Online language classes for beginners: 8 steps to language learning success

So you’ve decided to learn Spanish at home and not move forward with the Spanish Immersion school of your dreams - yet. Gone are the days where you have to live in a country where your target language is spoken, and although online learning isn't always easy, it doesn’t have to be a drag. It can be an extremely rewarding experience. Here are some tips to make your online experience worth it.

The pandemic has made online learning a staple in almost every home. In-person schools have found themselves pivoting from giving real-live classes to teaching online.  Back in 2020, Na’atik gave its first online classes after having to close down our facilities as a result of the pandemic. It was a steep learning curve for both our teachers and students, but we got used to it. Now, our online classes are a staple of our offerings and they are here to stay.

Along with being convenient and time saving, online classes are also fun! They are a great way to improve your speaking skills while connecting with and learning with people that you might otherwise never meet. Here are some tips to make your classes more enjoyable.

1. Choose a teacher you are compatible with

When you take your Spanish language classes, you don't have to stick to the first teacher you choose. Everybody learns differently, so chances are your learning style will not always be compatible with your Spanish teacher’s teaching style.  Feeling stuck with a teacher you are incompatible with may actually demotivate you and negatively impact your ability to learn. Conversely, a teacher you are compatible with will have you feeling motivated to learn and excited to return to class. At Na'atik, students are given the freedom to choose from a variety of teachers and switch teachers if they need to, so never be afraid to let us know if you would like a change. 

2. Get comfortable

...but don't take your classes from bed. Find a spot in your room or home where you feel comfortable learning and make it your study space. Before settling into your space, do an activity you like such as making warm cocoa before class, or putting on soft ambient music. If you are consistent, these actions become cues that you are ready to learn. Eventually, these cues will be inextricable from your learning process and will  reinforce the habit  of you attending your online Spanish class.

3. Eliminate distractions

Noisy homes and public spaces are unsuitable learning environments for most people. If you have a big family, it can be difficult to keep distractions at bay. Communicate with your family that you'll need some quiet time in order to do your classes, and that you'll need their support and cooperation. 

Your computer could also be a distraction. Try to keep the number of tabs you have open to a minimum. Background noises can be distracting to your teacher and other students, so if it's hard to find a place that is completely free of noise, purchase a pair of noise cancelling headphones.

4. Schedule your classes at an optimal time

If waking up early is a challenge, then it probably isn't a good idea to have morning classes. If you are super lethargic in the evenings, then scheduling classes in the mornings when you are full of energy may be a better idea. Track your habits and choose the time slot that suits you best. Na'atik classes offer a very flexible schedule so even our students from Australia have been pleased with our accommodating schedule. Contact Astrid at astrid@naatikmexico.org and indicate the times you would like to learn and let her help you get all set up.

5. Set goals and objectives for each class

One mistake students often make with online classes is jumping into the experience without planning. Knowing what you hope to get out of your classes, along with the steps you'll need to take to get there is a great start to reaching your goal. Luckily, our Na’atik teachers are able to guide you on what goals are realistic for your level. Having an idea of what your classes would look like will also give you structure. When you set goals, you’ll have an idea of where you started, where you are now, and where you need to go. 

6. Take your classes seriously

Even though you may not be there in person, your online classes are just as real as your in-person classes, so keep attending and participating. Sometimes the ease of attending online classes can make us take them for granted; we might miss class, forget homework, and neglect participation. Try to get your teachers and fellow learners to hold you accountable. Moreover, you are paying for the course so attend regularly and make the most of it!

7. Don't be intimidated, actively participate!

In group classes, it's easy to feel intimidated when you think others are more skilled than you are, but putting yourself on mute is not the answer! Neither is declining to participate with your fellow classmates. Even if you have the worst pronunciation out of all your peers, never despair because the more you interact, you’ll start to notice yourself reaching their level. Also remember that as a paying customer, you have just as much right to the classroom as anyone else. So put yourself out there and speak, it’s the only way to become fluent!

 8. Be adaptable

Sometimes things aren't going to work out as well as we hope, especially when we are dealing with technology. Learning online can mean that experiencing power outages, network issues, audio, and video issues at some point.  These problems are natural in the online learning space. Both teachers and students must be adaptable and extend some grace to one another when these things happen.

Online learning has impacted our local students who miss real-life, in-person interactions with their teachers and fellow students. Will this be the new normal for our English program? We're not sure yet. But what is clear is the sheer adaptability that students display when they have a strong will to learn, even if it has to be online.

Curious about our online classes? Check out Na'atik's online language courses! Our language classes are available through Zoom at a great price. Learn Spanish or Maya with native speakers from Mexico whose techniques will have you feeling confident about your language  skills.