All second or third language learners recognize the importance of having the help we need to improve our skills in the language we are learning. So when studying and practicing on our own no longer works, the question arises as to which option is best to continue our practice and continue to get results: studying with a group, with a one-on-one tutor, or with a native speaker friend.
In this post, we are going to analyze the three options with their benefits and cons so that you have a better idea of which option is better for you. Remember that if you want to achieve something fast and high quality it can be more expensive; if you want something fast and cheap, the quality will be low; and if you want something high quality and cheap it will take you more time to achieve it. Everything will depend on the resources you have, how much money you want and can spend, how much time you have available, and what results you want to achieve.
Group classes: average time, average cost, high quality
We have all had experience studying in groups of 20 or more students at school and even university and we know that the teacher’s attention, and even our own, is dispersed among all the people in the group. Also, many people have problems with motivation since most of the time only the teacher speaks and their opportunity to participate is quite limited.
However, by studying a language in group classes we can get more reciprocity since we have the teacher but also other students who can help us improve our oral production and written comprehension skills. Although learning in a classroom with a group will not be fast, it is much better than studying on your own.
One-on-one tutoring: Short time, high cost, high quality
The cost of private or personalized lessons is the highest since you are the only one who must pay for the teacher’s fees. However, this type of interaction is also the most effective and fastest as you get direct reciprocity with the teacher.
During the classes you can focus on your weaknesses and work much longer on them, as well as continue to improve your strengths and move forward with topics that require much more attention and practice. Having personalized classes can also be an excellent complement to practice what you have learned in your group classes if you have the opportunity and resources to do so.
Exchange classes with a native speaker friend: average time, low cost, average quality
Now, by having a native speaker friend with whom you have decided to have a language exchange, instead of saving and having to exchange money for lessons you will be exchanging your time. With this type of encounter you can have reciprocity to improve your skills but you will also have to use more of your time to help this friend with their language skills in the language that you can offer.
The best thing about this exchange is that you have the opportunity to meet people and create wonderful friendships that can last a lifetime. Plus, this person should have similar goals to yours and will help you stay focused. And as a bonus, it’s something you can start doing now, there’s no need to wait.
We hope that this comparison between some different ways to learn Spanish can help you decide which option is the best for you. This way you can start or continue your learning process and achieve your goals!
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