Many think of learning English as a daunting task, but I like to think of it as a playful and enjoyable challenge that takes students into an exciting new paradigm, the metaphorical home of the linguistic superhero. First of all, students tend to take the study of English too seriously, not that it is a matter to be taken lightly; however, English is a barrel of laughter and great fun if we can all laugh at our mistakes and rejoice at our own creations, as Shakespeare did with his unerring sense of humour. So that students can get rid of the pessimism that rages around them, and so that they can feel free from fear, I would like to share useful tips that will lead students down the path of a superhero, like Odysseus, the star of Greek epic poetry. . Therefore, students will not have to say “It’s Greek to me”, an English statement that means one doesn’t understand.
Learning English is a mission and a vision, whether you are a teacher or a student, because this language will allow you to reach new outstanding heights while opening you up to a whole new literary, technological, culinary and even scientific world. Your teachers may not be teaching for the money, as they likely appreciate the satisfaction that comes from training their students. For example, teaching English allows researchers and surgeons to be successful in what they do. Teachers’ gifts come back to them in unique ways other than monetary forms, such as when they receive recognition or benefit from a new scientific discovery. For this and other reasons, most teachers try to provide their students with techniques that they can use in the future after they have completed their English for Speakers of Other Languages courses.
With that in mind, let’s explore ways students can learn English on their own. First of all, it helps to have a private teacher who is ready to point out areas you need to explore (your weaknesses, for example). A teacher who really cares will help you spot mistakes without making you feel bad. He or she should not be a teacher who reprimands the student, but one who facilitates the student’s development, both intellectually and creatively. In other words, your teacher should free you from some mistakes while he shows you a fantastic world of words in the literary context.
Native English speakers have a best-kept secret, their love of literature of all genres, from poetry to romance to science fiction and more. Its schools spend more time on literary analysis of fictional literature than on grammar itself. Therefore, this continuous conversation that takes place in class refers to the elements of the English style, be it informal or formal, conversational or written. Once a student has learned a basic vocabulary of approximately 1,500 words, they are ready to explore literature at a basic level until the student reaches a more advanced level.
Some politicians and educators declare that fiction is useless. Such a belief is limited because fiction not only expands vocabulary, but also allows learners of English to consider various points of view in a variety of settings, whether in the fictional world of the past or in the future. Fiction allows students to question the world around them while developing notions that branch out into other domains such as science and technology. Therefore, the first and main method to improve your knowledge of English is, without a doubt, through literary exploration.
In addition to learning English through fiction, students should regularly read nonfiction articles in the news and academic journals. It is best to choose your article length based on your attention span, so if you prefer a short article, you can opt for a 500-word article. As the student’s attention span increases, they can choose much longer and more detailed articles, including scholarly journals from researchers. The more topics are read, the more vocabulary specific to a variety of topics is developed.
Today’s students can benefit from “Ted Talks,” which are easily found online. These 15-20 minute talks cover a wide variety of academic topics and come with an easily downloadable transcript with notes. I recommend these lectures, delivered by native and non-native speakers who are experts in their fields, to my students regardless of their level of proficiency. In the future, other similar sites with free conferences are likely to appear. Students can explore some of the free online lessons offered by various universities located in the United States, England, and other English-speaking countries.
Students would be remiss if they didn’t explore some movies that can be seen in English. Amazon, Netflix, Tubi TV, You Tube, and similar sites offer movies in various accents from various English-speaking countries. By watching movies and listening to them in their original language, students will improve their ability to understand the words that come out of the mouths of others.
It should not be forgotten that students need to develop their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Speaking and writing are the productive skills, while reading and listening are the comprehension skills. Some students excel at language production, while others excel at language comprehension. While students attempt to study on their own, they must engage in activities related to these four categories of language production and comprehension.
To develop their production skills, students are encouraged to write to English-speaking pen pals and attend events where they will meet other English-speakers for conversation. It is also quite easy to converse with an English speaker through online video chat. There are people all over the world who are ready and willing to help students practice. In some cases, this assistance is free, but professional teachers should charge a reasonable fee. Instead of paying for expensive schools, it is sometimes wise to hire educated teachers (those with university credentials) who give private lessons. Alternatively, there are people with TEFL and CELTA credentials who have learned to teach English through a shorter period of study; They are also effective instructors who are ready to teach both online and in face-to-face classes. Regardless of the choice made when choosing a school or a teacher, the student’s individual learning style must be taken into account. Therefore, it would be wise to ask your potential instructor what they know about meeting student needs.
Numerous books and online digital activities help students to better understand grammar. Some students prefer a book with the answers at the end; while others prefer the participation of a live teacher who gives feedback when students solve grammar problems out loud. Grammar is still important, but students cannot and should not rely on grammar alone when English has so many idioms, phrasal verbs, and unique forms of personal expression.
Although teachers and schools remain important sources of learning, students must be proactive because students are ultimately responsible for their own learning. Teachers who act as facilitators (facilitate learning by giving students advice on effective learning strategies) are important agents of change who go beyond the call of duty for the good of humanity and for better human relations. Students must remember to seek answers with an active mind that uses investigation.
