Mark Walker

Everyone is totally different with a lot in common.

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. Use spaced retrieval practice to consolidate learning.
3. Don’t feel silly about putting on an accent and trying to imitate native speakers, or if they do feel silly, they do it anyway.
4. When I correct them, they take a mental note and try to use the correct version as soon as possible after the correction.
5. Are grateful for the corrections and see them as learning opportunities.
6. Actively look for opportunities to use their new language outside the classroom.
7. Set clear ambitious goals.
8. Have a strong belief in themselves and their ability to reach their goals if they put their mind to it.
9. Are flexible, open and willing to try new techniques.
10. Are interested in the culture of the language they are learning.
11. Are able to switch attention between what they want to communicate and the right way to say it.
12. Regular attendance and completion of homework assignments.
13. Have some hobbies or interests in the language.
14. Feel the fear and do it anyway.

It’s not an exhaustive list. What would happen if you did the opposite, would you still be able to learn?