Over the years, from my own secondary school journey, to helping students on their second-level path, I have found the same barriers to understanding and knowledge gaps persisting with languages.
Following on from this, at Educating Eire, we’ve worked with countless students who share a common frustration: despite their best efforts, they find it hard to make significant progress. Why is that?
In our experience, the root of the problem often lies in a lack of focus on the fundamentals. We see the same problems arise every term. What are these problems you ask? A poor vocabulary, a weak understanding of grammar and an inability to form basic sentences, to name but a few.
When I founded Educating Éire, one of my main missions for the company was to help students who struggle with their language subjects. This is why I have come up with our "Build the Basics" approach to languages.
In my opinion, here are some of the reasons why so many students struggle with learning languages, and how focusing on the basics can make all the difference:
1. Skipping the Foundations
Too often, we see students on their first grind who want to jump straight into complex conversations or advanced topics without taking the time to master the building blocks of the language. Vocabulary, verbs, and sentence structure form the backbone of communication. Without a solid understanding of these basics, students may feel overwhelmed and unable to express themselves effectively.
At Educating Eire, we emphasise building a robust vocabulary and understanding how verbs function, such as using verbs in different tenses and using correct verb endings for the correct subject. This helps with comprehension and boosts confidence in speaking and writing, which make up a large portion of the exam!
2. Overlooking Grammar’s Importance
Grammar may not be the most exciting part of language learning, but it’s crucial. Think of grammar as the glue that holds all the pieces together. Without it, sentences can become disjointed or even
Students often neglect grammar because it seems daunting tedious or boring!
However, understanding grammar rules makes it easier to construct sentences and grasp the nuances of a language. Our courses at Educating Eire integrate grammar seamlessly into lessons, making it approachable and practical.
3. Failing to See the Bigger Picture
Learning a language is like solving a puzzle. Vocabulary, verbs, grammar, pronunciation—these are the pieces that must come together to create a complete picture. Many learners struggle because they focus too heavily on one aspect, neglecting the others.
For example, memorising vocabulary without practicing pronunciation to help them in oral or aural exams, or ignoring grammar leads to an imbalanced skill set.
At Educating Eire, we guide our students to see how all the elements of a language interconnect. By practicing integrated skills, they learn how to use the language as a whole.
How Educating Eire Helps You Succeed
Our philosophy is simple: build a strong foundation, and everything else will follow. Here’s how we do it:
Vocabulary and Verbs: We start with the essentials, ensuring you have the words and phrases you need to communicate effectively.
Practical Grammar: Our lessons make grammar straightforward and relatable, helping you understand how to use it in real-life situations.
Holistic Approach: By combining reading, writing, speaking, and listening, we help you piece together the language puzzle with confidence.
When you focus on the basics, you set yourself up for long-term success. Language learning doesn’t have to be a struggle. At Educating Eire, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Ready to start building your language foundation? Let’s get started!
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