As the old adage goes: “If you fail to plan, you’re planning to fail” …as cheesy as that might be, it certainly rings true when it comes to learning a language. Without a language self study plan it’s all too easy to let other things take priority and fill up the time in which you should be learning.
So how can you create an effective language self study plan? One which you will actually want to stick to week in week out? Read on to learn some proven ideas which have helped many people, myself included, make giant strides.
Set an Objective
Since we seem to be doing cliché proverbs: “If a man knows not what harbour he seeks, any wind is the right wind.” Why do you want to learn the language? Is it to speak like a native? To pass an exam? To move to another country? …whatever it may be, write it down in big bold letters on the sheet of paper which will become your study plan.
Next, establish a time frame. For example: “I want to ace the IELTS exam in December this year” or “I want to feel comfortable discussing any topic by January 2022”. This is your motivation to stick to your plan even when you don’t especially feel like studying.
How Many Hours per Week and when?
Of course this will depend on your circumstances. Personally I find that an hour a day is optimal for me, but don’t fret if your schedule is already packed, there are many ways to work around this. The hour needn’t be spent sitting at a desk with your study books, be creative! How much of your day do you spend doing mundane tasks such as commuting or cleaning? This could actually be the perfect time to learn.
Studies have shown that we actually learn better when multitasking. Many ESL schools will teach vocabulary while students perform a physical task such as juggling. Doing these activities together activates both sides of the brain and aids retention.
But why perform a task like juggling when you could be doing a productive task, one that you actually need to do anyway. (no offence to all the jugglers out there.) I find I learn well while I’m driving and like to listen to audio lessons such as Pimsleur or Michel Thomas as well as podcasts in the target language.
You could also introduce other language based activities such as reading the numbers you see on car number plates while driving. Or you could describe what you are doing while cooking or cleaning and which tools, ingredients or products you are using.
Meditating on what you have learned is hugely important. Before you engage in some household chore why not plan to do ten minutes of study. Then you can reflect on the things you learned as you work, perhaps thinking of sentences you could make using the vocabulary you just learnt. This will really help drive what you have learnt home.
Keep the Study Plan Varied
I have already mentioned a few more alternative study methods. To ensure you keep up a routine of an hour a day week in week out, you absolutely have to keep things varied. Here some great ideas to choose from:
Watching TV shows
This one hardly even feels like learning, find a TV show or Film in your target language and enjoy. This kind of learning is great for picking up expressions used by native speakers and improving your comprehension. Depending on your level, choose whether you will have the subtitles on or off. If you don’t mind repetition, watch the program twice, the first time without subtitles and then again with, to check you understood everything.
As you watch you are sure to encounter new phrases and vocabulary. Keep a notebook close to hand and write these down. These can be added to flashcards and practiced throughout the week.
One to one lessons
There really is no better way to check your progress than to speak to a native speaker. There are many platforms available today to link you up with a native speaker …and of course you could always send me a message 🙂
Choose a teacher you enjoy talking with, often they will list their hobbies and interests on their profile, it’s good to have things in common. Ask the teacher to monitor your progress and suggest areas you should focus your studies towards. Many teachers will assign homework, perhaps a writing task, yay! Another activity for your language self study plan!
One of the best things about including one to one lessons in your schedule is that they give you accountability. Once you’ve booked an hour lesson that’s it …no ducking out! Or you’ll have to sheepishly come up with an excuse for your tutor. You will also be motivated to keep on learning during the week so that you can wow your teacher with your progress.
Flashcards
It doesn’t get much more old-school than flashcards. Any time you learn a new expression, write it down and make a card for it. I suggest keeping the cards beside your bed, that way you can review them before going to sleep and when you rise. And if you don’t want to negotiate the scissors, you can use any one of a multitude of smartphone apps, even Google Translate has a feature I believe.
Audio lessons
I love audio lessons like the ones mentioned earlier. In my experience they are incredibly well thought out and teach in a logical way, helping you keep building upon what you already know. And of course, you can listen to these lessons on the go, while at work, in the car or walking. Put your headphones on and start getting used to friends and family complaining that you’re mumbling in an obscure language.
Podcasts
Podcasts are another great way to learn on the go and they require less focus than audio lessons. They are especially great for picking up native expressions and improving listening comprehension. Find one that you enjoy on Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts, put it on in the background and write down any new phrases you hear to add to flashcards later.
Reading
Not the most original idea on the list, but it’s important not to underestimate the value of reading in the learning process. Try to read books and articles on a wide variety of topics, everything from travel blogs to classic novels. Reading introduces you to new vocabulary and grammar structures, which you can take your time to examine.
Language apps
Apps such as Memrise, Babble or the one with the owl logo have come a long way and can certainly help you on your language learning journey. However, in my experience these apps work best when combined with other methods of learning. Having them accessible on your phone makes it easy to squeeze learning into a five or ten minute break period.
Writing
Writing is a great way to learn, it teaches you to have fun and be creative with the language. You could keep a journal in the target language, write creative stories or even a full length novel if you’re feeling especially keen. The possibilities are endless! Once you have finished, get a native speaker to check your work or post it on an online forum to get corrections and advice.
“Make sure you have a balanced diet of study activities throughout the week”
Creating the Language Self Study Plan
Now comes the time to put pen to paper. Draw a grid to represent your week and start filling it with activities. Think about when you have free or multitaskable time during the week and choose those that will be appropriate. Make sure you have a balanced diet of study activities throughout the week covering speaking, reading, listening and writing.
After a couple of weeks be sure to review your language self study plan. Perhaps discuss it with your tutor to decide whether it is producing the results you expected. Maybe you will decide to reprioritise your time towards the most productive activities. And of course track where you are on your journey to your main objective.
I hope this article has helped you “plan to succeed” in your language studies. Let me know if you have any more ideas that could make up part of a study plan. Please let me know in the contact form in the footer.
