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Maximize Your Language Learning through TPR

10 points by gnosis 17y ago

xanados 17y ago
If you have a one-on-one tutor I don't think I would be too worried about taking a long time to learn the language. It's much more effective just having someone to talk to, TPS or not.
- RiderOfGiraffes 17y ago
  I think you're wrong. In my experience, even in one-on-one tuition there are huge variances in the effectiveness of different teaching techniques. A variant of this particular one worked really well for me (in another context) whereas several previous tutors had failed to make any significant impact. Anecdote != data, but I think you're dismissing the article unfairly, and would like to see any evidence or arguments you have for your assertions.
  - diN0bot 17y ago
    for one thing, with a 1-on-1 tutor you can try anything assuming you are communicating with a reasoning human being willing to collaborate. a student with initiative can make almost infinite difference in the effectiveness of the sessions. in a classroom situation, the teacher is likely to be more rigid. a student with initiative may reach limiting boundaries imposed by a passive group or the difficulties of innovation and reasoning with a teacher in charge of a group. at the very least, the lack of 1-on-1 attention lessens the attention any individual feels compelled to provide. therefore, 1-on-1 sessions are much more likely to be productive regardless of technique. i admit that arguing for the ease of changing techniques is a bit of a cheap shot, tho ;-)
billswift 17y ago
Anything that helps you repeat/review what you are learning, especially to keep paying attention while you are repeating, will help you learn. Kershul's "X in 10 minutes a day" series comes with sheets of sticky labels in the language to put on stuff. Using them as reminders and conscientiously practicing will help similarly. (I have seen sticky labels in at least one other book, but can't remember the title, Kershul's aren't the only ones using this.)

10 points by gnosis 17y ago

If you have a one-on-one tutor I don't think I would be too worried about taking a long time to learn the language. It's much more effective just having someone to talk to, TPS or not.

RiderOfGiraffes 17y ago
I think you're wrong. In my experience, even in one-on-one tuition there are huge variances in the effectiveness of different teaching techniques. A variant of this particular one worked really well for me (in another context) whereas several previous tutors had failed to make any significant impact. Anecdote != data, but I think you're dismissing the article unfairly, and would like to see any evidence or arguments you have for your assertions.
- diN0bot 17y ago
  for one thing, with a 1-on-1 tutor you can try anything assuming you are communicating with a reasoning human being willing to collaborate. a student with initiative can make almost infinite difference in the effectiveness of the sessions. in a classroom situation, the teacher is likely to be more rigid. a student with initiative may reach limiting boundaries imposed by a passive group or the difficulties of innovation and reasoning with a teacher in charge of a group. at the very least, the lack of 1-on-1 attention lessens the attention any individual feels compelled to provide. therefore, 1-on-1 sessions are much more likely to be productive regardless of technique. i admit that arguing for the ease of changing techniques is a bit of a cheap shot, tho ;-)

billswift 17y ago

Anything that helps you repeat/review what you are learning, especially to keep paying attention while you are repeating, will help you learn. Kershul's "X in 10 minutes a day" series comes with sheets of sticky labels in the language to put on stuff. Using them as reminders and conscientiously practicing will help similarly. (I have seen sticky labels in at least one other book, but can't remember the title, Kershul's aren't the only ones using this.)