John G. Frank

Is Homework in German Necessary for Beginners

A year ago, the American University set up a simple device for learning languages in the schoolroom. For German, as well as for the various other tongues, tape recorders, Brush Sound Mirrors, were installed. These highly sensitive instruments are connected, by the speaking outlet, with earphones. The phones are in rows of semi-private booths where the students listen. What is most important, they repeat the words and lessons that are audible over the earphones in a half-loud voice. The students can use, therefore, the optimum desideratum in language learning: the aural-oral, and if books are used, also the optic organs. The hearing and speaking organs are exercised with this arrangement, while with home study the ear and mouth are often neglected. The students have, of course, their three classes a week. In preparation for them they take five hours of laboratory a week where they learn by mechanical means.