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+--- Thread: How to practice with a Tutor? (/thread-9006.html)
How to practice with a Tutor? - foodcubes - 2012-02-03
After a year and half of study, and thanks to the help on this forum, I'm just now getting to a stage where I can begin practicing actual speaking. I would like to get a tutor so that I can start learning actual production, which was suggested by another forum member to be great for motivation and practical application. But the question remains, what should I practice when we meet up? I saw exercises in a Nakama textbook which looked decent. Should I get a workbook that has lots of exercises that can be done with a tutor? Or go over common dialogue? Or just try to chat?
How to practice with a Tutor? - DevvaR - 2012-02-03
I'd say, just pick a topic and start talking. At first it'll be slow, difficult, you'll make a lot of mistakes and be corrected a lot. But you'll get used to it and improve. I don't think theres a better way to improve "speaking on the spot" other than to start speaking.
How to practice with a Tutor? - nadiatims - 2012-02-03
don't bother with a tutor. Search for a language exchange partner. If they're a good match, then you can become friends or something more, then you get someone you can speak to regularly and get honest feedback from. Seeing a tutor once a week won't actually get you speaking fluently no matter how competent they are.
How to practice with a Tutor? - wccrawford - 2012-02-03
nadiatims Wrote:don't bother with a tutor. Search for a language exchange partner. If they're a good match, then you can become friends or something more, then you get someone you can speak to regularly and get honest feedback from. Seeing a tutor once a week won't actually get you speaking fluently no matter how competent they are.This is what I came to say.
When I started learning Japanese, I had no desire to learn to speak it, and didn't plan on getting a language partner.
At around 2 years, someone on Lang-8 asked to call me on Skype and I agreed, thinking I'd just speak in English and help them, and it would be interesting.
Now, a couple years later, I'm much better at understanding spoken Japanese. (one of my partners forces me to listen lol. The other has no choice, as her English isn't good enough sometimes.) I also find that I sometimes resort to Japanese to explain things because my partners don't have the English vocab necessary for me to explain in English.
I really should speak more, but I still don't have much desire for that.
tl;dr - You should find a language partner. They're free, and well worth the time.
How to practice with a Tutor? - foodcubes - 2012-02-03
Ok, so it looks like I'll be getting a language partner instead. Should I get one on Lang-8, or is there a network to find one? Also, will it have to be online, or is it possible to find one to practice with in person in the US?
How to practice with a Tutor? - rich_f - 2012-02-03
See this thread:
http://forum.koohii.com/showthread.php?tid=8343
How to practice with a Tutor? - AlexandreC - 2012-02-03
Here is the model I've been using with my language partners. I've had a few partners over time, so every exchange may not be perfect, but I've also been meeting with one of my partners every week, or even twice a week at times, for close to 3 years, so finding a good match really pays off.
I really encourage you to try to find someone locally who also wants to practice English. Try to meet weekly, and split the session into even halves. I think an hour each is a minimum (it can take a while to get warmed), but allow some time for the session to last longer, as needed, and try to be as helpful as you can to your partner. I've had sessions that lasted 4-5 hours. In principle, I find that exchanges work best when you are each responsible for your own half, putting the onus on you to prepare that meeting ahead of time.
As for what you do at the meeting, it's up to you, but resist the urge to read during the exchange -- tell a story, talk about an article, a movie, etc., but talk. And always plan a bit more that you will likely have time for; don't just expect to come and chat because it will quickly fall apart.
How to practice with a Tutor? - rich_f - 2012-02-03
I started taking 書道 lessons locally, and when the teacher found out that I spoke Japanese, she was more than happy to teach in Japanese. (Nobody else signed up, so it wasn't a big deal.) She will move into English if there's something I don't understand, but we stick to Japanese for the most part. She's more than happy to correct me, and I'm grateful for the help, and for the practice, since I'm back in the U.S. Sort of a 2 for the price of 1 thing. I love a deal. (I really need the 書道 practice, though.)
So, if there's something cultural-ish around your area that you're interested in that you want to learn, that's another way to get some intensive language practice in and to meet people as well.