The Best Route to French Proficiency: Private Lessons vs. Group Classes

Learning a new language is something that almost all of us have considered at some point in life. Getting started with it is an enriching and stimulating journey with many challenges ahead. French is one of the most popular choices due to its widespread usage. When starting this adventure, one of the very first decisions to consider is whether to do it on a private basis or in a group class. Both approaches come with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Therefore before making a decision it is important to understand them well.

Personalized attention in private French lessons. @@@@@p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal,

As obvious as it may sound, private lessons offer a personalized attention during your learning process. This is very important because it will enable you to learn at your own pace, meaning you will not get lost in class if you are a slow learner and you will be able to progress much faster if you are a quick learner. Moreover, each individual has different skills and whilst some people might have difficulties understanding grammar, others may struggle with listening or speaking. Another obvious advantage is that you will be able to take lessons at your preferred time and frequency to match your lifestyle and learning speed expectations.

Learning at your own speed is essential to assimilate the contents and learning how to use them. Very often students go through some content only to observe after that they are incapable to use it in context when the time comes. Additionally students will be able to put more focus on certain topics that are more relevant for them live business or travel.

One final very important advantage is your capacity to engage in more meaningful conversations with your teacher. This interaction will become crucial to develop your conversational fluency. The most common problem in group classes is that students will not get many chances to practice real conversations with a native speaker, which at the end of the day is one of the main objectives of learning a foreign language.

Good for socializing: Group Classes

The main advantage of group classes is that students will get the chance to socialize with other people. This is especially useful for students taking the learning process as a chill relaxing hobby regardless of the outcome. Learning with others can be fun if your goal is to slowly learn the language as a long term process rather than a short one.

Group classes will also cost less, so for students on a tight budget often the only choice is going for group lessons. It can be a very good value for money if you consider the whole pack of learning a new skill plus socializing. It is very important though to have a good instructor following a well-structured curriculum.

Another difference is the systematic approach to learning. Such classes follow a curriculum which cannot be adapted the student needs giving less flexibility but a clear structure at the same time. Some students find the sense of progression going through different levels satisfying and something to be proud of.

Factors to consider

When deciding between private lessons and big group classes for learning French students should consider the following:

1. Learning goals: Are you looking to become fluent within a specific time-frame? Do you have specific immediate goals like a work trip or a holiday? Private lessons will definitely be a better choice for long term fluency.
2. Learning style: Do you prefer big group social interactions? Or do you thrive more in one on one sessions? Your personal style should be considered.
3. Budget: What is your current financial situation? Private lessons provide a more personalized attention but the cost will be higher.
4. Time constraints: Do you have a busy schedule? Or your timing is flexible?
5. Motivation: Which setting do you think can keep you personally more motivated?
6. Availability of resources: Take into consideration the resources provided in both set ups so that you can also do self-learning when you are not with the instructor.

Finding the Right Balance

In reality you don’t have to settle for one approach. If you want to quick start your learning process you could go with private lessons first and later on switch to group classes. If your top priority is socializing you could first go for group classes and later switch to private learning. Some people that consider themselves slow learners might opt for a group + private lesson approach which also works well.

Ultimately the choice between one or another comes down to personal preferences, goals and resources. It is essential to stay committed to the learning process if you really want to learn the language so you should find whatever keeps you engaged and motivated.

Learning French is a motivating activity and if you know yourself well and what usually works best for you, definitely you will achieve your objectives. The French language will open you a new world of opportunities. The most important thing is to push your boundaries and enjoy the journey, bonne chance!

David Cornadó Musté is a French and Spanish teacher with more than 15 years of teaching experience in Singapore and Hong Kong.