Phase 1 consists of your choice of one of our excellent online Second Language Acquisition courses. While the timeline can be flexible according to your availability, some participants have taken it in three weeks (about 15-20 hrs per week), six weeks (about 15-20 hrs per week), or 12 weeks (about 7-10 hours per week). Here are some of the key topics we address in all of our courses:
- phonetics/pronunciation of your target language (10-12 hours, with 7 individual video call meetings)
- understanding the language learning process
- strategies for becoming a better language learner
- working one-on-one with language helpers
- making good audio recordings and using them effectively
- addressing issues such as confidence, anxiety, and motivation
- setting realistic goals and planning learning experiences
- developing listening and speaking skills, including good pronunciation
- learning grammar and vocabulary
- drawing upon multiple resources (e.g., courses, tutors, helpers, community)
- dealing with individual areas or issues that may slow down your learning
Most of the work is done online using Moodle and you also meet individually via video with an instructor two or three times each week. In addition, you may work with a language helper who is either a native speaker of your target language or another language (optional for pre-field learners, required for on-field learners, and depends on the SLA course selected).
