Apps are incredible tools with a great mission: to bring education to everyone. However, after spending so much time studying with them, shouldn’t you see improved results? Be honest with yourself. Can you be content simply by learning new words, grasping a few grammatical principles, and even greeting someone in your target language?
Returning to foundations is frequently the only choice. Here’s how starting a language program at ELAM might help you achieve your goals!
1. Your words and actions influence your teachers
Unless you consider an evening with Siri an exciting encounter, you have an issue with language-learning applications. As you can see, most language learning is based on nonverbal communication, including responsiveness, body language, tone, and emotion. On the other hand, teachers go well beyond that. They join in on your delight. I’m crying beside you. They change the subject, encourage you to “repeat it,” make jokes, and let you interject. Most importantly, we teachers see your wonderful blushing face when you go blank and nervously smile – which is rather adorable!
2. The teachers succeed in achieving the objective
Teachers are trained to accurately assess your level, comprehend your weak points, and establish your strengths within the first few seconds of a conversation. They will not need you to repeat or adhere to terms that you are already familiar with and find monotonous as most applications do. Even group lessons adapt to the students in attendance because the curriculum is customized for you. Consider how much time you could save by focusing exclusively on what you do not know! This brings us to…
3. It’s gratifying to receive great feedback from your teachers
Let us play a game. By examining the following two compliments, you can determine which came from an app and an instructor. “30-day streak!” is the first. You did an outstanding job! Maintain your excellent work!”
“That was fantastic, Jamie,” comes in a close second. Even though this is a new topic for you, I love how you’ve improved your pronunciation in the last two weeks while being expressive and enthusiastic. ” Consider the following: which would you like to have? Right.
That is because your brain can only process a given number of identically phrased compliments for everyone else before becoming numb to them. On the other side, teachers will provide you with personalized feedback.
4. Teachers impart painful realities upon you
Apps frequently treat language learners as children. Points, strikes, rewards, and animated characters are all available. That is not a bad thing, and we all need a little bit of fun to liven up our education! However, trainers will also expect more of you when they recognize your potential. A trainer that prioritizes your learning objectives will present you with customized negative criticism.
A teacher identifies precisely what you need to improve, when you can improve it, and how you can improve it. You will naturally take this criticism more seriously because it comes from a licensed professional, and you do not want to disappoint yourself or your devoted teacher.
5. Teachers truly do explain
Apps can help students understand grammar rules and why an answer is correct or incorrect. What is the distinction? That will be explained twice by a teacher. At least three times. Fifty. And if you still don’t understand it, they will rephrase it, suggest alternative examples, provide pertinent references for your context, and ensure that you understand before proceeding. If that is not prioritizing your needs…!
6. From Day One, teachers compel you to speak
Certain applications are excellent for assisting you in improving your pronunciation and overall understanding of how a language should sound. That is fantastic! However, teachers will compel you to speak. The discomfort, shyness, and awkwardness associated with public speaking can only be resolved via actual speaking.
This brings us full circle to non-verbal communication and the ways in which tone, body language, reaction, and emotion may all influence the efficacy and direction of your talks. Developing the ability to deal with all of this requires regular speaking practice!
Apps* have undoubtedly won a place in our hearts, as they enable us to learn something new and practice freely every day. However, mistaking apps for the only instruments necessary for language study could prove detrimental to your overall language learning objectives. Maintain a laser-like concentration on the one thing that counts most — your achievement!
*As an ELAM student, you can ask to join one of our groups on Linkedin: Best Language Learning Apps, Best Language Learning Podcasts. Best Language Learning Accounts n Instagram
