The first step is to read and listen to dialogues where new words are added gradually, with definitions provided, and words and expressions are repeated in a natural manner but often enough to greatly help them 'sink in'. This is much, much more effective than lists of words and sample sentences. By reading the dialogues and speaking along with the audio, you are 'physically' learning Indonesian. You're training your mouth and ears and your intuitive learning abilities are allowed to kick in because your conscious mind is overwhelmed. It's a primary concept of our language learning method which I discovered in the book "Drawing from the Right Side of the Brain".
After listening to the dialogue once (about 2 minutes) students can either listen again and try speaking along with the audio, or try an exercise where you select the appropriate word. You've just been exposed to your first 20 or so words in Indonesian and you have been 'studying Indonesian' for just 2 minutes, but you will be able to do all the exercises correctly. We've 'tested' it many times and it's great to see how well it works and people are always surprised. That's the power of your 'intuitive mind' versus your 'conscious mind'.
(Notice that the definition of each word is given when you hold your mouse over it.)
Of course the exercise is extremely easy, and that's the secret! Most programs introduce new material and then ask questions that simply cause stress and anxiety in the student. And it requires conscious memory!! It's like trying to fill a bucket that's upside down.
Learning is about connecting neurons in your brain and then, even more importantly, strengthening them through repetition. But not 'one after the other in a list' repetition. That's nearly useless.
Our methods 'turn the bucket over' and then fill it easily and naturally.
After doing several exercises 'selecting the correct answer', the next step is to try typing in the missing word. This is again 'physical learning' and is intended to be 'easy'. Each student is encouraged to progress at whatever speed they feel comfortable with, and it's best to take a relaxed pace and not push on too quickly before you've 'absorbed' the information and really made those neuron connections strong.
Note that mouseover answers are given but physically doing the typing is strongly recommended help 'solidify' the learning process.
The final step is to give the entire dialogue in the opposing language. This approach to learning Indonesian (or any language) makes it more like learning a sport or learning to play a musical instrument. The physical action is paramount, and you'll be surprised, it's like riding a bike, you never forget. :) Seriously, the learning is 'deeper' and it stays with you for much longer even if you're not using it.
