Has anybody taken a language course at the Open Uni

Jonnytwotimes

Its always been an ambition of mine to learn a new language fluently. Sure if I had the money and no commitments I could head off to Spain or France and job done but that's not an option.

I was looking at OU courses because I would also like to have a degree and came across the language courses which they say will get you speaking fluently in which ever one choose.

My only reservation as this is a big commitment, is that I have taken Spanish language course before and found I learned more in a week in spain than I did in year here in the UK.

Has anybody actually taken a language course from the OU and learned to speak fluently. Can you give an insight into how it went and how long it took and perhaps if it increased your employment prospects.

Thanks

I phoned the OU but they could not give me a lot of info until after March when they told me to phone back.

kittykarate

I did the 2 Level 1 (L194, L140) Spanish courses. They were good for the theory of the language, but unless you put in the extra time to meet people (in person/online) to practice speaking/writing, then they won't make you fluent. I found the Level 2 course to be a big step up in difficulty so I didn't pursue it further.

Mister_aaa

I did level 1 & 2 French & Spanish with the OU.

Agreeing with kittykarate, the tutorials are good, but not enough to learn a language properly (to fluency that is).

Plus, from what I heard, the level 3 courses are more focussed on writing essays (at least that is what I heard about the French course). There are probably better ways to learn, you can get the basics down with level 1 French or Spanish, and take it from there, but due to the lack of actual speaking practise, they aren't great. (Which is why I switched to Humanities after level 2 Spanish).

CKhalvashi

I did French and Spanish, which make up 2/3 of my degree, and also speak 3 other languages (Russian, Georgian and Armenian) fluently.

Granted, I learned more in a few weeks abroad than on the complete course (Spain has one of EU’s largest Georgian populations), but it was valuable in certifying what I had learned.

If you have the basics, then spend a few weeks in a country, you’ll find the language easier than just visiting and trying.

CK

katejo

Jonnytwotimes wrote: »

Its always been an ambition of mine to learn a new language fluently. Sure if I had the money and no commitments I could head off to Spain or France and job done but that's not an option.

I was looking at OU courses because I would also like to have a degree and came across the language courses which they say will get you speaking fluently in which ever one choose.

My only reservation as this is a big commitment, is that I have taken Spanish language course before and found I learned more in a week in spain than I did in year here in the UK.

Has anybody actually taken a language course from the OU and learned to speak fluently. Can you give an insight into how it went and how long it took and perhaps if it increased your employment prospects.

Thanks

I phoned the OU but they could not give me a lot of info until after March when they told me to phone back.

Do you live in or near London or another major city? If you do, I can make you a few suggestions. I am currently doing A Level Italian and also speak German, French and some Spanish.

Voyager2002

The OU courses are excellent, but they are not ways to learn how to speak as such. You learn about the language and how it works, how to read and listen with comprehension and how to express yourself in writing. There are good reasons why they include Summer schools in the country where the target language is spoken, and also why most language degree courses include a year abroad.

I suggest that you combine OU courses with making friends with people from France and Spain who live near to you, particularly language students. You can exchange an hour French/Spanish conversation with them for an hour for them to practice English.

And do also check out the language learning resources in your local public library. At present I am working through some Michel Thomas French courses, which I find good but a little difficult. I previously used Pimsleur French (good at a fairly basic level) and referred to the OU French course materials at the very elementary stage. Before then, I took the OU level 1 Spanish course for credit.

Kate78

I did the Spanish Diploma with the OU (including the summer school in Santiago - fantastic!)

If you can find a conversation class locally that will help your speaking skills as that is the weak spot of the course.

The tutorials are good and most courses now have the option of online tutorials which are a good second to a face to face interaction (although in my opinion nothing beats real live people to speak to!). I also found as I was working full time as well as doing the course that I struggled to fit in the recommended 16 hours per week - I ended up having to prioritise!

Level 3 is quite "bookish" so it depends if you are the sort of person who enjoys the academic side of things.

Careerwise, yes it has helped me as one of my careers is language teaching, so I have taught adult beginner and intermediate Spanish thanks to this qualification.

wouldbeqaulitymoneysaver

Lurkilicious at language thread.
I am self Teaching myself French using French Internet Radio, Teach Yourself , Iphone Apps, Books, that I can also put on my Iphone and or Kindle.
Very interesting and insightful discussion so far.
My angle I would not go in for one of these Courses unless I had a base of Self Teaching behind me.
The last language Course I went on treated me like an idiot (but with nice Teacher) so I am just happy so far to be doing DIY and making Course to suit myself using whatever Resources I please, no matter where from.
NB: I believe in Self Learning, choosing your own Books, deciding on your own Questions, asking Theoretical Questions, downloading Papers.
Languages wise I know there is a Qualification that is desirable to attain for French Competences and it is best to be as [highly]qaulified [degree level!!] to be able to move to France/and or have a House there.

wouldbeqaulitymoneysaver

I think 'bookish' is good.
I would prefer to be able to use Degree Level thinking in a Foreign Language or two as Academic Texts are peppered with Foreign Language references and often Academics read books in French/and or other Foreign Language.