Michel Thomas is good. One issue is that he is originally from Germany, so the german edition is probably great. He teaches a number of different languages (such as French), where you won't be learning from a native. He did spend time growing up there, and you'll probably hear his story about how he fooled the Germans with his French. Even so, it's not the same as hearing a native Parisian.
The other feature/problem is that you're hearing the two other students learning with you. They will often make the similar mistakes that you will make, which is encouraging. However, I think that 1 out of 3 fluent speakers on a tape is less effective for learning the correct pronunciation.
The other feature/problem is that you're hearing the two other students learning with you. They will often make the similar mistakes that you will make, which is encouraging. However, I think that 1 out of 3 fluent speakers on a tape is less effective for learning the correct pronunciation.
For those who don't know the program: the way it works is that the teacher says a sentence in English, at which point you are supposed to pause the recording and formulate it in German (or whatever language). When you continue the playback, one of the other students will also formulate the sentence in German. Then the teacher will correct them if they're wrong, and repeat the correct sentence (with correct pronunciation). The idea is that the correct pronunciation is the last thing you hear.
It's true that this may be less than ideal if your goal is to speak the language fluently. I'm mostly worried about passing a (written) translation exam, so pronunciation is a secondary concern for me.
The other feature/problem is that you're hearing the two other students learning with you. They will often make the similar mistakes that you will make, which is encouraging. However, I think that 1 out of 3 fluent speakers on a tape is less effective for learning the correct pronunciation.
An interesting method, nonetheless.