follow-up suggestion
Hi Andy:
I have just come across the review and comments by Zac Hilliker. They are very sensible. I wrote some similar suggestions some years ago when I was doing Spanish; but they never were put into effect.
Your programme is very successful,so far as it goes. I like the build-up at every stage, and find most of the practice exercises useful. But once one memorises the vocabulary, there is not enough emphasis on using the language for conversation. The exercises and flash cards build slowly from single words, and this is very useful at the beginning, but for conversation one needs quick responses to complex sentences. For this, I find the last exercise most helpful (Repeat the Phrases). I close my eyes and press repeat for each phrase and then try to repeat what was said and then make the translation and where appropriate try to formulate a response. The flash cards are frustrating because so much time and space is given to single words and phrases which are easy; and the flash cards use the same sentences as were in the
exercises.
What I suggested some years ago was that your staff have a festive meeting with lots of drinks; and start with the words/phrases important at every stage and come up with new and original full sentences. Then you could create a new flashcard programme (which you can sell as a supplement) of advanced flashcards consisting only of these complex new sentences. The important thing is to learn the ability to quickly comprehend a complex thought and try to respond to it. From my point of view it is easy to react to single words and phrases, but the more complex the sentence, the harder it gets to remember the beginning by the time I reach the end — and then to format an adequate
response.
I do not know much about programming, but you have the flashcard template. Surely it would not be too difficult to remove the current content and substitute new original complex sentences which can then be separately sold.
Cheers.
Archie
Status:
Open Nov 21, 2018 - 11:57 AM
French, French > Culture