Improve your Learning Skills
Learning in itself is a skill and hence it can be improved. Here are FOUR steps towards improving your Learning Skills:
Self Awareness
Learning effectively is possible by developing self concept. To put it differently one can learn better through knowing:
- How far one is able to learn
- How has one learned successfully in the past
- What are one’s interest in the field, and
- How much is one’s knowledge of what one is willing to learn
One must ensure that one is motivated to learn English so that one will not become so frustrated as to give up. One can check the following honestly:
- Why does one need to learn/improve English?
- Where will one need to use English?
- What is one required to do in English? (Read/Write/Listen/Speak)
- When is one’s deadline for English improvement?
- How much time can one afford to devote to it?
- How much money can one afford for it?
Set SMART Goals
For improving one’s English, one should set smart goals as follow:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Attainable
- Realistic
- Time-bound
Dedicating short time each day to learn English will give better, longer-term results than a half or full day on the weekend and then nothing for a week.
A good motivation to attain one’s goals is to have a system of rewards and punishments. One must decide on a reward one will give oneself for attaining one’s goals.
Know the learning method that suits to youThere are different ways to learn. One can find out what kind of learner one is, in order to better understand how to learn more effectively. One can also check whether one is an auditory learner, a kinesthetic learner or a visual learner, accordingly one can take part in activities, listen more or watch/observe lessons.
One must do something regularly in this matter. If one doesn't do anything, one won't get anywhere. One can make it a habit, and above all have fun.
There is no need to be in a hurry. One is on a long journey and there'll be delays and frustrations along the way. One can always try to really enjoy the experience.
Improve your English
There are many ways to improve the level of English, but only the person himself/herself can find the right way for him/her. Here are a few steps that will surly help:
Reading
To get comfortable with the language, read regularly an English newspaper, magazine, book or novel. It can be even a sports or film magazine.
Research has shown it takes about three months of daily practice to develop strong mouth muscles for speaking a new language. Hence it is recommended to read aloud.
Writing
Develop written language. With requisite vocabulary one can communicate well.
Speaking
Speak in English as much as possible. Try spoken English on anyone who will be able to respond. Don't be afraid of making mistakes.
Listening Others
Keep the ears open for the accent. Watch the English news on Television.
Similarly have someone proficient to read aloud something. Watch how they move their lips while pronouncing certain words.
Listening Self
Recording and listening own voice and catching pronunciation mistakes can help avoid them. This is a very important exercise because doing it helps becoming conscious of the mistakes made.
Learn Grammar
Grammar is important. The parts of speech, tenses, form of verb, articles, etc. contribute to fluency. One can make an effort to learn them.
Build Vocabulary Dictionary can be made a friend. Refer to it when come across a new word. Familiarize with its meaning and use it in a sentence.
Familiarize with the phonetic symbols of the dictionary. Look for correct pronunciation of words.
Learn one new word a day. To increase active vocabulary, start memorizing the meaning of a word heard and use it regularly to absorb it vocabulary.
Think in English
Learners generally think in native language first, translate it in English and then speak. The best way is to directly THINK IN ENGLISH and speak. In general also thinking, not done for speaking, may be done in English.
With these Spoken English will improve, but not if commitment is lacking.
Keep in mind the skills involved in any language are Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. Any single one can't be developed in isolation.
I started thinking about it and realized that I was lucky to learn it in spite of having done my schooling with Hindi medium.
Expose to the language as much as possible by reading anything in that language. You will find it a huge benefit to listen to the language and to practice conversation with others as much as possible.
Key Points
Overcome fear of making mistakes. Mistakes are bound to happen but keep in mind:
“Resistance causes persistence, Acceptance causes disappearance”
Avail every opportunity you have to speak with people in English. Talk to friends who are also learning English. Hang out together and speak only in English.
Listen to and sing English songs.
Be patient with yourself. Learning any language can be frustrating. Be master of yourself, be in-charge of yourself, have self control.
