acquiring_a_language

• Betrouwbare internetverbinding: Ensure you have access to a stable and high-speed internet connection to facilitate seamless online learning.
• Apparaat: Utilize a computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone with updated hardware and software to support online courses and learning platforms.
• Hoofdtelefoon en microfoon: Invest in a good pair of headphones with a built-in microphone for clear communication during virtual classes or discussions.
• Webcam: Zorg ervoor dat uw apparaat een werkende webcam heeft voor video-interacties.
• Tools voor notities: Have digital or physical tools for note-taking, depending on your preference.
• Study Space: Set up a quiet and organized study space conducive to concentration and learning. Minimize distractions to enhance your focus.
• Software and Applications: Install Skype and Zoom following those links https://www.skype.com/en/get-skype/ and https://zoom.us/download.

Online classes are conducted through digital platforms that facilitate virtual communication and collaboration. In our school we mainly use Skype, Zoom and our own communicational tools. Our online classes share following features:

- Learning Management Systems (LMS): Many online courses and institutions use Learning Management Systems. These platforms serve as a centralized hub for course materials, assignments, discussions, and assessments.

- Video Conferencing: Live classes often involve video conferencing tools like Skype, Zoom, or other similar platforms. In these sessions, instructors and students can see and interact with each other in real time.

- Asynchronous Content: In addition to live sessions, online classes we include pre-recorded lectures, instructional videos, and multimedia content. Students can access these materials at their own pace, allowing for flexibility in learning.

- Assignments and Assessments: Assignments, quizzes, and exams are typically submitted and graded online. Online assessment tools ensure that students can be evaluated fairly and securely.

- Document Sharing: Online classes involve the sharing of documents and resources. This can include uploading assignments, sharing links to relevant articles, and collaborating on documents.

It's important for students to have a reliable internet connection, appropriate hardware (computer, tablet, or smartphone), and any necessary software for participating in online classes.

The choice is yours. Opting for individual study entails one-on-one lessons with a teacher, where you are the sole participant. On the other hand, group study involves small gatherings of 2-4 people.

It is your prerogative to select the method that best suits your learning preferences. Some students find individual lessons preferable, while others thrive in group settings. In an individual lesson, the teacher can dedicate more time exclusively to you, fostering direct communication. Group lessons, however, involve learning alongside peers in a more competitive and social environment.

Group and individual study represent two distinct approaches to learning, each with its own set of advantages and challenges. Here's a breakdown of the key differences between them:

Group Study:

A. Social Interaction: - Pros: Group study provides opportunities for social interaction, collaboration, and peer support. - Cons: It may be prone to distractions, and group dynamics can vary, affecting the overall learning environment.

B. Diverse Perspectives: - Pros: Different individuals bring diverse perspectives, insights, and knowledge to the study session. - Cons: Conflicting schedules and varying levels of commitment among group members can pose challenges.

C. Motivation and Accountability: - Pros: Group members can motivate and hold each other accountable, fostering a sense of shared responsibility. - Cons: Some members may rely too much on others, leading to uneven contributions.

D. Efficiency in Learning: - Pros: Group discussions can enhance understanding through shared explanations and clarifications. - Cons: Discussions may sometimes veer off-topic, impacting the efficiency of the study session.

E. Learning Styles: - Pros: Group study accommodates different learning styles, as individuals can benefit from collaborative activities. - Cons: Group sessions may not cater to the specific needs of each member, especially if there's a wide range of proficiency levels.

Individual Study:

A. Focused Attention: - Pros: Individual study allows for undivided attention to the material, promoting deep concentration and understanding. - Cons: It may lack the dynamic exchange of ideas present in group settings.

B. Customized Pace: - Pros: Individuals can set their own pace, spending more time on challenging concepts or moving quickly through familiar material. - Cons: There may be a lack of external motivation, and individuals might struggle without the support of peers.

C. Flexibility: - Pros: Flexibility in scheduling and study environment enables learners to adapt to personal preferences. - Cons: Solitary study may lead to feelings of isolation or a lack of motivation for some individuals.

D. Tailored Learning Approach: - Pros: Individuals can choose study methods that suit their learning preferences, such as visual aids, self-assessment, or hands-on activities. - Cons: It may miss out on the collaborative learning experience and shared insights present in group settings.

E. Personalized Feedback: - Pros: Immediate and personalized feedback can be obtained through self-assessment or instructor feedback. - Cons: There might be a lack of diverse perspectives and insights that come from interactions with others.

Ultimately, the choice between group and individual study depends on personal preferences, learning styles, and the specific goals of the learner. Many individuals find a combination of both approaches beneficial, depending on the subject matter and their own learning needs.

We offer lessons of varying durations to cater to different age groups and learning preferences. For toddlers and infants, as well as children under 8 years old, we recommend 30- and 45-minute lessons. These shorter durations help prevent exhaustion and maintain attention during the learning process. For the majority of students, 60-minute lessons are both common and recommended. This duration is considered optimal, allowing for focused study, as well as sufficient time for learning and practicing language materials. Additionally, we provide 90-minute lessons for those who prefer an intense learning mode and wish to fully immerse themselves in language acquisition.

The timeline for becoming proficient in speaking a foreign language can vary widely depending on several factors. Here are some key considerations:

- Learning Environment: Immersive environments, where you have frequent opportunities to use the language, often lead to quicker progress. If you're living in a country where the language is spoken, you may start speaking sooner.
- Studietijd: De hoeveelheid tijd die je elke dag of week besteedt aan het leren van een taal is cruciaal. Regelmatig en consequent oefenen is effectiever dan sporadische, intensieve studiesessies. We raden je aan om ten minste 2-3 lessen per week te volgen.
- Complexiteit van de taal: De moeilijkheidsgraad van de taal zelf kan invloed hebben op hoe snel je de taal kunt spreken. Sommige talen hebben overeenkomsten met je moedertaal, waardoor ze makkelijker te leren zijn, terwijl andere talen meer uitdagingen kunnen bieden.
- Voorafgaande taalervaring: Als je al een taal spreekt die lijkt op de taal die je aan het leren bent, kun je de taal sneller oppikken. Bovendien kunnen mensen die ervaring hebben met het leren van talen zich sneller aanpassen aan nieuwe taalkundige uitdagingen.
- Motivatie en betrokkenheid: Uw mate van interesse en motivatie om de taal te leren kan uw vooruitgang aanzienlijk beïnvloeden. Door je te verdiepen in de cultuur, specifieke doelen te stellen en leuke manieren te vinden om te oefenen, kun je je motivatie vergroten. Tijdens de lessen op onze school doen we er alles aan om onze studenten te motiveren. Al ons lesmateriaal is ontworpen om je bij het leerproces te betrekken, zodat je zo snel mogelijk zult beginnen met spreken.
- Kwaliteit van leermiddelen: De doeltreffendheid van de leermiddelen en methoden die je gebruikt, speelt een rol. We bieden onze studenten bronnen en materialen van hoge kwaliteit die het leerproces versnellen.


Over het algemeen bereiken de meeste studenten die op onze school studeren basisvaardigheden in een gesprek binnen 2-3 maanden van consistente inspanning, om echt vaardig te worden in een vreemde taal duurt vaak 2-3 jaar. Het is belangrijk om realistische verwachtingen te hebben, onderweg kleine overwinningen te vieren, volhardend te zijn en te genieten van de reis van het leren van een taal. Regelmatige lessen op onze school, blootstelling en een positieve instelling zijn de belangrijkste factoren voor succes.