Nicoletta
Latest posts by Nicoletta (see all)
- IELTS Writing Guide - December 23, 2016
- IELTS Listening Guide - August 22, 2016
- Researching your TEFL course - July 6, 2016
6 Secret Tricks to Improve your English
I have been helping students learn English for many years, and I have come across the same problems again and again. Here are some comments I took note of during the tutorials I recently did with some of my students. Read them and see if you can relate:
“I don’t read in English because I don’t have enough vocabulary.”
“I don’t watch English films because I don’t understand.”
“I don’t write because I don’t need to write in English.”
So, I have highlighted the main complaints I get from students when I do tutorials. My answers are always the same, but instead of focusing on the problems I give advice on why a student should push themselves to overcome these challenges. For example:
“I don’t read in English because I don’t have enough vocabulary.”
“I don’t watch English films because I don’t understand.”
“I don’t write because I don’t need to write in English.”
That being said, there is a world of difference between the advice given and the actual doing; and it all boils down to learner autonomy, motivation and will power.
Simply put, if one does not take learning into their own hands, progress will be slow and tedious.
So, here are my 6 of my “secret” ways I advise my students to improve their English learning experience:
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Set Goals
Set, small realistic goals and manage your expectations. Your teacher/tutor/academic director can help you.
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Post-it Notes
Post it away – label your environment with new vocabulary and expressions. It reinforces associations passive and keeps them alive.
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Work together
Partner up – There is nothing better for motivation than a friend with similar goals. Learning with them keeps you on track.
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Set Challenges
Micro-Challenge Yourself – Prepare a mini challenge for everyday eg: Today I will order coffee using accurate grammar and good fluency.
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100% English
Live, Eat and Sleep English – surround yourself with English sound (film, music, talks, people). Eat sandwiches, drink tea, read billboards, posters and even the information on the cereal boxes when you eat breakfast. Attend free social groups at bookshops and library and talk to anyone who will listen. Live the language.
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Variety is the spice of life
Variation – don’t do the same things everyday or stick to the same websites, books or learning tools/ apps. There is no single way to learn so try new things everyday.
