There are many different ways to study a language depending on your individual learning style and objectives. With the wide range of material available these days on the Internet and through a variety of effective multimedia tools, self-study is becoming an increasingly popular option.
For those who prefer not to follow a traditional classroom-based approach to language learning, there are a wealth of possibilities for self-study. These include following a guided course via the Internet – which may involve links to video and audio material, interactive activities and regular opportunities for self-assessment – or dedicated study books with accompanying multimedia elements such as CD-ROMs, DVDs or mobile phone apps. Whether you want to practice key phrases before going on holiday, prepare for a business trip, or brush up on vocabulary, grammar or a particular skill such as listening, it is possible to select the pace, material and focus that best meet your individual learning requirements.
Of course, there are challenges to setting out to study a language on your own without the kind of input that a teacher or other learners in a classroom context may provide. Self-motivation and discipline therefore become two of the key factors in determining your success. Many independent language learners agree that the secret to effective self-study is to take a structured approach that is directed towards a clear goal. It helps to identify how much and how often you are going to study, and remember the reason why you started in the first place – the rest is up to you!
Have you ever studied a language independently with a positive outcome? Did you find it easy to get motivated and achieve the results you desired? Why were you studying and what kind of materials did you find most effective? Tell the telc English community about your experiences via our telc English Facebook page – and you might even pick up some useful new study tips for yourself!
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Look out for next week's article, which will be out on telc Current News on 26 September.