Break-Throughs

Why are Power-Glide programs so effective? They are a blend of the best innovations based on up-to-date understanding of linguistics and learning psychology.

With few exceptions, language-learning methods have not changed much in the past 50 years. What you typically find today is the old "listen-and-repeat" methods done with new technology: tapes, CDs, computers, etc., packaged and worded to make them seem new. But they usually aren't new at all. They are the same old "uglies" of language learning repackaged to look new. The essence hasn't changed. Listen to Dr. Blair's own introduction to his unique methods.

Occasionally a few creative geniuses have made breakthroughs in language learning. For example:

Each breakthrough has added something to language learning effectiveness. But, each method focused on its own approach almost exclusively. Then one linguist, Dr. Robert Blair, took the most revolutionary step of all. He put the best of them together into a systematic learning process, added his own innovations, and tested and validated it with thousands of students. This integrated and improved result is now known as the POWER-GLIDE method.

The self-paced nature of the courses makes it possible for teachers or parents who do not know the target language to help a child learn without any prior training. Our courses actually offer teacher/parent guides that are filled with ideas to keep students motivated and progressing.

What students want. What students need.

Can you teach a foreign language rich in expression with only one teaching method? That's not how you learned and it's not the most effective way to teach today's students. Multisensory learning, visuals, connections, games—these are what drive modern education. Power-Glide offers what no other program can: the most effective teaching methods weaved together for an unrivaled learning experience.

• Language specific. Unlike most language training programs, Power-Glide courses are designed for speakers of specific languages, rather than the “one size fits all” approach. This takes advantage of what each language community knows and doesn’t know and avoids wasted effort as well as special techniques to address language-specific problems.
• Based on up-to-date information/research on linguistics and learning psychology. While the Power-Glide method is revolutionary, it is based on solid research and the most up-to-date information on the relevant disciplines.
• Involves learners in immediate use of the language in real situations. Power-Glide courses avoid the drudgery of rote memorization of words and rules by immediately involving the learners in practical use of the language in real situations. This keeps interest, confidence, and motivation high.
• Uses adventure stories and activities. From the beginning, the students are involved in an adventure story and activities that are like a fun game to them. Thus they enjoy their studies and are highly motivated to continue the learning.
• Uses multiple methods of learning: music, stories, activities, and more. People have different learning styles. By using various methods, music, stories, etc., everyone’s style will be included and interest and variety will be enhanced.
• Uses Diglot Weave™. Students start with familiar stories in their own language and gradually transition word by word, into the other language. The context provides the meaning and thus makes the learning an almost effortless, natural process.
• Takes learners from the known to the unknown along the easiest path. While learning a foreign language can be challenging, it does not need to be brutal. The Power-Glide method guides the learners through the most productive and gentle paths.
• Uses memory devices and phonemic approximations. Learning the right pronunciation and remembering the words and phrases of another language are greatly facilitated by using memory devices and acceptable approximations from the user's own language. This also reduces the “fear” of learning that many people experience.
• Starts with young children before their language “compartments” solidify. While Power-Glide programs can be used by anyone at any age, it includes courses for young children whose minds are still open to learning a language as a native speaker. By doing so, the language will feel like skin rather than clothes.
• Doesn't require expert teachers. One of the greatest advantages of Power-Glide courses is the fact that the teacher, parent or facilitator doesn’t need to know the language in order to assist the learner in the process. The one assisting also learns as an unexpected byproduct of their helping.
• Uses tests and gives academic credit. By working with school systems, many Power-Glide courses include academic tests which are recognized as, and can qualify for, school credit. This systematic testing also provides additional motivation and pacing.
• Many other innovative strategies. Increases motivation, retention, joy of learning, desire to use.

The Diglot Weave, from the Greek di, meaning two, and glot, meaning language, is a breakthrough in language learning. This methodology smoothly weaves the new language into the learners' own, taking them from the familiar to the unfamiliar. Gradually moving from their own language to the target language quickly builds comprehension skills and increases confidence.

You may recall stories written in a style that replaces words with pictures. A story written in this style is called a rebus. Diglot Weaves build on the rebus methodology by introducing the actual foreign words into the story.

While it may seem at first to be simple random word replacement, the process is carefully and deliberately designed to lead the learner to an understanding of the foreign language. Like a puzzle, learners fit together unfamiliar words and phrases with those that are familiar. In this way, they begin to think in the foreign language by understanding the underlying rules for composing sentences.