Comments on: Why you should preview before every Chinese lesson

By: Olle Linge

Olle Linge — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 06:21:47 +0000

In reply to Maksim. I would say that this is done in any serious language learning institution. :) It varies how strictly this is enforced, however. In some very serious institutions, you're not even allowed to participate if you haven't previewed, but most schools can't afford that kind of approach as it will scare away more casual students!

By: Maksim

Maksim — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 15:17:19 +0000

Bang on the money.

This is exactly what LTL Flexi Classes does and it’s a big reason why I love to study with them. Downloadable PDFs available at any time so you can study them and be fully prepared, and not scared, about a class

By: John

John — Sat, 14 Jan 2017 11:23:14 +0000

Totally agree, I have “wasted” many classes by not previewing and thus need private lessons afterwards to review. I would also add that in my view, its highly important to try memorise those new words in your SRS system in advance, even if one is not fully aware of their meaning. This way you can focus on sentence patterns, the feel of the grammar, understanding of the text etc rather than getting bogged down in pronunciation and hanzi recognition
I tried both ways for years and hands down previewing is by far the best.

By: Nicole

Nicole — Mon, 05 Dec 2016 05:19:23 +0000

Excellent advice and many good explanations given for previewing a lesson beforehand. Yet as another commenter mentioned, people feel like it feels like ‘cheating’ a bit. I used to feel the same way too and have felt guilty for doing it. A classmate told me they felt the same way. Another friend said they feel ashamed and too much of a nerd if they preview the material before class. Why this culture against it? I don’t know the answer. What I do know is we’re near the end of the semester and the students that don’t preview are the ones that get frustrated easily in class and get overwhelmed with the material easily.
Just forget about the people that can’t or won’t help themselves.
Thanks Ollie for another very pertinent topic.

By: Kai Carver

Kai Carver — Sun, 04 Dec 2016 23:08:05 +0000

Very good point. Seems obvious, but is rarely said in class. I still catch myself unconsciously thinking of previewing a course as cheating, “spoiling” the teacher’s presentation. And there’s a slight fear that if I read ahead, I will learn things wrong. But the chances of that are far outweighed by the many advantages you mention.