subject: Review Rocket French - Will it Actually Work? [print this page] Author: Bryan Anderson
Rocket French is an on line French learning system. Does it really work?
WHAT ARE THE COMPONENTS OF THE SYSTEM?
Rocket French is available as a set of CDs or as a download. The system consists of audio recordings, videos, and special software. In addition, you get access to the "Learning Lounge" where you can test your skills, and communicate with other students and teachers.
The idea is to teach French by a system known as Visual Association. Visual association is how you learned your first language. You HEARD a word and SAW its meaning at the same time. In this manner you quickly and effortlessly learned the meanings of words. Rocket French tries to duplicate this process with the use of audio, video, and specially designed software.
DOES IT ACTUALLY WORK?
IF you are ready to work with the program in a consistent way, Rocket French can be extremely powerful. Ideally, you should try to work with the lessons for a little time everyday (30min to 1hr at least). The lessons are designed to build on each other. Because of this, being consistent is crucial.
Learning a new language is much like learning to ride a bike. For the first little while you may feel that you aren't getting anywhere. If you keep going, however, you will hit a point when things suddenly come together. You will find yourself making sentences without effort and hearing most of the words in the audio recordings.
Then you can move on to learning more advanced grammer and vocabulary.
IS IT FOR EVERYONE?
Some people find it hard to focus if there is no outside pressure like an upcoming "exam" or a teacher checking their "homework".
Rocket French is a self-paced system. It is powerful but you must provide the follow-through yourself
If you feel you might need the pressure of a classroom situation in order to take action, consider a class at a local college. Remember, however, that classroom instruction will cost more and can take longer.
If you are sincere about pick up the French language and are ready to put aside some time each day, Rocket French can have you speaking French in a couple of months.
