TIPS FOR LANGUAGE COURSE STUDENTS
А. It is natural to feel uncomfortable in a language class. Not understanding and using
incorrect language – things that are negative learning indicators in other courses – are
a very natural part of the language learning process. Remember that during the initial
period of adaptation, your ear and your mind are adjusting to the sounds and the
rhythm of the language. Though you will not understand all of what is being said, you
will be amazed at your increasing ability to make sense of the language.
В. Try to study each day, and whenever possible, several times a day. This means, for
instance, doing a few homework exercises each day rather than doing all homework
assignments the night before they are due. In addition, there are many mentally “idle”
moments during the day when you can incorporate some studying. For example, you
can name as many objects as you can in the target language while travelling by public
transport. Through the repetition of the new material, it will become increasingly
familiar, until it eventually becomes an automatic part of your language repertoire.
С. In the course of a conversation, it is not practical to check up noun forms or worry
about verb tenses. But homework offers you a golden opportunity to practise your
language skills in a deliberate manner. When doing your homework, you have plenty
of time. Try not to waste it. If you never look things up in dictionaries or other
resources, you will be strongly reinforcing errors and you will never learn proper forms
and words. You need to make the most of all stages of the learning process.
adapted from www.vistawide.com