Plenty of people learn Russian, Turkish or English from films and YouTube with no teacher. If learning can happen through self-study and immersion, a teacher’s value lies in what those routes don’t give: selection, sequencing, feedback, accountability and pushed output.
A working answer (Claude)
- Selection and sequencing of input at the right level (i+1, coverage).
- Feedback that makes gaps noticeable (CF, reformulation).
- Pushed output and interaction with consequences (Swain, Long).
- Accountability and motivation: structure, deadlines, a relationship.
- Strategy training: teaching learners to use self-study and immersion better (extensive listening, SRS, shadowing).
Use it
- A strong opening for a YouTube video or first lesson: “Why pay a teacher?” then show these five.
Connections
Doable demand at the learner’s next step · Extensive listening homework needs monitoring and shared texts · Comprehensible input is necessary but not sufficient