How to learn a language
I have taught languages for several years. Initially my lessons were quite traditional. Grammar and typical structured lessons. Latter I developed many techniques. At this point even with beginners I have changed my method. It’s the way I learned English.
Reading, Writing and conversation.
Since most of the people I teach are adults they will get bored if the topic is not mature and stimulating, at least eventually. So if you can, dive right into interesting reading writing and conversation, which they would read, write or talk about anyway in their own language, the sooner the better.
Reading: Read what you are interested in. You will build vocabulary. By translating you will see the remember the words you look up over and over and have an incentive to remember so you do not have to look it up again. I like meaningful books; many are written in a simple language. Other people like children’s books because you do to have to look up as many words, I get board with this.
Writing: Even at the beginning level for homework I make students write something, anything, especially self-expression. I do this myself as I am still learning Polish. Dictionaries or online resources are useful. Students will learn many new words. In class we correct the grammar. I explain the mistakes and theory and rules. But it’s always connected to personal expression rather than grammar from a book. Each student is has specific problems they repeat this is what I focus on changing.
Often with beginners, I make them write their own language learning text. Such as “Meeting and greeting” or “at school” These are dialogues of typical situation. If they write/create it themselves it they will remember and speak it better.
Conversation: This is the most important part. Start small; with topics like what did you do this weekend. What will you do? Once they can form basic sentence move to topics that they are interested in, even if its complex like history.
What if you do not have a tutor?
Here are some substitutes
Reading: no substitutes needed, the Internet has many articles in all languages.
Writing: You can find a pen pal or chat with someone this is a great way if they agree to correct your mistakes.
Conversation: YouTube for visual and audio and Skype for chatting.
The basics of reading, writing and conversation are a lot less boring than traditional method and this is how you learned your own language, so I believe the same principles can be applied.
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