Spoken English Software vs Skype English Partner: What is better for you?
If you have been trying to improve Spoken English for some time now, you will be familiar with Spoken English software like Rosetta Stone and Dulingo. In this post, we wanted to discuss a few things to consider when picking a Spoken English software vs. practicing with a Skype English partner.
Do you lack confidence to speak in English?
If you lack confidence to speak in English, what you need most is practice with a Skype English partner. A Skype English partner will not only give you corrections and feedback but will also help you create an environment where you can practice without any fear.
Spoken English Software will not develop your confidence. Spoken English Software will help you learn basic vocabulary and grammar but it will not help you gain fluency. Teaching is about staying flexible to the moment, knowing where to find the resources to fill the student’s needs, and connecting with the student and a speaking partner or a teacher can do this better than a Spoken English software package.
Do you want to be really fluent in English?
Fluency is the root of communication. Without the ability and confidence to output language (write/speak) the student will not be able to communicate their ideas & concepts. With fluency people are able to output, maybe not perfectly, however to a point where the listener or reader will be able to gain the main idea of their communication.
Real English language fluency only comes from continuous practice with native English speakers. It is impossible to be fluent in English by only using Spoken English software. Spoken English software is good if you just want to learn the first 500 words in English or want to learn how to ask for directions etc. To have more advanced communications for business purposes or to pass exams like GRE, GMAT or TOEFL, you need to be able to speak fluent English.
But you need to find the “right” English conversation partner!
If you have an English teacher who corrects every time you make a mistake, you will never learn the art of speaking in English.
A good English speaking partner will balance positive reinforcement & encouragement with knowledgeable correction to accuracy errors. A good English speaking partner will hear out the student first, mistakes and all, understand meaning of it, and then give corrections with comprehensible grammar or vocabulary knowledge. This is the approach that we follow at Spoken English practice.
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Simple correction without reasoning will confuse students and not assist them create their understanding of language. Correction only will reduce fluency of student out of fear & under encouragement. With positive reinforcement, meaningful correction and encouragement students will be able to use their fluency to engage in communication with a background in accuracy to help with critical grammar communication components.
So invest in finding a Conversation Partner who understands that teaching English is not just about grammar corrections and perfect vocabulary.
If you are a beginner, then Spoken English software is helpful
If you are beginner level English learner, Spoken English software is a great way to build your vocabulary. Vocabulary can be very important initially to allow people to build up the confidence required to put together sentences. The introduction of nouns can be improved using pictures and is a fun and interactive way to learn, with adjectives and abstracts more descriptive techniques can be used.
Spoken English software such as Rossetta Stone and Dulingo can help you with this stage.
