How Does Pimlseur Spanish Compare to Tell Me More Spanish
By on Aug 10, 2010 in Language
Tell Me More Spanish and Pimsleur Spanish are both high quality Spanish language courses and both are designed to deliver results.
What are the strengths of each of the course and where both are set apart?
Pimsleur Spanish was developed more than 50 years ago by Dr. Paul Pimsleur who based his method on scientific studies of language learning. Dr Pimsleur believed that the best way to learn foreign language is through listening and active participation in the lessons. That is why Pimsleur program is designed as AUDIO course only.
The core ideas behind Pimsleur method is so called Graduated Interval Recall and Principle of Anticipation. Graduated Interval Recall is a principle to remind of new information at the exact intervals. When you start forgetting the word or phrase, you are encouraged to recall it. In this way progress is made from short-term to long-term memory without being aware of it, while avoiding the monotonous repetition.
Principle of Anticipation requires “anticipating” correct answer. It means to retrieve the answer from your own memory before it is confirmed in the lesson.
Dr. Pimsleur also believed that there is no need to learn too many words to actually start speaking foreign language. He developed core vocabulary that person needs to know to make a meaningful conversation.
In Pimsleur program vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation are taught at the same time. Dr. Pimsleur proved that this idea of organic learning is the most appropriate way to learn Spanish quickly.
Pimsleur Spanish consists of sets of 30 minute lessons and is designed from absolute beginner to advanced level. The course is available in CD’s or as download.
The biggest drawback for Pimsleur Spanish Course is lack of comprehensive visual learning tools such as written exercises, pictures and videos. Also, the course is limited to learning conversational Spanish only and for Spanish writing and reading you would need to invest in additional course. In addition, Pimsleur Spanish phrases are rather formal compared to more recent courses. It is understandable considering that the course was designed 50 years ago.
Nevertheless, Pimsleur Spanish is still one of the most popular Spanish learning courses on the market.
Comparing to Pimsleur, Tell Me More Spanish offers more diverse learning tools. In addition to audio lessons, it has features for learning writing and reading comprehension, as well as voice recognition for pronunciation practice. Tell Me More has probably the most complete set of features than any other Spanish software, including videos, real life role plays and culture lessons. These tools are well integrated into the whole system. It means that each activity is designed to reinforce and support each another.
Another feature that distinguishes Tell Me More Spanish from Pimsleur Spanish is ability to fully customize learning process. Learning starts with determining your level of Spanish knowledge and picking the level that best fits your needs. You can switch between three learning modes. One option is to follow learning path that has been set by the program according to your progress. Another way is to design your own lesson plan, and third way is to practice at any level, lesson or exercise.
In contrast to Pimsleur, Tell Me More offers additional learning opportunities over the internet, such as online weekly Spanish lessons and access to online advisor.
Similar to Pimsleur Spanish, Tell Me More Spanish course is designed for all levels, from beginner to expert.
The few drawbacks of Tell Me More Spanish course are that its software is limited only to Windows operating system and not suitable for Mac computers. Pimsleur CD’s or downloads are compatible with all computers and audio devices.
To sum it up, both courses, Pimsleur Spanish and Tell Me More Spanish are high-class programs and you will not be disappointed choosing any of them. There is not a big price difference either. The major difference is rather the tools each course employs and whether you prefer pure audio lessons to follow. Listening to Pimsleur audio lessons gives you a feel of easy learning, but if you want to take advantage of more diverse set of features and learn all aspects of Spanish, including writing and reading, then choose Tell Me More Spanish.
Next, discover what other users say about Pimsleur Spanish and Tell Me More Spanish compare side by side other popular learn Spanish courses, by visiting http://learn-spanish.learninglanguagedirectory.com
Article Source: How Does Pimlseur Spanish Compare to Tell Me More Spanish


