Self Study V Classroom Learning
When setting out on the path to learn Spanish we come to a fork in the road: one way is marked classroom learning and the other is marked self study. There are various pros and cons to both modes of learning Spanish.
With the help of the Internet self-study can be a very useful way to learn Spanish. There are thousands of resources available in Spanish on the Internet that will help you traverse the ins and outs of verbs and grammar. Many sites also offer listening practice audio clips. By utilizing the vast amounts of teaching resources as well as authentic materials such as online newspapers and other Spanish language sites you can really develop your skills independently. Besides the Internet you can purchase Spanish language learning textbooks, which will school in basic conversation, verbs, tenses and all manner of Spanish grammar or audio CDs that can help to develop your listening and pronunciation skills
Other advantages to self study are that it requires very little financial outlay on your behalf and you can fit study in around your other responsibilities when it suits you.
When you start with learning Spanish through self study you should also be aware of some of the pitfalls. Self study can work very well when you are disciplined with your approach. If you are not strict with yourself on the amount of time you invest in learning, then you are likely to put it off and let other things distract you from your goal. When learning through self study there is also the risk that you could learn things incorrectly, which then become entrenched in your brain and can be difficult to undo. This is called fossilization in the teaching world: there are often things that you know are incorrect and yet you cant stop yourself from making the mistake.
There are distinct benefits to learning Spanish by attending classes. If you choose your Spanish class carefully, then your teacher will be a professionally trained expert who knows how language is acquired. They will have a curriculum that paces learning in a logical manner and they will structure classes in a pedagogically sound way. Good Spanish teachers also have a mastery of the language and can correct any errors you make with the language before they become fossilized. By attending classes you will also receive instruction on pronunciation, intonation and the correct rhythm of Spanish.
The downside to attending Spanish classes could be that the class is not at a convenient time for you or is in a tricky location. It could also be that the class size is too big and you find that you do not get the type of attention that you require to really advance in the language. Sometimes the pace of the class can be off for you: that is, the level is either a little too easy or too difficult. If the class is too easy, or going over content that you have already mastered you will be left twiddling your thumbs, but if it is too difficult then you will be frustrated and lost.
In reality the best way to learn Spanish is probably by combining both self study with regular class attendance. Use self study to further your understanding of grammar that was taught in classes and extend your vocabulary. Use classes as a way to develop fluency in conversation and to receive correction. A balanced approach to learning Spanish will have you take the best from each of the delivery methods and negate the less than ideal aspects that sometimes accompany either self study or classes.