Compare 'Accelerated Language Learning' to Pimsleur PDF Print E-mail











The following comments are from Neal Walters, "Language Lover" and creator of this web site. I tried Accelerated German before I tried Pimsleur German (I through III). I found the Accelerated German fairly difficult and I never made it past Lesson 2. I think I listened to Lesson 1 at least 10 times, and I still didn't comprehend half of it.

Now after completing all three levels of Pimsleur German, I find the Accelerated German just right!

I am more of an audio/car learner. Use of the Accelerated Learning does require use of the book.



PimsleurAccelerated Learning

Can be learned entirely without book.

 

Must reference book frequently.

 

Each lesson introduces maybe approximately 20 vocabulary words, and intensely drills you on them using the Graduated Interval Recall method.

 

Each lesson introduces maybe 100 or more vocabulary words. There are a few "try to say this" in German, and a few alternate applications of some of the vocabulary.

 

Each Level includes thirty 30-minute lessons.

 

There is only one Level and it includes 10 lessons. Each lesson is on a hour tape.

 

Uses the Graduated Interval Recall method. No relaxation techniques required.

 

Uses relaxation and music to put you in a better learning state, involving both sides of your brain.

 

Conversational dialogs, about 30-45 seconds long, are introduced at the beginning of each lesson. Then the rest of the tape teaches you how to speak and understand that dialog with near fluency.

 

Instead of Dialogs, you have full stories that contain dialogs within them. Each story is about two pages long. The tape for each lesson repeats the story four times:

  • Read normally
  • Read with relaxing classical music in the background.
  • Classical music is then played with the dialog quieter in the background.
  • Read again in German and "whispered" English.

This is the crux of the "Accelerated Learning". You are supposed to absorb the target language, as a child, without trying.

 

No Video.

 

Includes a video which involves whole-body learning. You are given commands such as sit down, stand up, put your hand on your elbow, etc... You are encouraged to get involved and physically do everything you are told.

Some of the commands are purposely made silly to force you to think and remember. You see the person on the video doing the commands.

 

Does it work?Does it work?
Pimsleur works great for me, because I like to learn in the car without a book.

After completing Pimsleur German Level III, I still wanted to know more German. I find "Accelerated German" a nice follow-up. I'm still learning new words, but it's helping to re-inforce words, grammar, and conversation skills learned earlier with Pimsleur.

I really like driving the road listening to the German with the classical music playing.

The downside is that you do have to use the book!!!

 

MediaMedia

 

  • 30 Lessons on 15 CDs or Audio Casssettes
  • One reading CD or tape
  • One small reading booklet
    (does not transcribe the materials on the lessons).

 

  • 10 Audio Cassettes or CDs
  • One video
  • Companion book = prints full dialog of each lesson.