What type of French learner are you? A guide to effective study
Before we get started, this isn’t another article about the four main learning styles, and it won’t help you figure out if you should learn French by listening, reading or speaking.
Because although these learning models are helpful, they don’t account for the range of obstacles adult learners often face. And if you ask me, your lifestyle and personality have just as much of an impact on how you should study French.
After all, the more you enjoy your lessons, the faster you’ll improve.
So, instead of exploring whether you’re a visual, auditory or kinesthetic language learner (*snore*), I’ve compiled insights from my students to create six learner profiles that help you see which type of classes you should take:
The Busy Bee - le/la débordé.e
The Socialiser - le/la babeleir
The Introvert - l’introverti.e
The Initiator - le/la débrouillard.e
The Chameleon - le caméléon
The Goal-Getter - le/la déterminé.e
Of course, this isn’t scientifically backed — it’s a bit of well-informed fun. Now, are you ready to see which one you best relate to? Let’s go!
Le/la Débordé.e aka the Busy Bee
You’re a super busy professional with more things to do than hours in the day.
When you’re not hard at work in the office, you’re attending meetings, replying to emails or heading on a business trip.
You’re learning French because you want to. But that doesn’t make it any easier to find the time or the motivation to study alone.
You know you’ll get better results with a teacher… if only you could find someone who understands that your schedule changes each week. Because a fixed weekly slot just won’t work for you, and you don’t want to waste your money.
How should you learn?
Time is key to making progress in French, but if you don’t have much of it, that’s ok! My students are proof that it’s possible to make progress even alongside a full-time job.
Online classes: A busy bee like you should definitely consider taking private online classes that can fit around your schedule and be taken from anywhere. Because studying consistently—even if it’s not at the same time each week—is the key to making progress.
I created my fully-flexible private online courses for busy learners like you, so you can continue your studies no matter what. Schedule (and re-schedule) your live 30-minute classes for different times each week, complete online exercises on your own time and reach out to me for support when you need.
Digital media: While I recommend taking a structured course that gives you tasks to work on, it’s also important to complement your study with additional materials. The best way to do that when you’re super busy is to read, watch and listen to things you’re actually interested in. That way, it will aid your progress and feel less like a chore.
Le Babeleir aka the Socialiser
You thrive off learning in a group environment, and you aren’t afraid to speak French in front of other learners. Although you’re not against taking private classes, it’s definitely not your favourite way to learn, as it often leaves you feeling a little drained.
For you, there’s nothing quite like the accountability that comes with learning in a group. It motivates you to do your homework and attend class prepared.
You don’t mind learning at a slower pace if it means you can fully absorb the language and feel a sense of camaraderie.
How should you learn?
It goes without saying that group courses are best for you, chatterbox. But the type of classes you should choose will depend on your time, location and learning goal.
Online group classes: If you can’t find group classes near you, online is definitely the way to go. Having taught online for several years now, I can assure you that virtual classes are just as fun, friendly and rewarding as in-person ones. In fact, I wrote a whole article about why they’re so great.
Language institutes: If you’re in Brussels and you don’t mind learning at a slower pace, you might consider enrolling at an institute like EPFC, Alliance Francaise or Institut Fernand Cocq. Just know that these often require a large time commitment (think 6 hours per week) and their schedules aren’t usually flexible.
Conversation clubs: If you can already converse in French, and you want to keep your level up, conversation classes are a great option. Try attending a free Conversation Table event or join my weekly groups for regular chit-chat. It’s perfect for un babeleir comme toi, and it’s a lot of fun!
L’Introverti.e aka the Introvert
You love learning languages. You eat grammar books for breakfast and you can form perfectly perfect sentences on paper and in your head. But when it comes to speaking, it’s a different story.
You feel so self-conscious when you speak that your nerves often stop the words from coming out right.
You’re looking for a safe space to practise with someone you can trust to help you build your confidence and speak freely.
How should you learn?
I totally understand how you feel, fellow introvert! And I’m here to tell you that, having experienced the same in Italian, it gets easier the more you speak.
But that only happens if you’re learning with someone you fully trust and feel totally comfortable with.
