Do I need to study more?

Okay, so here is the deal. I do Rocket languages about 3 - 5 times a week for about 20 minutes each time. 1 - 3 times a week I study on my own. Should I be studying more? When you were learning how often did you do stuff? I need help with that. I just want to make sure I am learning the right way. Thanks

I would imagine I will not be the only person to tell you there is no 'right' way to study. You study at a pace that you feel allows you to retain the most information. For me, that means a multi-source approach. I use Rocket Lang and I have a second app on my Ipad. I picked up a Grammer workbook at the bookstore, and I also try and watch movies and shows in French. (I mean, really you have not seen The Simpson's until you have watched it in French!) So, train the ear along with the mind. Grammar to help with learning to say things properly, and two lesson programs which often present similar information, but in a different way which helps to reinforce the lesson is my method. I probably spend about the same amount of time you do. I'm not in a big hurry. We plan to spend retirement in France, and I have five years to get to the needed level of competence.

Thanks Raymond. The simpsons LOL that is funny. So you try a multiple approach. Hmm... What is Rocket Lang? Is it free? Intresting. I will maybe try a couple of your approaches. Thanks for your answer.

Thanks. The rocket lang this really clears things up. I was confused. But now I am not.

To answer your other question. The second program I use is Living Language. I use it on my Ipad. I believe it costs maybe around $10? Its not nearly as extensive as the Rocket Languages program. It was a combination of flashcards, games, and fill ins. It gave me some of the same information as Rocket Language in a different way. The repetition helped me with retention. The basic section of about 10 lessons helped reinforce some basics like this, that and these along with repetition on some common irregulars, To Be, To Have and To Go. Between the two, halfway through the French Basic on Rocket Language and all the way through the basic on Living Language, I'm getting the hang of being above to use proper basic conjugation on basic Er and Re and Ir ending verbs, each time having to spend just a tiny bit less time thinking - Ok, now with Nous its....

As was already noted, there's no right or wrong to studying. When I started studying French (before I discovered Rocket French). I used two different on-line programs and studied upwards to four hours a day. I also spent some time just listening. My goal was to know enough French to not be totally lost on my planned trip to Paris. After my trip, I scaled my studies back to about one hour a day plus some listening while I sit and embroider. I find it's helpful to have a multi-source approach for learning, so I use Rocket French plus another French program. So the short answer to Brandi's question, "Should I be studying more?" is what do you want out of your studies? If you want to learn French fairly quickly, the answer is likely yes you should be spending more time. If you have no goals and simply want an understanding of a beautiful language, the answer might be no, your time might be adequate. There's only one person who can answer the question of how much time you should spend studying French.

Here is a technique to remember words if it might work with you. Try to write or memorize words about 19 times or so to have them fixed in your brain.

For vocab i'm struggling to retain, i use Anki (http://ankisrs.net). it's free and seems to work for me - I just drill it every day until it starts to stick. it gives you stats of your progress too which i do find rather encouraging. it's easy to forget how far you've come, so a reminder of your progress is a good boost to keep at it when you're feeling like you've hit a wall (which is quite often!). I study with the starfish approach.. all angles. Rocket is the skeleton which i build on using tv/radio, anki, language exchange partners, reading kids books and chatting with french pen-pals. Little and often is my preferred method, more frequent shorter sessions work better than long crams.

I watched Beauty and the Beast in French the other night. It was fun and although I did not understand everything. I was surprised at how much I was able to understand.

I have found that watching french movies in French with French subtitles has helped me in understanding French language and grammar. Without French subtitles it would be very difficult for me to understand at this time.

For me as well. My ear cannot recognize the words quickly enough from typical speaking speed yet and the subtitles are a big help.

Thank you for the post and also all the suggestions. They are very helpful!

Thanks for all the tips for learning French. I started learning with Duo Lingo which I found to be very good for improving grammar. I then discovered Rocket Languages and find this also very good especially for improving diction and pronunciation, and for getting a head-start in using everyday French. In addition I do use a dictionary, and a grammar book. Having just started, hope to keep up the momentum. Thanks & Happy Learning

Thanks for the tip about the French subtitles! I have watched a few things on YouTube but as an absolute beginner didn't recognise much of course! I am really enjoying the process so far though.

I find I do much more than 20 min per day. I am doing more like 2 to 3 hours as I am having so much fun with it. I have structures in place like watching French children's shows in the morning, a plan to read a simple book in French, watch a French movie, and the Rocket Language app on my android phone. I have a plan to make a date with my French girl friend where I would show her what I've learned...a great way to spend time! Lastly, I plan to visit a French speaking part of the country. In other words, I am immersing myself in it as much as I can. I have a weekly action plan!