What to Look for in a Language Class

Five Key Elements of a Great Class

I was recently inspired by

Daniel Puzzo

’s article describing his experience studying Russian with different teachers. One quote in particular stood out to me:

“Other learners who had studied with her loved her. I didn’t. She had a very hands-on, dogmatic approach where she threw texts at me and forced me to read and analyse them…”

In my 15+ years’ experience an English language teacher and language school director, I have observed many classrooms in action. I’ve seen many different teaching styles, set ups and approaches. I’ve also heard many, many students’ opinions about their language classes and teachers. If there is one thing I know for sure, it is that we don’t all thrive in the same learning environment.

Some learners love open-ended, creative lessons where the students set the direction and goals. Others find that type of independence stressful. They prefer structured classes where the teacher sticks to a pre-programed set of activities. Some students enjoy getting deep into grammar, while others like writing poetry or doing open-ended role plays. I’d say most of us appreciate a mix of activities, and enjoy a variety of teaching approaches. In some ways, we’re lucky that language learning takes such a long time. It gives us the chance to have diverse classroom experiences and learn what works best for us.

Even if each of us prefers a slightly different style, great language classes tend to have a few things in common. These are the elements I’d look for if I enrolled in a group French course:

Photo by Juliana Kozoski on Unsplash

1. Plenty of Opportunities for Practice

I would want as much time as possible to practice speaking, ideally through group and pair work, with the teacher moving around, offering corrections, and stepping in when needed.

Some of the most useful activities include:

• Comparing answers to an exercise with a partner

• Predicting answers for a listening activity or making guesses about grammar rules

• Discussing conversation questions that encourage us to use recently learned grammar and vocabulary

• “Jigsaw” communicative activities, where each of us shares information to complete a task

Of course, the teacher should provide explanations and occasionally call on individuals, but I would not want to spend most of the class listening passively. Instead, I would want every opportunity to use the language myself.

2. A Balance of Skills: Grammar, Vocabulary, Pronunciation, and More

A good language class should cover all aspects of learning. Speaking, listening, reading, writing, grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation all play a role in building fluency. It is not always possible to fit everything into one lesson, but a thoughtful structure can help.

For example, reading or listening could be assigned as homework so that class time can focus on interactive practice with feedback from the teacher. This is sometimes called a “flipped classroom” approach, where students do the learning part at home and the practice part in class.

I would also want guidance on pronunciation, particularly on any sounds that might make my French difficult to understand for native speakers.

3. A Well-Managed Group with a Positive Atmosphere

As a teacher, I know that we do not always get to choose our students or control who ends up in the same class. Despite our best efforts, sometimes certain personalities clash, or one or two students make the group dynamic less enjoyable.

Even though I personally dislike ice-breaker activities as a learner, I understand how important they are in helping us feel comfortable with one another. Similarly, while I do not love changing partners, I know that it helps us build relationships, work with different skill levels, and improve our communication. These small discomforts can also make us more resilient, which is an important skill when learning a language.

A good teacher also manages classroom behavior with diplomacy. Even in adult classes, students sometimes revert to their first language, dominate discussions, or get distracted by their phones. It can be uncomfortable for a teacher to address these issues, but it is necessary. If left unchecked, it weakens the learning environment for everyone.

I would want a teacher who understands how to protect the group dynamic while also giving individual students the support they need. As a fellow teacher, I know this is not an easy task and would be understanding and do my best to model positive group behavior.

4. Useful Feedback

I would not expect or want a detailed breakdown of every mistake, but I would appreciate thoughtful feedback that helps me improve.

This could include:

• A short list of common errors to work on

• Notes on mispronounced words

• Targeted suggestions for improvement

I’d hope to get a balance of positive and negative feedback. Knowing what I’m doing well would help me maintain my motivation and identify my progress.

5. A Sense of Structure and Purpose

This ties into the importance of practice, but I would also want to feel that my class time was well spent.

Personally, I like being able to jot down a clear list of what we covered in each lesson. Some people prefer a more flexible and creative approach, but I find structure reassuring.

At the end of the day, I would want a class where the teacher facilitates learning, maximizes practice time, and ensures that students get the most out of their efforts.

Of course, kindness and attentiveness to student needs are non-negotiable, basics that I’d expect of any teacher.

What about you? What do you consider essential in a language class?

---

If you’ve found this post insightful, please consider subscribing or sharing it with other language learners and teachers!