to the following things right from the start:
Experience
The teacher has already successfully learned foreign languages and therefore knows the various phases and difficulties that await you during your long learning process. They have also been teaching the language for a long time and are familiar with typical problems.
Mutual sympathy
The teacher is a central part of your learning project. You must see them as a friend and source of support. After all, you will also be talking about private matters. If you don't trust or like them: find someone else quickly!
Empathy
The teacher understands your individual learning project and has fitting materials and ideas. They know how to respond to your personality and adapt their teaching style, their error correction and their way they praise and criticize you accordingly. In addition, they ensure the right - i.e. motivating - mix of challenges and achievements through an individually adapted, continuous level increase.
Extensive collection of resources
With one-to-one lessons, a large part of the learning actually takes place in the time between the individual units. It is precisely in these phases that it is decided whether you will learn the language or not. Only if the teacher manages to provide you with high quality and relevant materials for this time will you engage with them. Also, these materials should be tailored specifically to you and be a colorful mix: grammar and vocabulary exercises, varied reading texts, movies and series suggestions, inspiring writing assignments, as well as vocabulary lists and exam training materials.
Lastly, you can recognize a good teacher by the fact that they don’t talk too much in class, but listen to you carefully. They spend most of the class time preparing your learning project for the time without them. This means that your learning progress is checked, questions and problems are discussed, and you’ll think together about how and what you should continue to study.
However, especially at lower levels, it is often very exhausting to practice alone with a teacher for one or 1.5 hours. Therefore, lessons with two students can be a good alternative. Both learners can still speak a lot and individual guidance is still possible without problems. At the same time, the lessons become much more dynamic, the price decreases and a constructive and motivating competitive situation often arises between the two students: who studies more, who learns faster? In short: a win-win-win situation!
The ideal person for this is someone who has a similar language level as you. And if you don't have anyone who does, just ask the teacher of your choice if they can put you in touch with other students!
If you have any questions about this article or your own learning project, please feel free to contact me. I have advised and guided German learners for over 15 years, and I’m quite confident that we’ll find the perfect solution for you as well.