Forums > Specific Focus > Learning Spanish

Silence820

Jan 25, 2010, 9:16 PM

Post #1 of 6 (4889 views)

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~~~> School or Tutor?

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I will be in México City soon and would like to learn Spanish. In your opinion, which way is better, school or tutor? And do you have any recommendations for either?
~~The Right Path, Is Your Own Path~~

raferguson

Jan 26, 2010, 4:57 PM

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Re: [Silence820] ~~~> School or Tutor?

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I always recommend tutors, especially if your goal is conversation. I used to be mentally tired after one hour, until I got better. Tutor's worked well for me, I got pretty fluent without living in Spanish speaking country. I used grad students from the university, native Spanish speakers, did not worry which country they were from.

If you price it out, tutors don't cost that much more than classes, and you learn so much more. I think that tutor's are actually cheaper if you figure how much more learning you do with a tutor.

Richard

http://www.fergusonsculpture.com

Silence820

Jan 26, 2010, 5:47 PM

Post #3 of 6 (4862 views)

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Re: [raferguson] ~~~> School or Tutor?

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how much did you pay for your tutor?
~~The Right Path, Is Your Own Path~~

La Isla

Jan 26, 2010, 6:45 PM

Post #4 of 6 (4855 views)

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Re: [Silence820] ~~~> School or Tutor?

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If you decide to go with a tutor, make sure that he or she is a well-trained teacher of Spanish as a Foreign Language and not just a native speaker!

raferguson

Jan 26, 2010, 8:22 PM

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Re: [Silence820] ~~~> School or Tutor?

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A number of years ago, I paid $20 for one hour, in Colorado

My tutors were graduate students, and were already teaching undergraduates their native language, so they had teaching experience. I think that teaching experience of some kind could be important; all my tutors had it.

Richard

http://www.fergusonsculpture.com

sergiogomez / Moderator

Feb 6, 2010, 6:57 PM

Post #6 of 6 (4791 views)

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Re: [Silence820] ~~~> School or Tutor?

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Depends on how you learn best. At a school, even a very good one, you'll probably get less personal attention than you would with a private tutor. You'll also tend to find a lot more activity at a school. By that I mean that other students in the class will be piping up and saying things, and you could meet some good study buddies if there are quick learners in your class. If you get a good private tutor, you'll have more opportunities to think up questions and get them answered right away. If you're more of a social learner, I would say go for the school or a tutor who does group lessons. If you prefer to work on your own, seek out a private tutor.