Private classes: If you can find a good French teacher near you, this may be a great way to start. But in-person classes can feel a little awkward if you’re not completely comfortable with speaking. So, I’d suggest exploring the option of private online classes.
Online classes: Take it from me: learning online is a great way to build your confidence quickly. The separation between you and the teacher can make it easier to overcome your nerves and just give it a go. Plus, it always helps to be in a familiar environment where no one else can hear you!
Self-study: If you’re anything like me, you’ll likely excel at learning with self-study materials. Textbooks, TV shows, podcasts and music can all be great ways to pick up new words and tune your ear to French. But that’s not a free pass to stop speaking! I’m watching you ;).
Le/la Débrouillard.e aka the Initiator
You’ve studied at least one foreign language before, so you know how it works and how you learn. You fly through the lower levels, you absorb new words like a sponge, and le subjonctif is less of a hurdle and more of a hobby.
In other words, you have a clear goal with learning French, and you won’t stop until you reach it. That’s why the thought of learning in a group or following a structured 10-week course suffocates you. You don’t want anyone to slow you down.
How should you learn?
I probably don’t need to tell you this Madame/Monsieur Indépendent, but I’ll go ahead and say it anyway… you should study alone.
Self-learning apps: Duolingo, Memrise, Brulingua—any of the major language learning apps provide a great place to start for a motivated learner like you.
Textbook series: Textbook French and real-world French can be worlds apart, but there are a few useful series that prepare you well for using French in the wild. I recommend Didier FLE.
Conversation club: You can learn as much as you like on your own, but you’ll need to speak at some point—and that’s only really possible with other people. A conversation club is a great way to put what you’ve learnt into practice without the pressure of being held back.
Flexible courses: Take it from an experienced teacher and independent language learner: there will come a time when you need to study with a teacher.
Self-sufficient learners often reach a good level in French before hitting a wall they can only break through with the help of an expert.
When that happens, my advice is to find a teacher that understands your learning style and needs and can tailor their courses to keep up with you. (Bonjour! Learn more about my flexible approach)
Le Caméléon aka the Chameleon
You’ve recently arrived in Belgium (or another French-speaking country) either with your partner or to study. You’ve got a bit of time on your hands, and you want to start learning French.
You’re looking for good quality classes that are easily accessible and, ideally, something a little bit social.
How should you learn?
Language institutes: Since you’ve got time to dedicate to learning French, I recommend looking at institutes like EPFC and l’Institut Fernand Cocq.
Their courses are both good quality and affordable—just know that they usually consist of 3-hour lessons twice a week plus homework. Hey, at least you’ll see progress! ;)
Online courses: If you’re not in Belgium and you want to enjoy the social aspect of learning French with fellow expats, my online group courses offer exactly that.
Conversation clubs: This is a great option if you can hold a conversation in French and you’d like to practise in a casual setting where you can meet new people.
Le/la Déterminé.e aka the Goal-Getter
You have clearly defined goals, but you need someone to hold you accountable because you either can’t motivate yourself to study alone or you’re not progressing as quickly as you’d like.
You aren’t exactly sure what you need to do to reach your goals, so you want a roadmap, a clear structure to follow and someone to give you a friendly nudge.
How should you learn?
It goes without saying that studying one-to-one is the best option for a goal-oriented learner like you. I suggest following a structured course, either in-person or online.
Private classes: In-person classes are best for anyone who concentrates better in a physical classroom and is prepared to learn for at least an hour at a time.
Online courses: Studying online can be great for goal-oriented learners because classes tend to be more dynamic. As well as face-to-face interaction, you can complete digital homework tasks that fit around your schedule and boost your learning whenever you need. Not to mention, you can usually take lessons in shorter time blocks because there’s no travel involved.
Can you tell which method I think is best!?
So, which French learner profile best describes you?
If your answer is a little bit of several profiles, that’s totally ok! Like I said, they’re not scientific descriptions but observations from working with lots of different students.
Some of them actually combine different study methods to work towards their goals. For example, I have a few students who take my flexible online courses or attend my conversation club alongside classes at the more traditional language institutes. Talk about dedication!
Would you like to learn more about how we can work together? Explore my courses or drop me a message to arrange a free consultation.
