Most of us learn from a range of resources.
This leads us on to yet another mistake, which is focusing too much on a single material resource or a type of resource.
For example, just reading textbooks, just listening to podcasts, just learning grammar.
Why is it a mistake?
Because by doing it, you’re making language learning monotonous and you’re more likely to give up.
You’re also not developing the range of skills that you need to achieve fluency but just selected skills, such as grammar or listening skills.
How to fix it:
Learning a language is a holistic process.
Put as much variety as you can into it. Read books, recipes and film reviews, listen to podcasts, news stories and songs, learn vocabulary from books and from conversations.
Don’t rely on flashcards alone for learning new words – be creative and use different activities every time. Having a clear goal in mind can help you stay motivated and focused on your language learning journey. Try to also think in the language you’re learning instead of translating everything in your head.
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; they’re a natural part of the learning process. Use spaced repetition techniques to improve your vocabulary skills.
Reading in the language you’re learning can help you improve your comprehension and grammar skills.
Label items in your home or office with their corresponding words in the language you’re learning to help you remember them.
Practice with a native speaker, which can help you improve your speaking and listening skills.
