Class vs. Self-Learning

[Ryan Mason]

Which is your preferred method? Many people swear by the notion of self-learning, calling it superior to taking classes, but then there are those who can't learn without the aid provided in a classroom environment.

I personally think that a nice combination of both works best for me. I'm to take a French course starting in August and then I'll just take what I learn and expand upon it on my own time. That way, I get a nice structured method of learning in which I'm held accountable and I get to have some sense of freedom.

Enough about me. What are your thoughts about all of this?

[Caroline Cooper]

I'm doing the same thing :) I've got an English class at school and I'll take courses in an English school in September.I haven't got a Freshman level,I've got a senior one,thanks to the internet,I found penpals (like Ryan lol) and others! It helps me to improve my English,just in speaking so that's really different to courses you could have.I also make exercises in a book I've bought and I read Shakespeare and Steinbeck book's in English (the easier version).I love watching TV Shows and movies in English and translating English songs.

Je fais la même chose :) J'ai des cours d'Anglais à l'école et je vais prendre des cours dans une école de langues (enfin c'est plus une école de formation lol) en Septembre.Je n'ai pas le niveau de 3ème,je suis beaucoup plus avancée pour mon âge.Grâce au web j'ai trouvé des correspondants (comme Ryan lol) et plein d'autres!ça m'aide à améliorer mon Anglais,juste en parlant c'est vraiment différent que de suivre des cours.Je fais aussi des exercices dans un livre que j'ai acheté et je lis des livres de Shakespeare et de Steinbeck en Anglais (la version plus facile).J'aime regarder des séries Tv et des films en Anglais et traduire des chansons.

[Yvette Lessard]

I think a mix is best. Self-initiated learning with a tutor. Personally, I'm slowly teaching myself at my own pace (not throwing too much at myself at once, like Japanese class did to me) while my Belgian boyfriend tutors me and keeps me on course.