Learn Languages with Steve Kaufmann Why I skip language drills (even though everyone recommends them)
Jun 26, 2025
Delve into the importance of questions in language learning and discover how they can enhance or hinder the process. Engage in stimulating conversations instead of dreary drills, as personal motivation plays a key role in effective learning. The discussion highlights fun methods, like 'mini stories' with questions, to foster spontaneous dialogue. This refreshing approach prioritizes enjoyment over stress, ensuring that language acquisition is both effective and pleasurable.
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Questions as Language Exposure
- Steve Kaufmann views questions primarily as triggers for more language exposure, not for testing recall.
- Questions help learners engage with different grammatical forms and encourage language output.
Don’t Force Question Drills
- Avoid forced questions if they reduce your learning pleasure or motivation.
- Focus on making language learning enjoyable through reading and listening instead of drills.
Avoiding Textbook Drills
- Steve avoids textbook drills and only uses answer keys to understand language patterns.
- He finds drills unmotivating and prefers exposure over testing recall artificially.