JBK Tips for Learning English
There are some Spanish speakers who learn English relatively quickly using Independent Language Learning (ILL) strategies. They study about five hours per week and in about 2 years’ time learn more English than the average university student learns in six semesters. How can this be? Although not everyone has such success with ILL, it has language learning strategies that ambitious, focused people can take advantage of.
In JBK English classes you will receive instruction in the theory and practice of ILL, as well as an annotated list of EFL websites with free materials to get you started. With this information and some of the tips below, you can make more progress when taking a course or studying on your own.
Some Shortcuts for Learning English
Beginners: If you’re studying English on your own, it is recommended that you first study it through listening and reading for several months to get a feel for the language and to grow your vocabulary. You might then continue in one or more of the free courses online that also teach speaking and writing.
Advanced Beginners and Above: Generally, you should try to integrate English into your life to the extent possible. For example, look for cooking recipes online with directions in English for your making favorite dishes at home. Then describe your cooking step by step in English.
Apps: There are free apps on the Internet for studying the basic skills of reading, writing, listening, speaking, grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation. These apps are especially helpful for the beginner to intermediate levels.
Study skills: Some university websites have informal tests to help you learn about how you learn the basic skills best. This information can save you a lot of time in your studies. Some of these websites will be pointed out in the ILL workshop.
Vocabulary: Today, experts believe that vocabulary is more important than grammar for learning a language. After all, with the right vocabulary and only a little grammar, you can still make yourself understood.
When studying the vocabulary of a foreign language with computer apps, you can easily practice with the roots and affixes that both languages share. And with apps it´s also easier to take advantage of basic word lists in English.
Also, it’s important not to forget vocabulary notebooks. In the websites that will be distributes in the ILL workshop, there are some good examples of creative ways to maintain a notebook.
Grammar: Imagine that you’re going to learn a grammatical form in English. There are two important things you should consider. First, do you need a review of the similar form in Spanish? And second, sometimes the understanding of the explanation of some grammatical forms requires language ability above that of your ability in the target language, and you need to hear the explanation in your native language first. Is this the case with this grammatical form?
If you don´t understand the teacher´s grammar explanation in English in an Internet video, try using a website where the form is explained in Spanish. Of course, the purpose of learning a grammar form is to use it in your conversation, reading and writing.
For this reason it’s best to learn to use it well before you start to study a new grammar form, as grammar knowledge is cumulative like algebra. Not learning to use a form well and slowly falling behind in your class is why a lot of students don’t do well in their courses.
Speaking: On your own, try to practice reading and listening to news articles or stories at your instructional and independent levels of English. When doing so, write down some key vocabulary words. Then use the vocabulary to help you retell the article or story. Sometimes try recording your voice.
If the article or story has some useful vocabulary that´s new to you, record it in your app and/or vocabulary notebook. Also, using news articles or conversation topics and related questions, meet with friends or colleagues to practice your conversation.
Music: Try listening to songs and singing the words to songs in your free time. There are a number of websites with popular songs and their lyrics. Sometimes these songs have been organized for their level of difficulty.
Listening: If you have a smartphone, you can receive a number/series of audio/visual radio/tv shows on your iPhone/Apple or Android smartphone/Google account. You can also receive free English courses to study in your free moments. The listening speed is also adjustable.
Reading: Reading is a great way to review and learn new vocabulary and grammar. It can also be used as a basis for conversation and writing. Today many general reading and news sites for learners of English offer interesting reading for all ages and ability levels. In the AOK list of websites there are several news sites where you can choose the level of difficulty you want to practice reading.
Study companions: Are there colleagues, family members, or children with whom you can study? Have you investigated joining an EFL learning community? ILL is an activity to do with your selected learning team members.
Study Better, Learn More!