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.
Recommended Language Learning Apps for Verbal Learners in 2023
Mondly
If that’s not sufficient enough, each lesson is backed by a native speaker who coaches users on the correct pronunciation of words. Mondly is an affordable language learning app in which students can sign up for a single language or opt for the complete package to access all the languages on offer.
While there’s a free plan available, it’s limited to a single language. Thankfully, Mondly offers a 7-day free trial of its premium subscription, meaning users can try out the service risk free before fully committing to a paid plan.
Busuu
With Busuu’s offline mode, it’s possible to download course content and study on the go. The service makes interaction fun and improves language skills by letting students use the built-in social platform and reach out to native speakers by text or voice message. There’s a free plan that provides limited access to course content, but a 14-day free trial of the paid plan is up for grabs to test out Busuu’s full potential.
Pimsleur
The company offers over 50 language courses, meaning students can learn to their heart’s content. Each program is divided into different levels, not to mention that lessons only last for 30 minutes. Pimsleur gives users access to various interactive games like Speak Easy, which lets learners practice real-world conversation starters.
The platform is easy to use, and audio lessons are available for offline listening as an MP3 download. While language courses can be purchased separately as a digital download on Pimsleur, it makes more sense to subscribe to the monthly subscription that saves money in the long run.
How Do Verbal Learners Learn a New Language?
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.
Best Study Tips for Verbal Learners
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.
Additional Resources for Verbal Language Learners
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”.