Getting involved in English learning is a huge part of understanding the language. You can't say you've done it until you've done it! Check out these Helpful Hints so that you can say that you've done it!
Getting Involved Hint 1: Remember; learning is not a spectator sport. You see, when we watch a game of basketball, we’re spectators, and we must stay in the stands. We can’t jump onto the court and try to take on (Yao Ming) or they’d remove us from the stadium!
Learning is different. Learning is most effective when we are involved. It doesn’t matter how you learn English, whether it be on the internet, in a classroom or with a tutor, to get the maximum benefit from the activities, you must get involved!
Getting Involved Hint 2: Be proactive – get out there and practise your English! You will get lots more practise if you go out and look for it rather than wait for it to come to you.
Getting Involved Hint 3: Organise a dinner party or a lunch with other English learners. At the get-together, talk about learning English and share your English stories. Not only are you hearing how other people are learning and getting ideas but you are actively practising your English.
Getting Involved Hint 4: You may have heard the term “Practice makes perfect”. That’s not entirely true. If you are practicing something incorrectly then you will never be perfect at it no matter how much time you spend practicing. E.g. If you are practising saying a word incorrectly then no how matter how many times you say it incorrectly, you will never have perfect pronunciation of that word. Adopt the phrase “perfect practice makes perfect”.
Getting Involved Hint 5: Get involved in English groups. Practice your English speaking in a fun and engaging environment. Can’t find an English group? Maybe you should think about starting one yourself.
Getting Involved Hint 6: Get creative! Exercise your brain and get your creative thought processes flowing with games and thought challenges. E.g. find-a-word games, word-last-letter game.
Getting Involved Hint 7: Subscribe to The Monthly ESL Newsletter. It provides lots of up-to-date information about English events and all things to do with learning the language. Best of all, it’s free. Click here to sign up.
Getting Involved Hint 8: Find someone to study with, even if it is tutor. Two brains are always better than one and chances are you will benefit much more if you’re learning with someone else. You can bounce ideas around and solve problems that may have taken you a lot longer with someone else there.
