Best Methods to Improve your English

Studying the English Language.

Learning English as a second language (ESL) is a process that requires much effort and commitment from anyone wishing to master another language.  Most of the students that I have worked with are hard working and dedicated in their studies.  But it still takes time and effort to “grow” in the language and feel confident in being able to communicate in English.

And, even after reaching a level of improvement, it is still hard work to maintain that level.  It takes enthusiasm to find ways of staying focussed enough to actually feel that real improvements have been made. 

As an ESL Tutor, I am always trying different teaching methods to help my students reach their goals. I have had many experiences where some methods that worked well with one adult learner, did not work well with another.

I asked a few of my blog ESL members to share their stories about methods the worked for them, and about their feelings on studying the English language.  Here is what they shared….

Sungyun shared, 

"I think that the best way to improve my English is to make a sentence that uses the word and then say it."

This is my story. 

Since I was young, I hated studying English very much. So I can't remember many English words at once. And last year I met my teacher, Phyllis. The homework she gives me is very helpful to me. She advised me to write a journal using a few words. 

I think of where the word will be used in my daily life. And I kept saying it to make it a sentence. Thinking and speaking over and over again to memorize, and get in my head.

This is my best way now. This is a very good way for me with a bad memory of English. Still, I have a hard time studying English. 

I can't work hard all the time, but I will keep trying.

Mikyeong shared, 

I am getting better at studying my English by reading books and articles. Today I’ll introduce the website related to the most helpful way to me, www.readingplus.com            

Ironically, COVID-19 pandemic has made me study English harder because I’ve stayed home most of the time. My tutor, Frances has helped me to get lots of great information like the website, www.breakingnewsenglish.com and has always encouraged me. 

Studying English became more interesting as I noticed that my skills were improving. I joined two conversation groups, also I joined Novi ESL Adult School this semester. 

One day, my Novi ESL teacher, Jessica sent me an E- mail attached reading plus site address, ID and PW. She said that it gave me a good opportunity. I took a level test at once by on-line and was granted permission to use this process. It’s very good for me because I love reading and tend to long for getting new information and knowledge.

 

plus is a personalized online program that helps reading and vocabulary. This process is divided into three parts, reading, vocabulary and visual skills. 

Reading

I can choose from ten kinds of topics. I prefer science, history and non-fiction sections, but I’m trying to pick various topics. It is not easy that I need to read around 12 sections along the moving guided window quickly and answer the comprehension questions, so I need to focus on reading as much as I can.  Guided window is set at the ideal practice pace for each student.

I am very satisfied with this program because reading materials are provided considering my level and can check my test result immediately. It makes me stimulated. I’m trying to do it every day. My skills still go forward and back sometimes, but I’m sure that it would be better step by step.

I think that learning a new language is like running a marathon. There is a long way to go, but I’ll enjoy it.

Vocabulary

Click on the button at first. You can see that the target word flashes briefly, very short time. If you don’t pay attention, you may fail to recognize. And then you must select two perfect sentences that contain the target word’s meaning. (If I don’t get the right answer, this process lets me try the word that lacks understanding again and again.)  Reading a word in a sentence makes me understand the meaning better.  

I’ve been studying a lot through reading articles. It makes me understand American life, culture and people better as well as improving my English and lets me have a desire to develop my listening skills. 

Also, I often watch American dramas and movies nowadays. I can still hardly catch their conversation.  I’ll keep going until I feel comfortable speaking and listening in English with native speakers. Also I will find  good studying materials like the Readingplus to help my listening.     

In conclusion... 

Student examples like these help tutors, like myself, learn which methods to invest our time in when implementing learning sessions.  

Developing better teaching materials is an ongoing process, because tutors are always trying to make sure that they can provide their hard-working students the very best learning experience they possibly can.