Frequently Asked Questions
- What exactly does 'earworms' mean? [+]The term ‘earworms' or ‘catchy tunes' refers to those songs which you hear a few times and then just can't get out of your head. We are putting this phenomenon to a positive educational use.
- How long does it take to learn a language with the earworms method? [+]The earworms programme not only anchors words and phrases into your memory in a very short time, it also fits in with busy lives, thus saving time. You can learn in a traffic jam, on the Underground, while jogging, where and when you want to. You take control.
You can be using your newfound knowledge within hours, unbelievable though it may seem. We recommend that you listen to the app relatively intensively over a two-week period (the learning phase), and then continue periodically to listen in order to refresh your memory (See below). - What does the 'Rapid' series actually cover, what do I learn? [+]The programme's aim is simple: to enable you to hold a conversation in the target language. There are two initial volumes which cover two phases of the language course. Volume 1 covers the words you need for your initial trip abroad: ordering in a restaurant, asking for directions, dealing with problems, shopping, numbers, telling the time, etc. At the same time a number of useful grammatical structures are taught, especially the modal verbs: would, could, can, in combination with other verbs like: to be, to look for, to want, to know, to have, to like, to eat, to drink, to buy, to rent.
- What age group are the earworms Apps aimed at? [+]Rapid Vol. 1 and 2 are for all ages, but the subject matter appeals more to adults. S'cool Tools are for pupils aged between 11 and 16 to give them a boost at school.
- At school I was hopeless at languages. Can earworms help? [+]There is no such thing as "no talent for languages". Speaking a language is a natural human ability. It is also natural that the brain is hungry to learn. The art of language teaching and learning is supplying the material in an easily digestible, brain-friendly package. Forget what your teachers said, they were wrong! After seeing how easy learning a language can be with earworms, hopefully you will be motivated and continue with this most rewarding activity.
- Do I have to really concentrate hard to learn properly and fully? [+]No, don't concentrate too hard... in fact try not to remember, just relax and enjoy it as if you are listening to the radio.
- earworms mbt® is only audio? [+]Of course, reading and writing are important. Included in the package is a phrasebook with all the words and phrases on the CD. We recommend that you do also familiarise yourself with the written words.
- What information does the supporting booklet include? [+]The booklet includes the English and target language and the phonetics for each word or phrase along with other information to support your progress.
- If someone is dyslexic, do they really need to study the booklet? [+]This course is ideal for dyslexics and people who just don't like book learning, also for blind people. In this case your aural sense of perception and memory will probably be heightened. For others the booklet is a great support.
- How do the results compare with conventional learning? [+]The earworms concept draws on the latest research into accelerated learning and memory enhancement and takes advantage of the scientifically proven capacity of the mind to memorize words far better in melodic patterns. Our own trials point to the phenomena being even more powerful than we had anticipated. With earworms, students usually get over 90% in difficult vocabulary tests, compared to less than 50% with conventional book learning.
- Does the earworms syllabus work to any recognised standards? [+]earworms follows closely the Common European Framework (CEF) of Reference on Language Learning. These are guidelines which categorise six different levels of language proficiency. It also corresponds to the UK's National Language Standards level one.
- How often do I have to listen to the earworms CD? [+]With the appeal of the earworms songs we hope that it is not a question of “having to” but rather a question of “wanting to”. But seriously: the memory is like a muscle, it needs to be trained and exercised. The ideal is listening relatively intensively at the beginning (the learning phase), thereafter listening periodically to review what you have learnt and refresh your memory.
In practical terms this means listening to the whole album the first day, in order to ‘tune your ear in' to the sounds of the target language. Then listen regularly, several times, over a period of one or two weeks, making sure that you listen to every track equally as many times.
After this, go through the booklet and test your knowledge, picking out any gaps that you may wish to concentrate on.
Lastly, the review phase. As we all know, memories fade, so it is important to refresh your memory by using the App at your leisure, say, once a week for the following few weeks. Thereafter, monthly. This review phase is crucial as it consolidates your knowledge and transfers it into your long-term memory. Although this demands self-discipline, it is of course without effort, as you are only listening to music. The result is that you will be able to recall the words and phrases with the same ease that you remember your telephone number! - We are a bank with extensive training programmes for our staff. [+]
- What activities do you recommend to improve my language skills? [+]A trip abroad is always good to get your linguistic juices flowing. Use your iPhone's dictionary and notebook to take down any new and interesting words and phrases you might come across. Also, Internet resources are often very good. The BBC languages web site is very commendable: www.bbc.co.uk/languages
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