The only 2 ways to learn a language

Pick the path that appeals the most to you

There are two broad approaches to learning a language.

Each has its pros and cons:

1. Chart your own course

2. Follow the lead of a premium tutor (not just any tutor)

If you're unsure which path to take after reading this article, I can help. Simply fill out this brief Google Form, and I'll reach out to assist you in selecting the best strategy based on your goals, budget, and learning preferences.

Let’s explore the two possible options!

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Option 1: Chart your own course

In other words, become an independent learner. Independent learners use a mixture of resources to create a customized learning experience. It’s the most flexible and personalized way to learn.

Here are some of the resources independent learners use.

• Apps

• Podcasts

• YouTube

• Social media

• Textbooks and workbooks

• Language lessons (private or group)

Of course, this is not an exhaustive list. The most important key to success for independent learners is to avoid relying only on one resource.

Don’t rely only on an app.

Don’t rely only on a textbook.

Don’t rely only on classes.

Instead, use a variety of resources and learning methods. Experiment and see what works best for you. For example, I learned Spanish by taking classes, traveling abroad, and speaking with native speakers. This approach worked well for me at the time (though, interestingly, my learning style has evolved since then).

It’s worth noting that independent learners tend to be inconsistent.

Other life priorities often interfere and motivation fluctuates. Additionally, many independent learners face challenges due to a lack of knowledge about language acquisition and general learning strategies. Examples include, but are not limited to:

Language acquisition knowledge (definitely not an exhaustive list):

• Overloading on resources is a recipe for disaster

• Learning should be contextual to maximize its effectiveness

• Streaks on an app do NOT correlate well to real-world progress

• Reading and listening, to a large degree, facilitate fluent speaking

General learning strategies (definitely not an exhaustive list either):

• Self-discipline

• Time management

• Managing distractions

• Effective note-taking

These obstacles can, of course, be overcome with persistence and focus; qualities that anyone working towards fluency on their own can cultivate.

However…

If you'd prefer to bypass the greatest number of hurdles and enjoy a clear path to fluency from the beginning, working with a premium tutor is the best option.

Let’s dive deeper into what this looks like.

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Option 2: Follow the lead of a premium tutor

To better understand how a premium tutor fits into your learning journey, it’s helpful to know the different levels of tutors available:

• Level 1: Inexperienced

  • Ideal as a supplementary element in an independent study plan

• Level 2: Mid-range

  • Ideal as a structured core of a a study plan, complemented by other independent learning strategies and resources

• Level 3: Premium

  • Ideal as the primary driver of your learning journey, offering the fastest and most reliable path to fluency

Here’s a more detailed description of each tutor level.

Level 1: Inexperienced tutors

Hallmark characteristics: Friendly, enthusiastic, no formal training.

Price point: Below average (sometimes even free).

Summary: Inexperienced tutors won’t lead you to fluency. Consider lessons with them as one element in a broader independent study plan.

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Inexperienced tutors are friendly, supportive, and enthusiastic. They’re often native speakers who teach as a side gig or are early in their teaching journey. As a result, these tutors tend to lack confidence and have limited skill in their craft.

Level 2: Mid-range tutors

Hallmark characteristics: Teaching certifications, years of experience, structured lessons, adherence to industry standards, professional demeanour, reliability.

Price point: Average to slightly above-average.

Summary: Mid-range tutors won’t lead you to fluency. Consider lessons with them as the structured core of a study plan, complemented by other independent learning strategies and resources.

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Mid-range tutors are a solid choice. They are both warm and competent, professional yet approachable, structured yet flexible. With certifications and years of experience, these tutors demonstrate reliability and a strong commitment to teaching.

Here’s where mid-range tutors still fall short:

• Overly formulaic teaching approach

• Lack of a deep, detailed mastery of their craft

• Teaching skills have hit a plateau or remained stagnant

• Insufficient or ineffective homework that doesn’t facilitate rapid progress between lessons

• Limited ability to:

  • Simplify complex topics, often resorting to jargon or vague advice like, “Keep practicing and you’ll get it.”

  • Address the underlying causes of students’ challenges

  • Define and communicate expected progress within a given time frame

  • Set and hold clear expectations

Ultimately, while mid-range tutors are technically skilled and personable, they often struggle to help students overcome mental blocks and inspire the breakthroughs needed for reliable and efficient progress.

Level 3: Premium tutors

Hallmark characteristics: Know their worth, multilingual, deep and authentic passion, profound specialized knowledge, effortless confidence (but not arrogance), highly innovative, obsession with excellence in their craft, constant learners, uncover insights others miss, WOW their students with results

Price point: Premium

Summary: Premium tutors will lead you to fluency. With a premium tutor, you gain peace of mind. They confidently take the lead in your learning journey, offering the expertise, passion, and personalized support necessary to help you efficiently achieve your language goals

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Premium tutors bring a deep level of expertise and mastery that ensures every detail is covered, leading to faster progress and a seamless learning experience. Furthermore, they excel in soft skills such as reliability, communication, professionalism, and the ability to connect effectively with students. In short, premium tutors create a smooth experience where everything just flows.

Premium tutors also provide these advantages:

• Fast and reliable pathway to fluency

• Often more cost-effective in the long run compared to mid-range tutors, as they help you achieve significantly faster progress in fewer lessons

• Meticulous attention to detail, noticing important subtleties others overlook

• Expertise in identifying and addressing the root causes of students’ challenges

• Innovative approaches to tackling unique learning obstacles

• Skilled at overcoming mental blocks and unlocking untapped potential

• Facilitate rapid progress and breakthroughs moments

• Simplify complex concepts into digestible explanations

• Define and communicate expected progress within a given time frame

• Set and hold clear, supportive expectations that motivate students

• Lifelong learners and continuously refining their skills, despite already possessing a deep level of expertise

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Summary of the two pathways to fluency

On the journey to fluency, you have two pathways to choose from: charting your own course as an independent learner or following the guidance of a premium tutor. Being an independent learner offers flexibility and personalization, but also comes with challenges such as:

• Maintaining motivation

• Developing the necessary learning skills

• Navigating life’s interruptions

On the other hand, working with a premium tutor provides an efficient, seamless, and reliable path to fluency. They remove most of the barriers to fluency, help you stay motivated, and provide unparalleled expert instruction.

Both options are viable - it all comes down to which approach suits you best.

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Unsure which path to choose?

I can help you figure out the best strategy based on your goals, budget, and learning preferences. Fill out this short Google Form and I’ll be in touch!