The ABC's
of a good language learner
Avoid heavy reliance on a dictionary.
Be assertive. Make and take opportunities
to use the language in natural communication
both inside and outside of class.
Compensate for your lack of linguistic
ability by:
*occasionally using your mother tongue
*asking for help (repeat, clarify, slow down, give examples)
*using mime and gesture
*making up new words
*describing the concept for which you lack a word
*using hesitation fillers when you need to think
Don't be afraid to make mistakes.
Evaluate your own progress.
Forget about your age or aptitude when
learning a foreign language.
Guess when in doubt.
Hypothesize! Before you read a grammar
rule, try to formulate it yourself by analyzing the
examples.
If you don't understand, say so!
Just be persistent.
Keep a language diary.
Limit your expectations to those that are
reasonable and attainable. Be patient.
Memorize creatively by using images, rhymes,
sounds, etc.
Negotiate with your teacher when you want
errors corrected.
Open your mind and develop a better attitude
toward the native speakers and their culture.
Praise yourself in writing.
Quit making excuses. If you are not making
improvement in the foreign language, before you blame your teacher
or textbook, ask yourself if you are using the strategies of a good language
learner.
Relax before you go to class and before
doing homework assignments.
Study with a partner.
Try not to Translate in your head. Instead,
try to speak spontaneously.
Use this checklist, and refer to it periodically.
Record new Vocabulary and grammar rules
in a notebook - but do it systematically.
Wear your successes and reWard them.
Examine your own language learning strategies, problems, successes,
and preferences, and talk about them with other students. Also, learn
from the successes of your classmates.
Yesterday's material should be reviewed
systematically.
ZZZZ- Wake up!! don't sleep in class. Perform
every class activity.
-Written by Drs. Carine Feyton & Jeffra
Flaitz , University of South Florida
home