In some language learning situations, especially for business people, there is a need to be able to communicate in English – fast. The question of “improvement” is usually linked to the issue of immediate application.
It is important to remember that communication is a skill. Just like any skill, there is a process. Progress, of course, is measurable. It is possible to have significant improvement. How?
Be excited to L.E.A.R.N.
Let go of perceived weaknesses. In language learning, weak points or areas for improvement are temporary. Maybe on one week, using articles in a paragraph or three-paragraph composition is a challenge. Come next month, it’ll be easier to make quick choices of what articles to use in a report, an email, a speech, or a presentation.
Expect or embrace suggestions, corrections, and advice. Sophocles wrote, “A man, though wise, should never be ashamed of learning more, and must unbend his mind.” If there is, for example, a recurring mistake, it is usually pointed out and practice activities are given to replace a previous habit with a better one. Students who are aware of their improvement are most likely able to have strategies for better recall and practice.
Ask questions, relevant questions. Communication not only involves giving answers but also forming relevant questions. It is also helpful to consider that the teachers are also the students’ readers and listeners. The teachers are also into understanding students’ questions, both in structure (sentence construction) and content (message).
Review, practice, review, practice. Make it as regular and frequent as possible. Reviews are useful for exams, but having it together with practice is the way to go to gain confidence in conversations and in other communication situations.
Note your progress and achievement. This is important especially if there are set goals. It’s not just about attaining a score. It’s about making progress in conversations or business functions. Exercises in verb tenses are more than just sessions on grammar points. They are helpful in emails, presentations, reports, journals, blogs, etc. Keeping track of progress also makes for new and exciting learning experiences.
Excited to L.E.A.R.N? Let’s go!
“Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence.”– Abigail Adams
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