What Makes for Good Foreign Language Learning Materials?

With so many foreign language websites, podcasts, CDs, CD-Roms, textbooks, and language programs available today, how can one decide what to use?

Foreign Language Mastery is doing its part to answer this question buy reviewing as many products and services as possible, but we obviously don’t have the time or resources to review every last product out there.

So for those we don’t get to, here is a quick list of factors we consider essential for effective foreign language materials. Keep in mind that these criteria are for materials intended for foreign language learners, and don’t necessarily apply to “authentic materials” (cotent intended for native speakers.) The latter is actually far superior as there’s an almost infinite supple to choose from, it tends to be far more interesting, and most of the time, it’s free! But alas, such content is too difficult for those just starting out in a language.

So for those of you just starting out in a particular foreign language, here are some criteria to keep in mind before deciding whether to invest your precious time and money on a language learning product:

• Use of the natural approach and NOT the grammar-translation method (see the Linguistionary for more on these terms)
• An equal supply of listening and reading input (preferably with transcripts for all listening content)
• An emphasis on input over output (at least in the early stages)
• Interesting, diverse topics
• Practical, every day language that is not overly formal or stilted
• Use of good voice actors for lesson dialogues
• A means to get feedback on your speaking and writing output from native speakers
• Integration of spaced repetition tools
• A mixture of free and premium tools and services (or at least a trial period to try out the product or service)

What materials have you found that meet most or all these criteria?

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Copyright © 2010 by John Fotheringham. For more tips, tools, and tech for Mastering ANY Language, go to LanguageMastery.com

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