We’re big proponents of having a structure for language learning. Employing tried and tested strategies and methods get you on that road. Without a workable structure, you can end up learning bits and forgetting just as much.
Strategies are a road map to how you will achieve your language learning goals? Will you do it by poring over a learning software non-stop? Are you going to take classes and get practice time by joining a local group? Will you throw all caution to the wind and fly to another country to fully immerse yourself?
Apart from the general strategy, it’s prudent to define a timetable for your learning, as it will help you keep tabs on your own development. This is one area where a language training software or a classroom course can actually help, as they’re designed with a prescribed timetable in place.
Finding an optimal method for yourself is an important aspect of language learning. With that said, we highly recommend trying out different techniques before settling on one. Going for the first thing you can find (such as dry phrasebook, coupled with an old CD) rarely worked out well for anyone. Try out different things and find out what method works best for yourself.