Three Elements to learning English successfully

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Kinaesthetic Methods for Learning English

 

A kinesthetic approach to learning could involve listening to English news or another program while walking or doing other exercises. One step further is what the CBC article refers to as the shadowing method. Simply, the recommendation is to ‘hear, repeat, hear, repeat, and march around.’ Another helpful tactile method is just writing what needs to be learned on paper. Although some might say that the traditional grade school punishment of writing lines does not help learn the material, in some cases it just might as your mind may make associations with the simple movement of the hand. Another approach that we particularly like is the use of gestures while practicing conversations. For example, if you were going through a dialogue related to taking a message, pretending like you’re actually writing the note could be quite helpful.

 

Auditory Methods for Learning English

 

An auditory approach involves anything that touches the hearing sense. Conversations with other language learners or native speakers could be highly effective as one has both the benefit of hearing and reiterating content. A solid auditory tactic would be to use resources like English radio, music, audiobooks, movies, recordings, or basically anything that can be heard. Furthermore, when reading, try doing so aloud. Reciting the same paragraph up to 10 times could be quite helpful in retaining information found in text form.

 

Visual Methods for Learning English

 

Some visual methods, to mention a few, would include the use of flashcards or videos. Color coating information with highlighters or colored sticky paper could also help the brain organize certain concepts. Another alternative is to use icons when note-taking or to create concept maps to connect one idea to another. Here is an example of an extremely simplistic diagram containing word triggers that could aid in memorizing phrases related to ordering at a restaurant.