Why a real teacher is better than an App
There are some really great Language Learning Apps available to us today. We have access to almost everything, from free apps that teach you vocabulary to paid apps that teach you how to read and listen to a new language. They’re all amazing!
Just like other skills, learning a new language is not a one-size fits all approach. Mastering English requires proficiency in four language aspects: Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. Each step requires different skills, and we all prioritise them differently. We also have unique hobbies and interests that help us learn new languages. It’s a lot easier to read about something that you like, than it is to read about something you know you will never use!
All these things need to be considered when taking a language course. It’s important that the course is tailored to your specific needs. Having a real teacher in one-on-one lessons, or even in group lessons, will give you the opportunity to customise your learning.
Here are other reasons why having a real teacher is worth it:
Convenience. Apps can be used literally any time and anywhere (even on the train!), but you can schedule private lessons to suit your timetable. You can also do online lessons from the comfort of your own home.
Self-paced learning. Apps and videos let you go through the work at your own speed, but real-life teachers can adapt the lessons to your pace and give extra attention to areas where you struggle.
Gamification. Some apps feel more like a game than a lesson, which is amazing! That’s why real-life teachers spend a lot of time planning lessons that are fun AND engaging.
Personal interaction. Apps lack personal interaction. They fail to include the small-talk, genuine interest and laughter of real-life conversations that real teachers can provide.
Generic Content: Language apps may not tailor content to your interests. They just teach you general vocabulary and sentences that you should know. A real teacher can create customised lessons based on your interests, hobbies, and goals.
Accountability. Apps can send reminders to do your lesson, but let’s be honest, often we just swipe it away and forget to complete our lesson for the day. Real life teachers act as accountability partners, because we are more likely to follow through with a commitment when there is someone else relying on us to do our part.
Apps are convenient, and can be used anytime, anywhere. Online teaching is just as convenient, with the only difference being that you have an accountability partner—your teacher!
You can go through the work at your own speed when you use an app, and redo lessons that you want to excel in, but real-life teachers can adapt the lessons to your pace and give extra attention to areas where you struggle. We are more in-tune to what you need to focus on, and can change the lesson plan accordingly. We can listen to your needs and provide feedback on your learning, while reinforcing concepts you may struggle with.
Many language learning apps feel more like a game than a lesson, which can be a lot of fun, but it can also become more challenging to learn if your focus is on the game aspects of the lesson. You can earn points for getting words right, but often this becomes the goal instead of learning. The learning process should be fun, and it should keep your attention, but the point of the game shouldn’t be to win, it should be to learn. As real teachers, we can take a game and make a lesson fun, while maintaining focus on the language learning goal of the game.
Apps are exactly what they sound like. They lack personal interaction. Real teachers can provide ways of speaking that apps cannot grasp. Yes, there are some apps that include small-talk tips, and online videos that show you how to ask, ‘What’s the weather like?’ but real teachers can have real conversations. We can ask genuine questions and take your listening and speaking skills to a whole new level.
Real teachers ask questions like: Are you learning English for a holiday? For work? For an exchange program at school? We use these questions and adapt lessons to your specific learning needs, ensuring a productive and efficient learning journey.
We mentioned before that your teacher is your accountability partner. In a world where we get busy and forget about small things so easily, it’s important to have someone you can rely on to be there at the same time every week. Without external accountability, staying committed to learning through apps can be challenging.
While language learning apps have their benefits, learning with The Village Tutor offers significant advantages.
The Village Tutor offers English Lessons with real teacher who provide personalised attention, external motivation and meaningful human interaction. Our qualified teachers are dedicated to helping you achieve your language goals, ensuring a well-rounded and enriching language learning experience.
We’re not telling you to stop using apps, we’re just saying, they’re not your only option!
Happy learning!
