One of the joys of learning a language is that there’s always room for improvement, no matter your level. For instance, learning collocations can greatly enhance how you come across as an English speaker.”
Category: Self-study
Approach listening with a positive attitude
“The harder the climb the sweeter the view.”
For some students, listening is unquestionably one of the hardest skills. Let’s analyse how to change that and have a better experience.
Becoming overwhelmed because your understanding is poor might take you down a road of negativity and make you shut down which will, in turn, prevent you from grasping at least general ideas.
Instead of being put off by it, make it one of your main battles to fight.
Continue reading “Approach listening with a positive attitude”
Shut the door on procrastination
Procrastination goes hand in hand with demotivation. Not sure which one comes first, it may be one of those “Chicken-and-egg”* situations where it is not clear what triggers what. Does putting things off create demotivation? Or, is it the other way around? Continue reading “Shut the door on procrastination”
Use translation as a learning technique
Translation, like writing, creates less pressure than speaking. Since no one is watching, there’s room to hesitate or pause as you search for the perfect word to convey your exact meaning, even if it doesn’t immediately spring to mind. For all of these reasons and more, translation can be an effective way to learn in a stress-free environment.
Naturally, you may be wondering who will revise your text. The good news is that there is a simple “DIY” technique.
Self-motivation
Overall, I feel fortunate to be surrounded by students who are passionate about English and show genuine interest and appreciation for the language.”
That said, learning a language is more like running a marathon than a sprint. Over the years, I’ve heard various complaints from students, such as I feel stuck,’ ‘I’ve been studying English my whole life. Yet, my level is still intermediate,’ ‘I keep making the same mistakes,’ ‘Despite all my efforts, when I visit English-speaking countries, I struggle to understand people,’ or ‘Phrasal verbs are impossible to learn.’ And the list goes on.”
Be creative when recording vocabulary
CREATE VISUALS AND LEARN IN THE PROCESS.
There are multiple ways of recording vocabulary, but the tendency to create “English word + translation” lists prevails. Finding an alternative makes vocabulary recording more entertaining and helps you learn since you are more involved in the process.
Going back to the idea of “collecting words”, you are more likely to remember a new item for your collection when you have devoted some attention to it. Where does it belong? How should I record it? To what extent is this useful for me?
Let’s consider recording vocabulary as a two-way procedure.
What I mean is, you can first record your words in a list, while you are studying or in class, as a sort of draft. Secondly, you could rewrite those words into a more definite, elaborate system. It may take more time but it will eventually pay off.
Create a time and a space for self-study
This is the first in a series of tips aimed at boosting language students’ self-study routines and self-motivation. It goes without saying that attending a course is a sure bet but usually not enough if you intend to make significant progress. You have to go the extra mile! and that is primarily in your hands. Teachers can provide you with ideas on how to go about it but it is within you to implement them and to be consistent at that.
Allocating regular time for English study will give confidence in yourself. If consistent, you will surely notice a solid steady improvement that will, in turn, strengthen your motivation to keep going.