Museum of Knowledge blog, Learn German B2 level 04082027
Learn German

Museum of Knowledge guide: How to reach German B2 level in one year

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4th August 2017
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Students often set themselves goals and have a great desire to reach optimum levels of language competency very quickly with the intermediate Museum of Knowledge modules assisting in the process. For a student who for example speaks English and is seeking to further perfect skills in another language such as German, any progress is determined by the language techniques employed and the amount of time the student is prepared to dedicate towards learning German.

To reach the B2 level in German, the student will have reached a level of independence. By definition, B2 level students will be able to understand the “main contents of complex texts on concrete and abstract topics as well as also understanding specialized discussions in his/her own primary area of specialization.” B2 learners are further described as those who can “communicate so spontaneously and fluently that a normal conversation with native speakers is easily possible without a great deal of effort on either side. B2 level German speakers will also be able to express themselves coherently on a wide range of topics in a clear and detailed manner, and be able to explain their point of view of his/her position providing arguments for and against specific topics in order to argue their points and put across a cross section of opinions.”

Therefore it is true to say that to reach the B2 level in German is a tall order for someone who is learning for the first time. If students have already grasped some understanding of another language beforehand such as English this may make the task easier as they will be accustomed to the key techniques and best practice required to learn a language. However grammar and sentence construction is very different if comparing German with English, so this is an additional factor to bear in mind.

In order to reach B2 level competency in German, it will however be necessary to adopt some immersive language sessions. The Museum of Knowledge would recommend in this regard, the intermediate courses we have on offer. This will afford German speakers with the ability to speak fluently and understand dialogue from other German language speakers.

German language learners should however be aware that at this B2 stage, they should be fully comfortable communicating with German speakers from various countries who may speak with different accents. That means students should be able to comprehend those speakers from Austria, Germany and Switzerland.

An intensive programme of activity would require that students taking German courses dedicate 10-15 hours a week to language learning to be sure that they have attained the right level of progression on a weekly basis and they have a good chance of reaching B2 level German language competency. Even if a trip abroad to a German speaking country may not be possible, it is still important that this schedule of 10-15 hours a week be adhered to. Thanks to the various immersion courses offered at the Museum of Knowledge including options for modules that include private tuition via moderators, markers and audio assistance, German language learners can benefit from specialized language learning sessions and assistance from a specialist German linguist without the expense of travelling.

Museum of Knowledge blog, Learn Spanish by yourself, 28072017
Learn Spanish

Museum of Knowledge tips: How to learn Spanish by yourself

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28th July 2017
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The challenge of learning a language such as Spanish is renown with many students unable to access suitable tuition for various reasons;

Cost

Time

Location

Cost

Language learning can be a very expensive discipline and these high costs can hinder the potential success of students. The Museum of Knowledge team suggests that language learners who wish to learn Spanish bear this in mind when undertaking Spanish language courses. Language learning is expensive because it covers so many disciplines. To be competent in a new language such as Spanish, students must master four areas of expertise; reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. This is from where the challenge derives as well as what is sometimes known to be from where the high associated costs derive.

The Museum of Knowledge offers a range of courses for both intermediate and advanced levels at various price points. Language learners who wish to learn Spanish can decide which area they would like to master, in which language and during which timeframe. Spanish language courses highlighted on the Museum of Knowledge programme are divided into reading, writing, listening and speaking over a 30 day or 60 day period. This gives language learners who wish to learn Spanish the greatest level flexibility and scope for growth as they develop their Spanish language skills.

Time

Learning a language such as Spanish takes time and dedication. Of course students who are still in school or University may find that their support network offers them the ability to dedicate the appropriate amount of time to learn Spanish especially as in the end they are working towards an examination result or some other clearly defined goal. For those who are not studying Spanish in a traditional institution, as long as a minimum of five hours a week is allocated towards language learning an individual can learn Spanish independently. This requires of course more than anything else a tremendous amount of discipline.

Location

In some cases having access to Spanish language tutors has always been problematic for those who are unable to travel abroad to take advantage of learning a language with the indigenous population where the language is spoken. So for someone who wishes to learn Spanish, it may not be practical to travel to Spain nor to Central or South America for various reasons including but not limited to time, financial capacity and the distance between the learner’s home and the location of the Spanish language tutor.

To counteract this problem, the Museum of Knowledge offers tailor made online courses. Online courses can be taken at the student’s leisure, morning noon or night with the only exception being tuition offered in the Advanced language learning classes for the Professional and Executive programmes whereby a monitored session is required on a regular basis throughout the language tuition period with a professional Museum of Knowledge linguist. These Museum of Knowledge Spanish language courses sessions include marketing and examination for all registered Spanish language learners.

The remainder of the Museum of Knowledge Spanish language learning programme also however offers great flexibility, enabling Spanish language learners to fit the museum’s modules into their education at a time that suits them and not be hindered by the location of the tutor. As the majority of the Museum of Knowledge courses are conducted online, location is no longer an issue together with which, advances in technology and the option for VOIP recordings enables tutors and students to communicate across borders.

Museum of Knowledge blog, Learn French easily 21072017
Learn French

MOK Knowledge: What is the easiest way to learn French effortlessly?

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21st July 2017
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Students often look for the easiest way to learn a language, however the Museum of Knowledge would attest to the fact that learning French is not the same as driving from one point to another. If you drive a car there may be two routes. One route may be uphill and consists of long distance driving. The other route may be shorter and more direct.

With languages and especially the task of learning French, there is no real easy way to learn as such. There is a specific technique and structure to language learning in the same way that there are specific rules and regulations for other professional disciplines. Once the structure is followed in a disciplined manner, learning French and benefitting from this knowledge is more accessible.

The Museum of Knowledge would not say that there is an easy way nor a more simplified way to learn French, but rather, that there is a more comprehensive, structured way to learn French so that the process and outcome for French language learners seems effortless.

Museum of Knowledge, speak English, English grammar 14072017
Learn English

Museum of Knowledge guide to speaking English: Grammar exercises

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14th July 2017
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Many Museum of Knowledge language learners wonder if there is a way they could speak English well without focusing on grammar. Well of course there are two ways people can learn English. The Museum of Knowledge suggests those who wish to learn how to speak English should decide whether they wish to merely speak English or to speak English well. It is worth noting that even a native speaker does not necessarily guarantee that every word spoken will be grammatically correct. The Queen’s English (British English) as it were can only be spoken correctly if the appropriate grammatical contexts and relevant terminology are also used.

The other point to take into consideration is that linguistic speech takes on different forms depending on the context. Speech can be either formal or informal.

For informal conversations one may be able to employ more colloquial speech patterns and certainly in more formal settings such as in business meetings or generally in the workplace, a more formal speech dialogue would require the employment of a wider scope of vocabulary and usage of correct grammar.

The Museum of Knowledge employs strategies that take into consideration the importance of grammar. To speak English is to speak it correctly whether formally or informally and the museum believes that grammar competency in the English language is essential for successful language learning.