Question 1

What´s Brain Friendly Learning?

Accepted Answer

The more involved we are in our own learning, the more that learning is likely to stick. Whether it´'s a funny moment, a creative moment, an 'oopsie' moment, those moments help trigger recall. Expect classes to be relevant, memorable, and to call on your own strengths to help you learn.

Question 2

Why only a six week course?

Accepted Answer

Six weeks makes sense. We can see where we´'re at, what we need to work on, and define priorities for the coming term. It's also less of a commitment for learners, financially and in terms of seeing results, and to decide whether this way of learning is for you.

Question 3

What if I don´'´t like it?

Accepted Answer

Try and stick out the six weeks. It´s not a long time, you´ve paid for it. Learning anything new can be hard. The only person you are pitting yourself against is you. Whilst one class may be difficult, you may ace the next. Talk to Claire and we can see how to make the experience better.

Question 4

Is Claire qualified to give these classes?

Accepted Answer

Claire´s creds: BA (hons) in Spanish and Latin American Studies, MA course in gender in education, PhD started (not finished) in how language learning affects identity, brain friendly learning training, experience in giving personal classes and group classes, and she´s lived in Spain & Costa Rica

Question 5

What if I can'´t make a class?

Accepted Answer

Life happens. Speak to Claire and we´'ll work out a way of keeping you on track.

Question 6

Do I get a qualification?

Accepted Answer

No. We´'re here to help you advance your Spanish, not pass exams. You´'´ll learn what´'s relevant to you. We can always introduce a certificate for  having attended. You can always ask for notes on your progression.

Question 7

Would I be better with one to one classes?

Accepted Answer

One to one's are available if you struggle with something particular or need a refresher on something, but generally we learn better in a group. Other´'s mistakes, seeing things differently, enjoyment, helping each other, group activities - all help us relax and learn in a way that sticks.

Question 8

What if I'm shy or feel awkward?

Accepted Answer

No-one has to do anything they don'´t want to.  We are a group class for just that reason. An example is a setting up stall/buying things exercise Claire once ran. Quieter team members produced a beautiful fish stall, painted sign, fish named, painted and priced. Noisy ones bartered over potatoes!

Question 9

Is there homework?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you want to keep up and progress. The more you put in, the more you'´ll learn. There are some weeks you´'re busy and can'´t, other weeks when you'll feel super-motivated.  Do as much as you can - it´s an intensive but fun six weeks to kickstart your learning!

Question 10

What's the difference between a beginners class and the other class? How do I know which to choose?

Accepted Answer

Beginners classes are for people who have had no, or nearly no, exposure to Spanish. Beginners classes need you to do more to help your own learning and have more of a focus on some essential grammar than the more advanced class. (These things happen in advanced classes as well, but informally.)

Classes with Claire: Six 'Absolute Beginners' Spanish classes, Newbury