How Can You Learn?

In this, I'd like to talk about:

1. When's the best time to start ?

2. Are "all English classes" good?

3. How to improve English fast?

These are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding learning English. In fact, any of the ideas written below can be used not only for learning English but learning anything. However, let's stick with English for now.

This first question is usually asked by parents, a.k.a. the Moms. I will not include children learning here because sadly, they don't get to choose...

Before giving much thought on it, I'd say "there's no such thing as the best time to learn". However, I did find it. It's called "now". For those who keep trying to "cheat", skipping the hard work and get fast results, the best time is now! Stop thinking about shortcuts. IT IS NOT A RACE; it's a circular journey in one's success in life. Learning is based on endeavors. Geniuses aside, it's fair. If you spend less time, you get less results. Hence, start now and don't think you can finish. You can give up, but learning doesn't end.

Are "all English classes" good? Anytime anyone asks if a method for learning something is good or not, you must remind them or yourself this little devil called "learning stage/suitability" Simply put, we're all different. Perhaps the same confused but yes, everyone's got problems of their own in learning. That being said, I must suggest that you consider the purpose of learning.

Type A: If you're aiming for a quick boost on test results, get a teacher who can speak your language because it's faster. It's like eating food that is all chewed up for ya, easily digested but no point of eating.

Type B: if you're aiming for actually using what you learn, get a teacher who can use the target language to teach because... well, it's simply enough. You want to speak like your teacher. Find someone who can make learning fun and part of your life. Remember, it is possible that you outgrow your teacher or most likely, become close equivalent(regarding skills) with your teacher. When that day comes, don't hesitate to give yourself a pat on the back (how is that possible) and be proud.

Third, the question that almost every student who care enough but haven't got it has asked... "how can I improve faster?". You're in luck because I'm going to share my life's secret. People have different sayings but the three E's of my English learning are engagement, environment and enjoyment. Let me break them down for ya.

＊Engagement in learning is mostly mind work. It means you ought to know clearly why and how much you want (>need) it. Furthermore, know what you want to become. After all, not everyone needs to be an English teacher or native-like speaker. This allows you to have the right expectation and not over-blame.

＊Environment is a myth. You either have it or you don't. What does this mean? I have no idea even though I just said it. Kidding. Think about it for a second. Close your eyes (after the question) and ask yourself. What is an environment? ... ... ... You are the environment. It is that simple. You are!!! I can tell you from personal experience that it is possible to speak fluent (enough) English as a Taiwanese born kid who doesn't do well on tests, practically learn by himself and almost failed to graduate a college that doesn't ask much. OK, I know that all sounds dreamy and vague. I'll share a few literal tips here.

• -for beginners: type in English(diary/blogs/chat rooms) and read those lines "aloud".

• -for shy learners who cannot/ don't have people to speak with: think in English first and translate into Chinese when speaking. When the time comes, speak. You'll know when.

• -for transformers: find those who share the same learning ideas with you and learn together in real life.

＊Enjoyment at last, this is not simple. It is easy. Do not forget that we learn best when we're happy. Why do we do it if it's so awful anyways? You must be able to enjoy it. If you're not happy, you must be doing something wrong and that's a 100% guarantee.

Finally.... routine, repetition, and relation, these are the things to also put in your learning. Also, take baby steps and don't be idealistic. No one gets it right away. What's the fun in that?

#education

#motivation

#selfreflect