How to Maintain your Interest when Learning English.

Sania Green-Reynolds, English Educator
Jun 9, 2016
4 min read

Photo Credit: Google Images

Just last week an ESL learner, in venting his frustration regarding English learning asked me, “How can I maintain my interest in learning English and not get bored?”

Having studied foreign languages, and becoming static at one point or another on the journey, I related well to his state of being and sought to share some of my strategies to ease the boredom or pressures he faces.

Like with anything you pursue, it is essential that you have a SMART plan of action. Learning English is no different. When you set out to study English you should first identify your short term as well as your long term goals. These are your WHY and should be written down. To make this easy for you, list all the reasons why you are studying English. Now, after you have done so, review your list and then reorder your reasons so as to reflect importance and urgency. Being clear about your WHY is top priority.

FOR EXAMPLE: I will visit Ireland and Canada for two months next January. I want to be able to communicate in English with the locals in these countries and have a great experience.

When you have identified your WHY, your next action is to decide the strategy that you will use to help you achieve these goals. If you desire success on any project or life goal, you’ve got to have a clear plan. Decide what materials you will use and how and when you will use these materials to help you achieve the goals you have written down.

FOR EXAMPLE: I will stream Ireland and Canada’s national news (in English) three times per week. I will read Lonely Planet Ireland and Lonely Planet Canada for 20 minutes every day. I will study English for travel purposes with my English teacher, tutor or coach for two hours per week.

In addition to to identifying your WHY and deciding what strategy you will use to help you achieve your goals, it is useful to note your strengths as well as your weakness so that you are clear about your abilities. Having done that you will find that you are better focused on maintaining your strengths and improving your weaknesses.As a Personal Development and Empowerment Coach, I often help my clients to identify and list their strengths and weaknesses. I have adopted this strategy for my English Language learners as well. Identifying your weaknesses will help you focus your energy on strategies to overcome them. This will result in less frustration. Your next goal is to identify strategies that will work best for you, to overcome or improve your strengths and weaknesses. Download your Personal English Learning Balance Sheet here.

QUICK SIMPLE TIPS TO STAY MOTIVATED WHEN LEARNING ENGLISH

Start with your destination in mind. Ask yourself….Where do I want to go? What do I want to achieve?Do this every day or every time you feel frustrated, stressed or bored. The answer will be a great reminder as to what your WHY is and stay inspired to pursue your goals.

Set SMART goals to help you focus on and achieve your English Language goals.What are SMART goals?

Use a variety of materials as well as study styles to study English to meet your purpose (your WHY). Set aside time to read English, listen to spoken English, do grammar activities, watch T.V., interact with English speakers on social media and via live streams, and so on.

Use audiovisuals. Use learning materials that give you the opportunity to listen and read as well as view images at the same time. For example, watch videos that have sound and closed caption. This will help you associate sounds, words and images thus improving the pace at which you learn the language. Remember to use closed caption every chance you get when watching movies.

Make short term goals. Record these goals and record their outcomes. This will help to keep you motivated. Ensure that your goals are SMART.

Ensure that your short term English learning goals are aligned with your long term English learning goals.

Review content you have mastered and read simple books and materials. This will help you feel accomplished and motivate you to read and master more difficult materials.

Network with other people who are learning English. It is important to be challenged by other English learners but do not be intimidated or frustrated by other learners who may be more proficient than you are.

Again, remember your WHY. Keep your WHY in mind even when learning English becomes overly challenging. When you achieve your purpose you will find that setting and achieving goals are super easy.

Did you find this information useful? Subscribe to my blog for more useful FREE coaching, tutoring and assistance that will simplify your English Language journey. Connect with me on Twitter, Blab or Periscope @ SaniaGreen10 or join our VIP Facebook community. Come hang out with other English learners and interact with me.Visit www.eEnglishLive.wix.com/myclass for further details and upcoming activities that will enhance your English learning.

Happy English Learning!!