lANGUAGE SCHOOLS
Aims and time frame / What do you want to achieve in what time?
As a rule of the thumb, courses held once or twice per week are good if you are looking for mid- to long-term regular lessons. Intensive daily courses are more suitable if you would like fast progress and goal-oriented learning. In private tuition lessons, the teacher can completely focus on your needs.
The cost.
Courses at state-run schools are cheaper but private schools offer more tailor-made courses. A good way of comparing prices is to calculate the cost per hour.
Quality of advice.
Does the school take the time to grade you and offer advice? Are your needs assessed? Is it possible to have a free, no-obligation trial lesson?
The teacher.
What qualifications and experience does the teacher have? It is normally better to have lessons from a native speaker, but teaching skills are also important.
A change of teacher.
It is important to ask whether the same teacher will hold the entire course or whether it might be a different one each lesson. A change of teacher is an advantage in intensive/daily courses, but it is better to have the same teacher for weekly courses.
Class size.
A small group of 2 to 6 students is ideal. If the group is larger, it is important that it is a homogenous group, i.e. that all participants have similar background knowledge and goals.
Teaching methods.
Some language schools use role plays and multimedia in their lessons. Think about what your individual learning style is and what methods appeal to you.
Practice makes perfect.
Regardless of the type and style of course you choose, take the opportunity to practice your foreign language skills outside the classroom as much as possible.
Goethe Institut
Hühnerposten1, 20097 Hamburg, Tel: 040 2385430, hamburg@goethe.de