Quizlet
In the initial stages of learning a language, vocabulary is a very important component…or else, what will we talk about?! To support this, in your lessons you will work through a range of flashcards. To ensure you get maximum value from your lessons and that you don’t spend all of your time writing down vocabulary, which can be time-consuming, all of our online resources will be available for you to use at home and on the go. There is, however, nothing to stop you writing the vocabulary down later, as some people find writing to be a great way learning new words and getting them to stick.
What exactly is Quizlet?
Quizlet is a website which allows students and teachers to upload their own flashcards. It’s a great eco-friendly and inexpensive way to make flashcards and it contains many features and different settings for how you wish to display the cards, including shuffle, audio, target language on the front/ back of the card, star favourite cards, take a test, spell, write, gravity game and pairs matching exercise.
The functions and games vary between the desktop and app versions and I will be happy to explain the features of Quizlet to you during your introductory lesson. On Quizlet, I have created my own private classroom, only accessible to my students, which contains an exact digital copy of my entire flashcard library.
Warning: Feel free to explore Quizlet further, but it’s worth noting that not all resources are professional ones; as anybody can make flashcards on there, you may come across some which are made by fellow students, so they may not always be accurate. It is however a great idea to make your own flashcards; if you do this, check thoroughly the vocabulary as you are inputting it to avoid mistakes, or show me in one of your sessions what you have created so I can help you to check it.
How to set up Quizlet
Quizlet can be used either on the desktop site or via the application available from both Apple Store and Google Play. Follow these steps to set up Quizlet:
1. Go to www.quizlet.com or download the free Quizlet app to your device.
2. Create a free profile. Please note, the username that you choose is visible to other students.
3. Follow the link which will be sent to you in an email by me after your introductory lesson. This link will take you directly to our private classroom.
I will be happy to help you solve any issues concerning the set up or use of Quizlet.
Other resources & tips
Download a language app on your Smartphone
o For French, Italian or Spanish: Memrise, Duolingo.
o For English: Elevate.
Download a daily podcast to learn vocabulary on your way to work. I recommend:
o For French: Coffee Break French (beginners), News in slow French (intermediate).
o For Spanish: Lightspeed Spanish (all levels), Coffee Break Spanish (beginners), New is slow Spanish (intermediate).
o For Italian: Coffee Break Italian (beginners), Italy Made Easy (Intermediate)
Watch a tutorial on YouTube. Feel free to discover your own favourites, but some examples of popular channels are:
o For French: Comme une française
o For Spanish: Butterfly Spanish (Latin American Spanish)
o For Italian: Italy Made Easy
Watch TV online – this may be challenging for beginners, so choose something with a familiar format, for example a game show, and see what you can understand.
Watch foreign films in your chosen language – even with subtitles on, you will gain so much from this, including cultural context. I have many film recommendations; ask me!
I will be able to provide detailed recommendations for any of these activities, so don’t be afraid to ask.