10 Tips for Language Learning Success!
First-time language learners can experience emotional ups and downs. The fear of sounding silly and making mistakes can often make students scared to take risks in the language classroom. On the other hand, moments of success can bring about feelings of exhilaration. Below are some time-tested, research-verified approaches that will help all students understand and effectively communicate in the target language. As a parent, you no longer need to feel helpless when trying to assist your son or daughter in being successful in foreign language.
1. Set realistic expectations! Accept the fact that you will be adjusting your thinking and mind during class, and that you may not understand everything. As the year progresses, you will be amazed at your increasing ability to make sense of the language and put it into practice. In fact it is through practice that you will see the most success.
2. Break study time into smaller chunks. Research shows that language students learn more effectively and retain more when they study frequently and for shorter periods of time. Try to save a few minutes each night for review, even if no homework has been assigned. Through repetition of material, it will become increasingly familiar until it eventually becomes an automatic part of your language repertoire.
3. Learn vocabulary effectively. The more words you know, the more you can say and understand. Place vocabulary in useful and everyday contexts. For example, when you are eating breakfast try and think of the translations for the items you need to eat and the foods you are eating. Many students find flashcards useful. Not only can flashcards be useful to learn definitions, but you can organize them into categories (by noun gender, thematic units, and regular verbs vs. irregular verbs). Try and study them from Spanish to English, as well as English to Spanish. Take advantage of this useful tool by taking them everywhere with you!
4. Practice language actively. Whenever possible, speak aloud, rather than reciting silently to yourself. Transferring language from your mind to your mouth is a skill that requires a great deal of practice.
5. Do homework conscientiously. In the course of conversation, it is not practical to look up verb tenses or vocabulary words. However, with homework practice, you have the luxury of time. Reinforcing grammar and vocabulary by referring to charts, notes, and dictionaries can help students learn the correct information. Thus the proper information will become automatic.
6. Form study groups. Get together with classmates to practice the language together. With friends, you may feel less pressure and try the language in ways that you don’t feel comfortable in large group settings like the classroom. Also, teaching others concepts that you feel strong with reinforces your strengths.
7. Identify your learning style. Everyone has unique learning styles and learning pace. For example, if you are a visual learner write down them and try to associate them with pictures. If you are an auditory learner, try and focus as much as possible in class to hear all the information. Ask your teacher if they have any CD’s that you can borrow that will reinforce the content. Knowing your strengths will help you maximize your time effectively.
8. Maximize your language exposure. With fluency as the goal, increasing the amount of contact with the language will bring you one step closer. Listen to music, watch TV programs, read magazine articles and newspapers in the target language. In addition, many TVs have language options, watch your favorite movies in the target language to learn new vocabulary and be amazed at how much you understand.
9. Spend time on task. Use class time wisely. Be on task and attentive during class time. When you are done with an activity in class early, use this time to review vocabulary or grammar points. If you are in language class, you should be doing something language-related at all times. Make the most of your time!
10. Communicate with your teacher. Take responsibility for your learning. Seek help when you need it. Be proactive about making up missed work. Confide in your teacher about situations that maybe interfering with your learning, such as needing a different seat in class. Not only will this improve your grade, but your success depends on it.
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