A teacher’s honest opinion on Duolingo

Let me tell you the story of Kalina, my first conversation student and now, a very good friend.

The beginning of our work

Kalina started French in university as a side course and learned the basics with her Bulgarian teacher but never really got to practice real, conversational French. It wasn’t an issue at the time since she mainly needed help passing her grammar exam.

The oral practice

After we met, she was eager to improve her speaking skills, so we began doing one hour of conversation per week, and that’s been ongoing since September 2022.

Kalina now has great oral skills. I speak to her in a casual tone, she confidently explains complex stories, anecdotes, and opinions, and she’s preparing to visit France soon to practice in real life.

So, where does Duolingo fit in?

Yes, I’ve highlighted the massive benefits of regular conversations, but let’s be real—a bit of grammar and structure is essential.

The challenge is that Kalina works full-time, and with all her hobbies and commitments, she doesn’t have the time or desire to study intensively or focus on grammar rules.

That’s where Duolingo works its M-A-G-I-C. She’s been using it daily for over two years, and combined with our sessions, she’s managed to absorb plenty of new concepts.

Of course, I’m always here to solidify that knowledge, provide examples, and offer more in-depth explanations.

Most of the time, it feels I’m teaming up with that little green bird to tutor Kalina in French, and in the end, why not ?

It’s 2024, taking advantage of tools that surround us is essential !

Conclusion:

Duolingo can’t replace a qualified teacher—it’s too generic and mechanical. However, it’s a great supplementary tool to encourage daily practice and expand vocabulary.

So, keep up that streak, but consider pairing it with real practice alongside a native teacher. (Why a native? I’ll explain in another article!)