There are a large amount of language teaching apps and websites, and since UK Grammar is partially aimed at foreign language students of English I would like to take the time to recommend my two favourites, if you are looking to invest in and accelerate your learning. But first, a brief deliberation on whether either might be right for you.
Self-study versus paying a language teacher
The effectiveness of self-study versus paying a teacher to learn a language can depend on several factors, including the learning style of the individual in question, their motivation to succeed, the additional resources available to them and the specific language being learned. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, and what works best for one person may not be the same for another.
Advantages of self-study
The advantages of self-study include flexibility, autonomy, resource variety and few to no costs. Self-study allows learners to create their own schedule and progress at their preferred pace, there are no fixed class times and this suits those with busy lifestyles well. Learners have the freedom to choose their own study materials and resources, and learning methods that align with their interests and goals. There are also a number of language learning apps and websites that can be accessed at no cost. Do be aware that there are many amateur websites on the internet, and these are often written by individuals without qualifications and can contain erroneous information.
Disadvantages of self-study
Disadvantages of self-study are the lack of accountability, limited speaking and conversation practice, and uncertain progress. It is helpful for many language students to be challenged, motivated and disciplined by an external partner, just as one may expect from a fitness trainer, to keep study habits consistent, as well as having the advantage of regular conversation in the target language to progress oral communication skills. A professional teacher can accurately assess a student’s progress and provide feedback, give advice, targeted correction and answer questions as they arise. A qualified language teacher will provide structured guidance, individualised feedback and tailor lessons to address specific individual learning needs.
In addition to the aforementioned benefits of regular interactions with a teacher for speaking practice, a teacher can design a well-organised curriculum to ensure that learners cover essential language aspects systematically, in line with their individual goals and needs, and the presence of a teacher can help motivate students who often are unaware of how well they may be progressing.
Mosalingua
MosaLingua is a popular language learning platform that offers mobile applications and web-based resources to help learners effectively study and retain foreign languages. The platform was founded by Samuel Michelot and Luca Sadurny in 2010. It has gained a positive reputation among language learners for its practical and personalised approach to language acquisition. I like Mosalingua because it thinks outside of the box and is markedly different to the vast amount of teaching platforms on the internet.
Features of MosaLingua include,
- Spaced repetition system (SRS)
MosaLingua utilises a spaced repetition system, which is a learning technique that presents information in increasing intervals over time. This helps learners review and reinforce vocabulary and grammar concepts at optimal intervals to enhance long-term retention.
- Focus on practical vocabulary
MosaLingua focuses on teaching relevant and useful vocabulary and phrases that learners can immediately apply in real life situations. This approach is especially beneficial for travellers or individuals seeking to communicate effectively in a new language quickly.
- Mobile applications
MosaLingua offers language learning apps for various languages, available on both iOS and Android platforms. These apps are designed to be user-friendly and convenient for learners to practise on the go.
- Interactive learning
The platform incorporates various interactive exercises, audio pronunciation and flashcards to make learning engaging and efficient.
- Multiple language options
MosaLingua provides courses in several languages including English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Portuguese and others. The range of languages available may vary, so do check their website for the latest updates.
- Personalised learning
MosaLingua adapts its lessons based on learners’ preferences and progress. This personalised approach allows users to focus on their individual learning needs and goals.
Click here if you would like to find out more about Mosalingua
Preply
Preply is one of a number of online language learning platforms that connects students with private language tutors from around the world. The platform offers a wide range of languages and allows learners to find tutors based on their specific needs, such as proficiency level, learning objectives (for example studying towards a particular exam such as IELTS or one of the Cambrudge examinations), and of course availability.
Features of Preply include,
- Tutor matching
Preply provides a search function that allows learners to find tutors who specialise in the language they want to learn. Students can filter tutors based on factors like their native language, hourly rate, experience level and student reviews.
- Multiple language options
Preply offers courses in various languages, such as English, Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Russian and many others. This makes it a versatile platform for learners interested in different languages.
- One-to-one lessons
Tutors on Preply conduct personalised, one-to-one lessons with their students. This individualised approach allows for focused attention on the strengths and weaknesses of a student, leading to a more effective learning experience.
- Flexible scheduling
Preply accommodates learners from different time zones by offering flexible scheduling options. Students can find tutors who are available at convenient times for their learning needs.
- Diverse teaching styles
Each tutor on Preply has their teaching style and approach to language instruction, as well as their own regional accent and areas of expertise. Learners can read tutor profiles, view feedback from previous students and schedule trial lessons to find a tutor who aligns with their learning preferences.
- Various skill levels
Preply caters to learners of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced students. Whether a person wants to learn the basics of a language or improve his/ her fluency, a tutor suitable can be found for all levels.
- Additional subjects
Apart from language learning, Preply also offers tutors in other subjects like maths, the sciences, test preparation, music and more.
Click here if you would like to find out more about Preply
Conclusion
Platforms and applications tend to evolve over time; as you read this, the information about the above websites may no longer be current, though it is regularly updated, so please do check these websites for yourself and have a look at their latest reviews and features.
Self-study, using a teaching app and having a teacher can all be effective ways to learn a language; it is often a matter of personal preference, learning style and available resources. Some learners thrive in a self-study environment, of which I am one, but it requires drive and motivation and discipline. Many learners benefit from the structure, guidance and accountability that a teacher or professional app provides. In practice, many language learners find a combination of both approaches yields the best results, in a combination of independent learning, which is indispensable, and incorporating regular sessions with a language teacher or app for personalised guidance and speaking practice.
It is my belief and experience that self-study alone can be sufficient to attain a high degree of fluency in a new language, and UK Grammar aims to provide you with comprehensive information to that end. For more on UK Grammar, please read this post. But, in-person conversation and live correction and answers can both greatly accelerate learning and prevent any faults from becoming ingrained unawares.
To your success!
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