How To Get the Most Out of One-to-One Language Lessons

One-to-one language lessons are widely believed to be the best way to learn a new language. Students receive individualized instruction, custom lesson plans, and courses move as fast or slow as needed. 

But education is give and take. Student’s get out of it what they put in and one-to-one lessons are no different. In order to extract the benefits of one-to-one language instruction, students and parents need to do their part, as well. Here are some tips to help students get the most out of one-to-one language lessons.

How to Make One-to-One Language Lessons Work For You

Choose the Right Teacher

Chemistry is important in a successful student/teacher relationship. Students need to feel comfortable and relaxed during their lessons in order to retain all the new information and reduce distractions.

Take some time to interview different instructors and get a feel for their personality and teaching style. Here are some things to consider:

• Is it a personality fit? 
• Does the instructor make you laugh?
• Are they a native speaker?
• Are they knowledgeable about language and culture?
• Do they have expertise in your area(s) of interest?

Personality fit is one of the most overlooked aspects of learning. Working with an instructor that you like and get along with makes learning a new language more enjoyable and effective.

Set Realistic Goals to Keep You Motivated

One-to-one language lessons aren’t going to make you fluent overnight. To be successful, it’s important to set realistic goals and benchmarks to stay motivated.

For example, pick one or two specific problem areas to focus on, such as conjugations or pronunciation. Once you hone in on your strengths and weaknesses, it will be much easier to see your progress and stay motivated to continue learning and practicing.

Know Your Learning Style 

Have you ever had to sit through a class that was so boring you almost fell asleep? Or one that you just couldn’t keep up with no matter how hard you tried? That’s probably because the instructor did not cater to your preferred learning style.

Different language instructors have different teaching styles. It is important for you to know what your learning style is so that it can fit well with your teacher. For example, some students are visual learners while others need hands-on experience to master a new concept.

Knowing your learning style and what works best for you can help you choose a compatible instructor and make one-to-one language lessons that much more effective. 

Set a Schedule for Practicing

When it comes to learning a new language, students need to put in work outside of designated lesson times to make real progress. Language skills need to be used and practiced regularly or they will atrophy.

Even studying or practicing 2 – 3 nights a week for 30 outside of designated lesson times can make a huge difference. Remember that education is a two-way street and students only get back what they put in. Practice and review constantly so you are getting the most from your one-to-one language lessons. 

One-to-One Lessons with LanguageBird

The biggest benefit of one-to-one language lessons is that students can customize and control their own learning experience. Unlike large classrooms, one-to-one lessons allow students to choose a personal instructor, set their own goals, and target specific areas of interest.

But success requires work and commitment from both sides. Students and their parents need to meet the instructors, set goals, and hold themselves accountable to receive the full benefits that one-to-one learning provides.

At LanguageBird, we are about connecting people to people, not software. Contact us today or download your free brochure below to learn more about the benefits of learning with LanguageBird!