Do I have options?
If you're looking into learning the Dutch language, there are some options out there – from pick-up-and-play apps like Busuu to group classes and language exchanges set up on social apps like Tandem. While these methods can be useful for language learners, they'll never have the unique benefits of having a one-on-one tutor online. I'm not talking about a self-proclaimed tutor, a 'stroopwafel-tutor'; an individual tutoring Dutch just because being native or having Dutch cookies in the pantry. A tutor is an experienced professional that takes you underneath their wing and coaches you toward your goals. They track your progress and adjust to it, and you can never be compared to another learner.
Let's dive into the main benefits of going with a tutor to learn a language.
One-On-One Dutch classes are tailored. To you! Cliché alert! You are unique! Well, that's not entirely true. There are seven learning styles, and you'll use one to learn Dutch, or any foreign language matter of fact. Do you like to see and hear Dutch at the same time? Do you want to speak as much as possible right from the beginning? Group teachers mix styles, so everybody's accounted for. A good tutor examines your learning style and tailors the lessons to your individual learning style. On top of that, they customize the syllabus to your level. Maybe you speak zero Dutch and have to start from scratch. Or, good for you, you want to refine your business presentation skills. Whatever it may be, your tutor will base and adapt the sessions to it. And you'll get closer to mastering Dutch quicker.
Talking about interaction with an individual Dutch tutor I'm not going to bash standard group classes. It's a great thing to speak Dutch with another beginner. Will you naturally speak more in the target language? It's a question worth asking. With a tutor, you'll speak Dutch with real conversations in an authentic context. But why not do this with your Dutch auntie or colleague? Do it! But there's one vital difference – correction. Even though your auntie might be extremely well equipped to correct you, a tutor-student setting is set-up to provide a confidence-nurturing environment and correction is always geared towards your success.
Better pronunciation practice with your Dutch tutor Messing up the pronunciation of 'huur' or 'hoer' might upset a few people. With greater interaction comes greater opportunity to shake off these errors – something that would be a lot harder to do by yourself. Do you think you'll speak Dutch with an American accent? Nothing wrong with that. Mingling Dutch with your native accent might be one of your biggest charms, however pronunciation does become an issue if it interferes with what you're trying to say. The example above is a classic in Dutch – but it's not limited to the Dutch language. Spanish learners should watch out to pronounce ñ when wishing people a happy New Year (Feliz año nuevo). If not, they might end up saying 'Feliz ano nuevo' which means Happy New Anus. A private Dutch tutor will help you identify mispronunciation, and the most skilled tutors know from experience which errors are most likely to happen based on your own native tongue. These professional language tutors know how to find pronunciation patterns, because they have studied the techniques and methods of language teaching! It is not enough just to be a native speaker in order to teach your native language!
Feeling intimidated Learning a new language can be nothing less than frightful – especially if you're a beginner. I'm not going to pretend it's not intimidating when there is only one person you have to talk to. With a few exceptions maybe, you'll know whether the person across from you is a person you can trust. This kind of relationship with your tutor is important, and will help you to get rid of that annoying feeling. There is one more interesting fact about excellent tutors, who teach one-on-one online: all of them not only have good teaching skills, but also diverse and interesting personalities. Besides learning a language you can also gain valuable insights from your tutor. And you get inspired and encouraged by your tutor to explore new topics and facts which you might not have done on your own. And between you and me: tutors love to learn from their students. How on-line tutors can make it cost-efficient Lessons with on-line Dutch tutors are not necessarily cheap. Dutch is a very desirable language to speak and quality tutors are scarcely sown. There are however benefits to reap when it comes to on-line tutoring:
On-line tutors don't have to pay for classroom premises.They often use free technology and deliver lessons on-line from any comfortable place (we hope you do too).
Tutors enjoy the benefit of not having expenses for transport, parking, etc. (and so do you).
Tutors use on-line resources and electronically transferable materials (no need to buy physical books).
Does it make sense to learn Dutch with the aid of an on-line tutor? Ja, toch?!
Master Dutch offers private online Dutch lessons, designed to let you understand Dutch fast. Discover how Dutch works.