"I have heard the best language courses are the ones where you are only allowed to speak that one language. I have understaken three such courses and I have to say I learnt these languages quicker than other languages where the teacher has given the instruction in English."

I think this is generally true. Immersion courses are more effective. This is normal in a class based around comprehensible input.

In my view it is very unlogical to try to speak before you understand.
it is a lot more easy to learn speaking when you understand.
You are better - I think - if you understand a lot than if you speak and understand a little.

You don't need to speak to have a conversation if the counterpart understand your language and you understand his - you both can speak your natvie and understand each other.

To be quite candid, I tried both ways. Speaking from day 1 will simply discourage you from learning a language because of not being able to express your thoughts confidently and correctly. Been there, done that.

After having done a considerable amount of passive learning, I notice that, I'm not fluent yet but I'm able to pass by in a day to day conversation. It is not like a total frustrating experience. Yes, people do not understand me. I've been told to repeat myself many times during a conversation but at least I try to say the same thing in a different way. There is a confidence level to it. If people do not understand me I do not feel like totally shut down and run away altogether.

So , yeah, doing ample passive learning gives you lots of confidence when it comes to dealing with a real life situation. At least the language is not a noise on ears and that itself is a great feat. I mean, if you can't contribute anything in the conversation then at least you come away with something just from listening to the language.

So, definitely, silent period for me.

asad, you have explained this very well, and this corresponds to my experience as well.

Steve do you think my signing up to speak to my tutor June 9 as I started may 6th with very little language knowledge a waste of time? I have lots of questions to ask him as he's a very experience tutor, and want to try out my German, do you think its a waste of time? Alleray knows my level and still wants to go ahead with the 1 on 1 15 minute conversation. I just started beginner 2 and its recommending .2 hours a week speaking, I can't see this conversation being anything but helpful as I'll take lots of notes, and plan on being as prepared as possible.

I'm not steve of course, but I'd say that if you want to have the conversation, then by all means have it. I find that after a certain period in my language studies, I "just know" that it is time to practice speaking.

asad has said it better than i could.