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Independent Language Learning
QUESTIONNAIRES, DOCUMENTS AND LINKS
(see below for an explanation of each document)
Beliefs about language learning
LEARNING STRATEGIES (Link)
An outline
As most language learners realise, learning a language to a reasonably proficient level involves a lot of time and effort, in particular on the part of the learner. Learning a language is more a question of exposure to the language and use of the language rather than understanding concepts and memorising information. Though I am not saying grammar rules and vocabulary lists are of no use if you as a learner find them useful. I do believe, however, that learners must find out what works for them, this may be listening to music, reading (novels, comic strips, weblogs – whatever) watching films, writing emails, chatting with foreign students or a mixture of all of these plus a host of other activities (including doing grammar and vocabulary exercises). What is important is that you do something with language and learn from what you do.
These pages aim to help you become better language learners. You may hate questionnaires, filling in forms and being organised (I do). However, many studies have shown that encouraging language learners to reflect on what kind of learner they are, how they study, the kinds of strategies they use, and perhaps more importantllearnersto find out what works for them (there is no right or wrong way to learn a language) can enhance learning which in turn increases motivation, which has a positive effect on outcomes.
To ‘get you in the mood’ this questionnaire helps you to reflect on what it means to learn a language. There are no right/wrong answers to the questionnaire. However, it sometimes helps to think about approaches to learning (metacognitive reasoning) in order to become better learners
Before you start any of the independent learning activities it is a good idea to fill in the needs analysis form. This gets you thinking about your own personal learning needs.
Strategy Inventory of Language Learning (SILL)
This questionnaire is a snapshot of the kind of learner you are now. Again the aim is to get you thinking about the different strategies you can adopt to make the most of the time you dedicate to learning –English. For copyright reasons I cannot put this online. However, if you wish to see a copy please contact me. catherine.riley@lett.unitn.it
By setting yourself clear objectives you not only organise your study but give yourself an incentive to do specific activities. The satisfaction of seeing activities completed is also a great boost to confidence.
How to go about planning your learning.
First of all it is a good idea to complete the needs analysis form (downloadable from the Independent learning page). After doing the needs analysis form you can decide which kinds of activity you feel you need to concentrate on. Remember that you should not force yourself to do an activity. If you hate doing grammar exercises then do not do them. Find some other more enjoyable way of doing grammar, such as analysing tenses in an article, translating or simply writing.
The more you enjoy an activity the more likely it is that you will learn something from it. Motivation and enjoyment are all important in learning a language. If you force yourself to do something you may be defeating the object of the activity. On the other hand, you need to ensure that you do some practice in all 4 of the main skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking) as well as doing some work on vocabulary and grammar/use of English.
Either at the start of each week or at the start of each month fill in the weekly/monthly planner. Then at the end of the week/month tick off the activities you have completed and the date you did them. Do not just write ‘reading’ or ‘vocabulary’ but the kind of activity you hope to do e.g. read an article from a newspaper/magazine, write an e-mail to my friend in Germany etc. Make sure you do a variety of activities that develop the different skills.
To improve your learning skills it is often very helpful to either fill in a learning log or keep a learning diary. Thinking about why you are doing an activity and writing about whether it was useful or not can help you understand the most effective way for you to learn a language. Remember there is no one correct way to learn a language. You need to understand what works for you.
LEARNING STRATEGIES There are many taxonomies of the various strategies a student can use. Here is an addresses of a site which has information on learning strategies: