When it comes to selecting an English course, you are faced with numerous decisions. Should you study once a week or every day? What type of English should you focus on? Is it better to study alone or with others? With so many options, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. In this article, we will examine one of the most crucial choices: the ideal class size. Read on to discover more.
English Classes
Today, you can find English courses designed for various class sizes. There are classes with over 100 students at universities, medium-sized classes with around 15 people at language schools, and even individual classes. So, how do these options compare, and what can we learn from our own experiences?
The Drawbacks of Large Groups
Many of us have experienced language learning in school, where we were one of 25-30 students. How effective was that for you? Personally, I didn’t learn much because our focus was mainly on grammar and exercises, missing out on valuable opportunities. As an adult, you might have taken a group course with 10-15 people, which may have been more successful. However, you may have encountered difficulties attending fixed classes or felt either bored or confused due to differences in proficiency levels.
Pros and Cons of Learning Alone
To address these issues, some individuals opt for individual lessons with a private tutor. Studying alone certainly offers ample speaking time, but it can be intense and costly. Moreover, learning alone is often less enjoyable, especially for beginners. Others may attempt language learning apps, playing games and doing exercises. While this can be fun initially, it becomes challenging to stay motivated. Additionally, it’s difficult to ensure accurate comprehension and production of the language.
So, what is the ideal solution?
Small Classes
The optimal way to study English is in a small group of 3-4 people. Let’s explore the advantages:
- It’s enjoyable and interesting.
- Your teacher can dedicate ample time to address your needs.
- Your classmates can provide support and motivation.
- You can learn from each other’s mistakes.
- You can celebrate each other’s successes.
Being in a small class offers the best of both worlds. It eliminates the intensity and stress of studying alone while providing sufficient speaking time during lessons. Additionally, listening to your peers is vital as you can learn from their correct usage as well as their mistakes. Small groups offer opportunities for a wide range of communicative activities, such as role-plays, surveys, debates, and games.
By choosing the right class size, you can enhance your English learning experience and make significant progress.
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