If you stagnate, it’s time to reinforce your weak areas
Quite often, after a few months of intensive lessons, students feel that they are not making any more progress to learn French. This stagnating stage is called a “plateau” and it is quite normal. Language learning experts have identified plateaus as a routine part of language learning, when students reach a saturation point at some points of learning. Rather than grow frustrated when you reach one of these plateaus, take a deep breath and understand that you will soon move beyond it.
Learning a language is done in stages. Initially, you learn many new words and grammar in a short period of time. Then, a plateau is reached, which can be interpreted as a signal to review what you know and take the necessary time to digest various concepts before moving ahead. The more you learn, the more time it will take to remember new, difficult structures. So, take your time even if you want to learn French fast! Be reasonable with yourself in terms of objectives and give yourself the necessary time to memorize and assimilate vocabulary and grammatical structures.
When you stagnate, don’t try to move to another level if you are still weak in grammar and vocabulary, or you are not yet speaking with ease. For example, a student who understands grammar and written exercises very well but is weak in oral expression will not feel comfortable in an upper level, and s/he may even hold back other students in the class because of his or her slow speaking pace and mistakes.
Analyze your four areas of competence and strengthen your weak points. You aren’t wasting your time when you learn the same grammatical points several times and practice them in various oral activities. Think of it as an opportunity to review and consolidate what you have learned, and thus gain self-confidence.
Learn French using a custom-tailored teaching method
A qualified and experienced teacher will be able to tell you when you are ready to move up to the next level. They are specialists and are working with your best interests in mind. To find such personalized guidance, however, you shouldn’t choose university-level language schools to learn French; find a small class in a small/medium-sized school.
Do you need more information?
Remember that if you don’t have much time to go to a school to learn French, you can always try with our online French courses.