As a teacher, I’d recommend using language apps as supplementary tools on your language-learning journey. According to The Conversation, 70 million people have already signed up to use the app Duolingo in the hopes of expanding their communicative abilities. From Busuu to Babbel, there are dozens of language-learning apps to help people learn a second language.
As a second language Spanish student, I use both Duolingo and Babbel. I find them useful to increase my vocabulary and gain a general understanding of what the language sounds like i.e. the modulation and structure of words. But, I’ve come to realize nothing replaces face-to-face learning.
While people learn better when entertained and lessons are fun, it’s important for learners to understand why languages operate the way they do. Students learn best when the material is applicable to real-life. One is more likely to retain knowledge when attempting to converse with others than mulling over a dull textbook.
It’s great to know what ‘Sally likes apples.’ means, but what’s the use if you don’t know to use the word ‘like’ in other contexts?
Duolingo, for example, is designed like a game. It’s easy to track your progress and you’re awarded lingots (points) the more you practice. However, while repetition is somewhat effective for learning, it can result in one memorizing sentences to reach the next level without understanding how to apply the underlying grammar structures to different real-life scenarios.
Language apps are a wonderful resource - rich in vocabulary and grammatical structures - and, they’re exceptionally convenient. You can study in the metro, waiting for the bus or from the comfort of your couch at home.
If you’d really like to hone your English, then book a free lesson with me and experience the difference when communicating in person!