Go for private classes or small groups

There is an inverse relation between class size and learning speed. Conversation is essential to learn a language and speaking for more than just a few minutes is almost impossible in large groups. Also, it is difficult to get individual attention in a big class so problems that your teacher can detect in a small group could remain unseen in big ones.

Check lesson frequency

There shouldn’t be too many days in between lessons, because you want to remember concepts from one class to the next. However, there must be enough between them so you have time to consolidate what you were taught. Lessons twice or thrice a week always make sense.

The exception? Intensive courses, where learning is based on immersion and classes need to be packed together.

One- to three-hour lessons

Again, we need a balance. Short lessons seldom let the teacher work on complex subjects. Long classes let us study matters more deeply, but require concentration over extended periods. 

In my experience, lessons should be no shorter than one hour and no longer than three.  I personally prefer 90-minute sessions. Again, excluding intensive courses!

Don’t miss class

Most courses can absorb absenteeism rates of about 25 % because they include revision. However, if you miss more you will get lost and will probably have to drop the lessons. You should only restart when you’re sure you’ll have enough time to attend every class.

Do homework

It sounds old-fashioned, but work at home consolidates knowledge and can only be substituted by revision in class. In the end, it makes sense to study at home because you are not paying a teacher! It will save you money and you’ll learn more for the same price.

Learn Without Spending Too Much

How can I learn without spending too much money?

Take ninety-minute classes in a group of four or five students twice a week; don’t miss more than once a month and work for three weekly additional hours on your own. You’ll go through a whole level in about nine months.

Learn Very Fast

How can I learn quickly?

Apart from immersion programmes–and if money is not a problem–you’ll advance quickly by taking 120-minute private lessons three times a week and working on your own for nine additional hours. You’ll cover a level is about five months.

Read Andrew’s books on business English here: www.andymiles.com