I find that if your goal is to become conversationally proficient the best tactic is to have fun and study using things you’re interested in! I love to teach using German music or watching tv shows and films that the student already enjoys. Doing this makes studying a language feel less like a chore and takes the pressure away from learning in a traditional classroom setting. For example, I have had students become very interested in German rap music, or had kids tell me they’ve retained more from watching “Friends” in German with the English subtitles turned on than they ever had from any class in school. Obviously I’m happy to cater to whatever suits the student best and each person’s individual needs, which we will discover as we work together.