subject: Compare Rocket German - Will it Actually Work? [print this page] Author: Dan Thompson Author: Dan Thompson
Rocket German is an online German learning program. Does it actually work?
WHAT DO YOU GET WITH YOUR PURCHASE? Rocket German can be purchased as a downloadable software or as a CD set that can be mailed to your home. The system has videos, software, and special audio recordings. In addition, you get access to a "Learning Lounge" where you can test your progress, and communicate with other students and instructors.
The basic method is teaching German by a process called "visual association". You learned your mother tongue by visual association. You SAW something and HEARD the word for it at the same time. In this way you effortlessly and quickly picked up the meanings of words. Rocket German tries to replicate this process with the use of video, audio, and software.
DOES IT ACTUALLY WORK?
Rocket German is powerful, IF you can commit to working with the system regularly. Ideally, you should aim to view the material for a little time everyday (30min to 1hr at least). The lessons are made to build on each other. Therefore, being consistent is crucial.
Picking up a language is much like learning to ride a bike. For the first little while you may think that you aren't getting anywhere. If you keep going, however, you will hit a point where things suddenly "fall into place". You will see that you are suddenly able to hear most of the words in the audio recordings and can make basic sentences easily.
You can then add more vocabulary and advanced grammar to your repertoire.
IS ROCKET GERMAN A GOOD FIT FOR EVERYONE?
Some students find it difficult to focus if there is no outside pressure such as an upcoming "exam" or an instructor checking their "homework".
Rocket German is a self-paced system. It is powerful but you have to provide the consistency yourself.
If you feel you need the pressure of a class setting in order to follow through, look into classes at a local college. Keep in mind that a class will cost more and can take longer.
If you are serious about wanting to learn German and are ready to put aside some time each day, Rocket German can have you speaking German in 8-10 weeks.
