WHAT DO GOOD LANGUAGE LEARNERS DO?

In my experience as a teacher, for more years than I care to mention, the following are some of the key things that the good language learners do. It's by no means an exhaustive list, simply some of the key features that have stood out for me over the years.

Good language learners, in no particular order:

1. Keep some sort of notebook with vocabulary and key expressions.

2. Don't feel silly about putting on an accent and trying to imitate native speakers.

3. When I correct them, they take a mental note and try to use the correct version as soon as possible after the correction.

4. Are grateful for the corrections and see them as learning opportunities.

5. Actively look for opportunities to use their new language outside the classroom.

6. Set clear ambitious goals.

7. Have a strong belief in themselves and their ability to reach their goals.

8. Are open and willing to try new techniques.

9. Are interested in the culture of the language they are learning.

10. Are able to switch between what they want to communicate and the right way to say it.

11. Come to class and do the homework.

12. Have some hobbies or interests in the language.

It's not, as I said above, an exhaustive list. If you think about the list and consider what would happen if you did the opposite, you can see how useful the 12 tips could be.