Method
A space where a real conversation can happen
At Kompass, we focus on one of the most exciting elements of learning a foreign language: building the skillset to have great conversations, be yourself and connect with new people.
What to expect
What an hour looks like
1
We talk
Relaxed and unhurried. For you, this should feel like a chat with a friend over a cup of tea. And don’t worry, there is always something interesting to talk about.
2
Feedback is part of the conversation
We never switch language. The mistakes that get in the way of understanding are corrected first, in the moment, and the conversation carries on.
3
We keep track of what’s important
Just focus on the conversation and enjoy the flow. New words go on the whiteboard and are woven into our conversation until they stick.
Read enough?
Explore the method
Our approach to language guidance
Connection
Effective learning is based on real connection and we learn best with people we like.
We learn languages best with people we like, when we feel at ease and inspired. Many language learners are stuck at a point where they feel a real sense of dread every time they “have to” use the language. We see it as our core mission to help you get over that dread and become more comfortable with your mistakes, by building on principles of active listening, authentic conversations and playfulness.
Flow
Full immersion, at the edge of your ability, with topics you enjoy.
“Flow” may be summarized as a mental state of complete immersion and focused energy in an activity, leading to peak performance and enjoyment. It is a wonderful feeling that is often lost when we get stuck in our learning journey. To achieve flow, we find topics you really care about or that have practical value for you and then talk about them at the edge of your capacity.
Feedback
Nudging in the right moment, where it really matters.
Understanding our mistakes is one of the most essential parts of any learning experience. Rather than trying to avoid mistakes altogether, we rank them in priority and start with those that most inhibit communication first, before guiding you toward finer details.
Repetition
Learning through repeated exposure.
Most language learners learn new words only to find a week later that they have already forgotten them. One of our tasks is to keep track of your new vocabulary and weave it into subsequent conversations. Rather than relying on brute memorization, we work with repeated exposure, tailored to the current stage of your learning process, until the words stick.
Speaking first
Less time talking about, more time talking in your target language.
In our sessions, we try to avoid translating as much as possible. Not only does this allow us to build stronger habits and normalize using your new language, it also creates the kind of exposure mentioned above. Grammar is treated somewhat in the same vein. If we discuss grammar it should be in your target language so that you simultaneously benefit from immersion, exposure and habit formation.
Together
Language is a social endeavour and nothing beats the effectiveness of mutual learning.
Our method was designed for 1-on-1 sessions but shines brightest in small groups of up to four learners. The reason for this is that a group of language learners often holds between them the answers to most of their questions. Unsurprisingly, it is an enormous confidence boost to be able to explain something that somebody else wants to know, providing just the kind of momentum successful language learning builds on. More importantly, however, explaining something is a true test of your understanding and activates parts of your brain that seriously benefit long-term memory.
The Pledge
Take your goals seriously
You set concrete, measurable targets, a minimum amount of effort each day and a consequence for the days you miss it. A guide can point the way, but the practice is yours.
The Pledge is optional but many clients find that it is a great way to get the ball rolling and turn one good hour a week into steady progress.
Is this for you?
A quick check before you book
A good fit if you
- Want to speak with more confidence
- Know some words and phrases already (a high A1 is fine)
- Want to turn your theoretical knowledge into practice
- Want to express yourself more freely at work or with friends
Starting from zero but still interested? Get in touch and we will work out how to begin.
Probably not the right fit if you
- Mainly want to improve your reading and writing
- Want grammar drills and exam preparation
- Prefer a fixed and predictable course programme
- Want things explained in a language you already know well
Frequently asked questions
Do I need any previous knowledge of my target language?
No. However, our method is 100% based on conversations in your target language, which works a lot better if you already know some basics. We can learn your target language from scratch, relying on the same principles, but of course it will be less of a conversation, and more of a familiarization with the basics. In general, we recommend a solid A1 level as a great entry point into our sessions.
Am I not going to learn any grammar at all?
In general, we are not going to focus on grammar, but ultimately that is your decision. In most cases, learners learn grammar on their own – with textbooks or in a language school – while time with a private coach is better spent practising communication. But if you prefer to have more grammatical explanations, those can be woven into your sessions, so long as they do not disrupt Flow.
If I get a private guide, why should I learn in a group?
There are three main advantages to learning in a small group. First, the focus of the conversation is distributed between several people which allows for longer and more immersive sessions. Second, since group sessions are cheaper for the individual learner, you get more guide time for the same price. Finally, and most importantly, language learners, even if they are roughly on the same level, usually have different strengths and weaknesses. A good language coach can facilitate a group discussion in a way that maximizes each learner’s potential and allows you to explain what you already know to the rest of the group. This technique seriously strengthens long term memory, increases your confidence and tests whether you truly know what you think you know.
Does your method work for everyone?
The success of the method largely depends on two factors: your learning goals and the effort you invest outside of our sessions. As stated above, our method is best suited for learners who want to improve their oral communication skills. If you want to practice reading and writing, those can be woven into sessions as well, but if it is your main focus, we usually recommend other (free) language learning tools (send us a message to learn about them). It should also come as no surprise that the method depends largely on your commitment outside the sessions. You do not need to study eight hours a day, but consistency and daily practice are key in language learning which is why we work with the Pledge. We will provide you with a number of repetition tools and encourage you to apply what you learn in the time between your sessions. The speed of your progress will largely depend on how seriously you take those two steps.
How do I know if the method is for me?
Without giving it a try, it is difficult to know whether a specific approach works for you or not. We encourage you to carefully read the method description and decide for yourself whether or not you think it aligns with your goals. If you are unsure, and to give you more confidence to take the first step, we offer you your first session for free: you will get to know the method in theory and in practice, and decide afterward whether or not you want to continue – no strings attached.