There are many types of students out there and each one has a different learning method. The VARK model consists of four main types of learning styles: visual, auditory, reading and writing, and kinesthetic.
Visual learners use their sight to absorb information as opposed to auditory students who use their sense of hearing. There are also reading and writing learners who retain information by taking down notes, while kinesthetic students use physical movement to learn something new.
However, another style that incorporates both written and spoken words also exists: verbal or linguistic learning. Students who use this technique find it easier to express themselves when speaking and writing, which often makes them good public speakers. When choosing a language learning app, it’s important for verbal learners to pick one that matches the way they take in information. Apps that display and repeat common words and phrases are effective tools for linguistic learning.
Launched in Romania back in 2013, Mondly is a language learning app that offers a more engaging way to learn a new language than studying flashcards. Instead of focusing on individual words, Mondly teaches you commonly used phrases that allow you to learn new vocabulary and memorize sentences. Moreover, all exercises are backed up by a native speaker, enabling you to listen (and repeat) words with the correct pronunciation. There are speaking exercises available too, where the app takes advantage of speech recognition to tell you whether your pronunciation is correct or not. With over 40 language courses, there’s a lot to learn with Mondly, and due to the company’s recurrent promotions, you can get access to all of them for as low as $4 per month. You can also try the app’s premium version through the 7-day free trial.
Used by millions, Busuu is a well-known and well-loved language-learning application. Based in the UK, this platform ensures an engaging experience by providing a decent variety of exercises. There are 12 courses available, and all of them are built taking into consideration the language’s and country’s cultural aspects. In other words, besides teaching vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, Busuu also provides hints on how to properly behave when speaking with the natives. What’s more, Busuu offers a limited free plan that you can use forever. That being said, a paid subscription is necessary to have access to Busuu’s full potential, such as the ability to interact with other people using the app. The price can be as low as $5.41 per month, and there’s a 14-day money-back guarantee to test the premium plans.
Pimsleur was one of the first self-instructional language learning courses to hit the market. Back in 1963, Dr. Paul Pimsleur released his very first reel-to-reel tape with a Modern Greek course. Nowadays, Pimsleur offers programs for more than 50 languages. Though the time of reel-to-reel tapes is long gone, there is one thing that Pimsleur maintained: the Pimsleur method. By combining graduated interval recall, the principle of anticipation, core vocabulary, and organic learning, Pimsleur helps people speak a language in no time. It’s possible to get the various learning language courses by purchasing each level of the program, or by subscribing to a monthly billing cycle that provides full access. Either way, unless you get the CD version it’s possible to use the software both on desktop and mobile, or to download the lessons in MP3 format for offline use.
Verbal learners are fascinated with words and enjoy learning through a language, which is why vocabulary and expressions stick to them like glue. When navigating a new language, verbal students benefit from writing down notes and reading them out loud. Having one-on-one sessions with a language instructor also aids in understanding how different words and sounds are pronounced, while group sessions are a good opportunity to practice speaking the language and interact with native speakers.
Although some verbal learners prefer face-to-face learning, there are those who appreciate the convenience of using language learning apps that break down information into smaller, more manageable chunks.
These apps also feature audio recordings from native speakers that students can listen to over and over, not to mention that there are activities like spaced repetition to help recall words and phrases using digital flashcards. Moreover, language apps allow for digital downloads that give students access to learning materials when out and about without the need for an active internet connection.
Completing writing and reading exercises helps verbal learners retain information more easily. To quickly digest and absorb new material, students can go through their notes with a classmate and exchange ideas. Preparing cue cards is also beneficial, not to mention that they can record themselves reading their notes and listen to it during study time.
In addition, verbal learners can utilize mnemonic techniques to retain information for a long time. Coming up with acronyms is an effective way to remember lists, such as MRS GREEN for characteristics of living things and PEMDAS for mathematical operations. Students can also make up memorable sentences like “My Very Elderly Mother Just Sat Upon a New Pin” to remember ordered lists and rhymes like “I before E, except after C” to recall grammatical rules. But that’s not all, composing catchy mnemonic songs like the rainbow song can also help verbal learners memorize new words.
Moreover, language learning apps that include personalized study plans can help students set goals within a realistic time frame. But to see how close you are to your foreign language learning goals, apps that provide progress tests are the way to go. Finally, it’s worth trying out apps with interactive games that let users put what they learn into practice while having some fun.
Learning can be enjoyable if the right method is applied. Aside from using a language learning app, verbal learners can benefit from reading books out loud, as it helps with comprehension and developing new vocabulary. Watching movies and series with subtitles on is also a great way to improve language skills. By doing so, students can associate words with sounds better and perfect pronunciation.
Listening to music while reading the lyrics can also have that effect on verbal learners, so music streaming services that provide synced lyrics would be handy to have. Finally, language learning software with interactive games like Quick Match and Speed Round that test new vocabulary can help students learn in a relaxed and fun environment.
Verbal learners aren’t short of resources when it comes to ways of picking up a new language. But to find out which one suits you the best, it’s worth giving all the options a try. As the saying goes, “You’ll never know unless you try”.
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