Teaching Yourself English
Posted on May 10, 2009
Filed Under Learn Spanish CD, Learn Spanish Online | Leave a Comment
Instead of attending an in-school class, many people choose to learn to speak English via an online learning program. Teaching yourself English as a second language can be a daunting task. Language barriers, culture differences and even alphabets all come into play and sometimes it can be stressful. However, there are simple techniques that can help students overcome the obstacles and make the most of the opportunity to learn the most common language in this world. In this article, we will give students some study techniques that will take the stress out of their English lessons.
Once you have received your course material, read through the course manifest and set some realistic goals for yourself. For example, commit to learning ten new English words or phrases every day or promise to spend fifteen minutes every evening reading your school books. Studying fifteen minutes per day is more effective than studying two hours once every week. You will see that studying is much more fun because you didn’t push it to the limit the day before. Assigning yourself too much work will only stress you out and you won’t enjoy the work. Ideally, you should do something every day, no matter how small. Try doing half of a lesson every day, review all the lessons on Saturday, and then give yourself a day off on Sunday. Find a schedule that works for you and do your best to stick to it.
Periodically reminding yourself why you want to learn English is a good way to stay motivated. Remind yourself that you are working toward specific goals. Small rewards are also a good way to keep you motivated while teaching yourself the course material. After you have finished a particularly difficult lesson or assignment, treat yourself to a meal at your favorite restaurant. If you have stayed on target with your lessons for a full week, then go to see an English movie! And, once you have finished the course, splurge on something fantastic like a new outfit. You deserve a reward after all the hard work.
Regularly practicing the new words and phrases you learn is essential. Speak, write and read English as much as possible. Speak English at home instead of your native language and make your notes in English. The more you expose yourself to English, the more you will get used to it and the more familiar it will become to you. You will start to recognize correct pronunciations and even become familiar with abbreviations and slang words and phrases. Watch English television and listen to English radio shows for new words to add to your growing vocabulary.
Teaching yourself a new language is a challenging endeavor but the benefits are immeasurable. If you are taking English lessons through an online learning program, then take advantage of all the services they offer, like regular discussions with the instructor and chat rooms for the students. Talking with other students who are also endeavoring to teach themselves English is a great way to share ideas and concerns about the curriculum and stay motivated. Before you know it, you will be able to speak English fluently.
Leave a Reply