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10 Ways to be a Terrific Language Student
I have spent decades teaching students English. Over the years, I have learned just as much from them as they have from me. One thing that has always fascinated me is how they approach the process of language learning. I was recently thinking of a group of students that I was privileged to work with one summer many years ago. All of these particular students worked hard and made progress and were delightful to teach and work with. Later on, I spent some time analysing their preparedness and study methods which gave me some insights into what sort of things seem to work well.
Learning styles
As teachers and learners, we know that different people have different preferences and styles when it comes to studying. I see, as a teacher, where I need to adapt my choice of material or style to suit different students. Things which work fantastically well with one student might fall completely flat with another. We read much about learning styles and it is true that we learn differently, but I feel it is also true that not all learning is necessarily fun and exciting and it is important to take the rough with the smooth. In terms of language in particular, a certain amount has to be repetitive and recycling, and revisiting is very important. Regular practice is also important. Some tried and tested methods do work and it is a case of finding the most suitable way of utilising these. Whether its pen and paper or iPhone and laptop, our preferred tool is unimportant as long as you get the results!
Student behaviour
Some students are methodical and very organised. They bring a book, stationery, dictionary, etc. with them to the lessons and they organise their work. Some arrange their book/folder according to the different topics (grammar, reading, vocabulary etc.) and sometimes even colour-code everything for ease of revision. They review the day’s work and come to the next lesson prepared with questions.
Others prefer a more ‘learn by osmosis’ approach. They like to absorb the language by being immersed in it through the lesson. They don’t record a great deal (perhaps anything they haven’t heard before) and react in a more emotional way with the language. These students may not be so systematic in their learning, but they like to extend their exposure to language and will be likely to watch TV or read a newspaper or magazine in their spare time, often bringing elements of this experience to the lesson.
Many students have a half and half approach. The dangers of being only type one is that you may be restricting yourself to a narrow range of language and really miss out on the wealth of learning that you could be experiencing. Those taking the second path alone may be exposed to too much for it to be absorbed. However, all approaches are legitimate, and in the end it is a matter of ‘horses for courses’. Whatever your learning style, I do think it is worth considering using some tried and tested methods to enhance your learning experience.
And to this end you are in luck, because I want to share with you ten practices that I have noticed in some of my most successful students.
Here are ten practices that I have noticed over the years from truly terrific language learners:
- Do make sure you have something to record new items of language (notebook, smart-phone, laptop etc.).
- Don’t rely solely on your memory – you won’t be able to recall everything.
- Do make sure you have access to a dictionary (get one on your phone so you can access it wherever you are).
- Don’t miss the opportunity to pick up new words and check their meaning.
- Do go over the day’s lesson; make a note of anything you don’t understand and be ready to ask your teacher at the next lesson.
- Don’t be afraid to ask your teacher to go over things or explain them again – it’s an opportunity to make sure everything is clear before moving on.
- Do watch TV in English if you have the chance. If you are in the UK it’s a good way to engage with the culture and make sure you are immersing yourself in the language – TV is an invaluable language resource (use English subtitles to help you at first).
- Don’t feel that you have to understand everything. Relax and enjoy the experience, if you can get a good overview of the conversation or TV programme that might be enough (then, as in No 6, ask your teacher for more information at the next lesson).
- Do write a learner diary – a few lines after each day’s experience will not only give you a lovely record of your course, but it is also an interesting and personal way to make a record of your learning. This can be useful for language recycling and sharing with teachers and/or classmates. It will also help you to see how you are progressing.
- Do enjoy your learning experience – something you enjoy and are absorbed in will be both successful and valuable.
Another great idea is to seek out an immersion experience if you can do one. They are a great way to gain experience not only with the language but also to immerse yourself in the culture of the language that you are learning and to really get it deep into your bones. You will not believe how much an immersion experience can make a language live for you! You can come and stay with us at Fleetham Lodge and enjoy the immersion experience of a lifetime, we have many different courses and events. Find one that fits for you!
Thank you to all my students over the years who gave me the chance to observe their learning and the opportunity to pass some of their ideas on to you. I am very thankful to have been able to teach and to help brilliant students and professionals pass the IELTS over these past many, many years. Check out some of my courses, blogs, and webinars to get the help that you need to pass the IELTS. I am dedicated to helping you achieve your English language dreams!
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