Need English but no time for classes? Create your own personalized study plan here.
This article, part of the “Empowering Language Learner Series”, is an extension of the ideas on self-study first presented in a LinkedIn article on April 19, 2024. These ideas were expanded into a Webinar with an exploration of tiny habits, habit stacking and habit formation along with the step-by-step process of making a personalized study plan.
Webinar Summary: Self-Study and Habit Formation
On June 15, 2024, Language Coach Elizabeth Elmer led a webinar on effective self-study strategies and habit formation for English fluency. The session highlighted the importance of setting realistic goals, managing skill-building activities, and creating personalized action plans. Here’s a summary of the key points and actionable steps.
Path to English Fluency
Self-Reflection and Goal Setting:
· Learners should set realistic, achievable goals and tailor study methods to individual needs.
· Effective management of skill-building activities is crucial for progress.
Habit Stacking for Language Learning
Derived from James Clear's "Atomic Habits," habit stacking links new habits to existing ones. For example, start the day with a two-minute English journal entry. This integrates language practice into daily routines and reinforces habits through consistent practice.
Key Aspects of Language Learning
Seven critical aspects of language learning were identified: listening, speaking, reading, writing, grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary. Understanding these areas helps learners address specific goals and challenges.
Personalized Learning Plans
Four “English Moments” a Day:
- Warm-up
- Input (Listening and Reading)
- Output (Speaking and Writing)
- Wrap-up
Using SMART goals ensures progress and motivation. Authentic learning experiences, such as news headlines, podcasts, and social media, supplement traditional materials.
Community Support and Feedback
An English Fluency Club and a Spanish Fluency Club were announced to foster a supportive learning environment. Participants were invited to join a private WhatsApp group for continuous support and resource sharing.
Moving Forward
Two participants received free one-on-one coaching sessions. All participants were encouraged to implement their personalized study plans, join community groups, and provide feedback to refine their plans and achieve their goals.
Conclusion
The webinar underscored the importance of self-study, habit formation, and community support in achieving English fluency. By setting clear goals, using effective strategies like habit stacking, and engaging in a supportive learning community, learners can make significant strides in their language proficiency. An experienced language coach can help guide and encourage this process and suggest appropriate resources and techniques.
Give it a try and see how it empowers your language learning journey!
References
Alex Rawlings. (2020, July 20). Daily Study Routine for Learning a Language - 15/30/15 method [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdWoVs_ypyE
American Center, Elizabeth Elmer English Coach. (2023, August 22). American Center English Fluency Club: Unlock your language Potential! Video #6 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ohRNPbdAyk
Clear, J. (2018). Atomic habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones. Penguin.
Elmer, E. (2024, February 7). Elizabeth Elmer on LinkedIn: Empowering Language Learning: 18 Best Strategies for 2024 | 12 comments. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/elizabeth-elmer_languagelearning-coaching-languagecoaching-activity-7161058605939494912-hHy4?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
English Speaking Success. (2023, April 22). 30-Minute English Study routine [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B30RAx4ipRs
Geikhman, Y. (2024, May 28). BBC Learning English Review: An excellent, if disorganized, collection of resources. FluentU English. https://www.fluentu.com/blog/english/bbc-learning-english/
Keely, T. (2023, May 28). What are the 10 most effective study habits for learning foreign languages? Polyglot Dreams. https://polyglotdreams.com/what-are-the-10-most-effective-study-habits-for-learning-foreign-languages-2/
Loïs Talagrand. (2024, February 21). How to learn English by yourself (No teacher needed) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUyBqn1-9RE
mmmEnglish. (2020, February 28). Everyday habits to improve your English [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G80UXlmfrHA
Pena, A. (2024, May 9). 10 tools to self-study English effectively. FluentU English. https://www.fluentu.com/blog/english/self-study-english/
Salihoglu, S. (2020). The Effectiveness of Self-studying Strategies in Language Learning. December 2020, 22(6), ISSN 1755-9715. ttps://www.hltmag.co.uk/dec20/effectiveness-of-self-studying-strategies
Shea Jordan. (2021, December 7). How I created a 30-Day language study plan that works! [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dyo9MZ9c50
Shea Jordan. (2024, February 29). How to Study Languages with a Busy Schedule | Find Time for Language Learning [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9vo8lPnKPo
Steve Kaufmann - lingosteve. (2023, January 24). Atomic Habits & language learning [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNRoi1AmD48
Zurakowski, V. (2023, October 2). How to learn English by yourself: 12 useful tips. FluentU English. https://www.fluentu.com/blog/english/teach-yourself-english/
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