Learning English in groups is one of the most popular methods of developing English.
While advantages of group learning are quite obvious, there are a few drawbacks of which I would like to warn you.
First, you've got to be lucky with your teammates who are the same age, ambitions and as much of enthusiasts as you are. This is the key to success.
Frequently I am asked about the number of students in a group.
I remember being a part of a group of French learners that allowed me to say something in French for not longer than 15-20 minutes during four 45 minutes sessions.
The French teacher was conducting the lessons in such a way that only nominees had a chance to react on his replicas. So, I had to wait for my turn to come.
So, as you can see, a waste of time. Those of you who naively believe that you...: "will learn the mistakes of others while they are answering and then you will not repeat the same mistakes and get better..."
will recognize that the reality is very far from this expectation.
Another thing that makes group work less effective is the difference of students' skills levels.
This slight inconvenience will immediately make the better students get bored while the less prepared will be trying to work with the teacher.
You may as well be lucky not receive critical comments and remarks on your performance as I've monitored in a good number of different groups.
Ok, instead of the resume:
The most popular belief that it is always easier (i.e. merrier) to learn English in groups may be true, but to become a good speaker of the language you have to hire an instructor only for yourself!
Training to speak English is more an individual sport rather than a group one.
That's all for now.
I hope, you have found these practical notes useful.
Best regards
George
While advantages of group learning are quite obvious, there are a few drawbacks of which I would like to warn you.
First, you've got to be lucky with your teammates who are the same age, ambitions and as much of enthusiasts as you are. This is the key to success.
Frequently I am asked about the number of students in a group.
I remember being a part of a group of French learners that allowed me to say something in French for not longer than 15-20 minutes during four 45 minutes sessions.
The French teacher was conducting the lessons in such a way that only nominees had a chance to react on his replicas. So, I had to wait for my turn to come.
So, as you can see, a waste of time. Those of you who naively believe that you...: "will learn the mistakes of others while they are answering and then you will not repeat the same mistakes and get better..."
will recognize that the reality is very far from this expectation.
Another thing that makes group work less effective is the difference of students' skills levels.
This slight inconvenience will immediately make the better students get bored while the less prepared will be trying to work with the teacher.
You may as well be lucky not receive critical comments and remarks on your performance as I've monitored in a good number of different groups.
Ok, instead of the resume:
The most popular belief that it is always easier (i.e. merrier) to learn English in groups may be true, but to become a good speaker of the language you have to hire an instructor only for yourself!
Training to speak English is more an individual sport rather than a group one.
That's all for now.
I hope, you have found these practical notes useful.
Best regards
George
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