subject: Learn English for Free - ULearn's 7 Stages of Language Learning [print this page] Learn English for Free - ULearn's 7 Stages of Language Learning
Stage 1 - Hop In - Learn English
Planning & Motivation
So you've come this far. You've looking at our "7 Stages to Language Learning" so we're guessing that you are pretty interested in learning or teaching English as a foreign language. And you are motivated to learn faster and more successfully. These are positive points. And we don't want to stop you now but I do have one very important question.
Why do you want to learn English?
The answer to this question will shape the next few months and maybe even years of your learning experience. Here are some common answers we often hear
Well, because English is very important today
It's the global language and I need it
My work told me that I need it
I have just left college and all the interviewers are asking me how my English is
These types of responses are real life situations which created aneed to learn, but they are allexternal motivations. Adult learners generally seek out learning experiences in response to these types of factors. And for every student there can be one or one hundred reasons why learning English is 'a good idea'. What we are interested in is keeping you interested. That's wheregoal setting and the rest of this guide will help.
So let's see your goals.
Would you like to speak like a native?
Would you like to keep your own accent but speak without any errors?
Would you like to be able to answer the phone to foreigners without being afraid?
Or would you just like to order a beer and ask directions without people looking at you strangely?
Take two minutes to write down the goal before you start to learn English in Dublin or any other city in the world! Let's start far away in the future. Complete the sentence below with the language learning goal you would like for yourself. Be as adventurous as you like.
Once we have long range goals we will work back from there. Now, three yeas is a long time so the next step is continuous assessment. Your U-Learn instructors will help you on an on-going basis by giving you feedback, testing, and providing you with specific motivational milestones. (Reference Section 2 on language learning stages for an idea of the normal process of language learning development.)
The main aim ofgoal setting is to keep you focused and ultimately allow you to leanfaster. If you have specific, achievable goals then you know whether or not you need to adjust your methods.
This sample chart may be of use to you in building your own review system as youlearn English.
MY LANGUAGE GOALS
WEEK 1
DATE
DAY
TASK
OBJECTIVE
ASSESSMENT
MONDAY
EG; Advice to a friend (Exercise 3, P 14)
Practice modal verbs using Lexical methods
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
WEEKLY REVIEW
WEEK 2
DATE
DAY
TASK
OBJECTIVE
ASSESSMENT
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
WEEKLY REVIEW
Try to think of student motivation as coming in waves. Nobody stays 100% motivated at all times and it is human nature that as the novelty of learning a new language wears off so too does our interest and motivation to continue. However, it will return. The idea is to keep your eye on the ball. Six months after you have started to learn English in Dublin or any other English speaking city, you may feel your enthusiasm wain. But if you form the habit of monitoring your goals you will be more likely to persevere than the average student.
We hope you will read our next article on language learning when we will explore some resources that will assist you in your mission for fluency.
