Ariel's Journey Learning English in London

Introduction

• Ariel, an English literature student, shares her story about learning English in London.
• Discusses her initial struggles and eventual success in learning the language.

Arrival in London

• Travels by train, meets two English women.
• Basic conversation helps boost confidence.
• Receives contact information from the women to visit England.

Method of Learning

Importance of Practical Use

• Teacher's Methodology: No Textbooks Required:
  • Learn English through everyday use.
  • Focus on using English to express ideas and communicate.
  • Practical use over memorizing rules and vocabulary.
• Effective Learning:
  • Use language regularly in real-life situations.
  • Speaking and practicing over theoretical study.

Improving Vocabulary

Reading as a Tool

• Benefits of Reading:
  • Fastest way to learn new words.
  • Aim to read 30 minutes daily.
• Strategies for Reading:
  • Choose interesting books/texts.
  • Use a dictionary for unknown words immediately.
  • Understand context and connections between words.

Seeking Employment

• Finds a job at a café through a job center.
• Role as a waitress allows practice of English in a real environment.

Pronunciation Improvement

Shadowing Technique

• Explanation of Shadowing:
  • Copy sounds heard in audio or video recordings.
  • Helps mimic native speaker pronunciation and rhythm.
• Class Practice:
  • Use videos from YouTube to practice shadowing.
  • Benefits include improved pronunciation and preparation for presentations.

Learning from Peers

Elizabeth's Techniques

• Thinking Aloud:
  • Saying thoughts out loud in English to practice fluency.
  • Simple at first but becomes natural over time.
• Additional Insights:
  • Motivated students can significantly improve by speaking their thoughts aloud in English.

Grammar Learning

Natural Learning Approach

• For Speaking:
  • Learn grammar naturally through reading and shadowing.
  • No need to focus on grammar rules unless for exams.
• For Exams:
  • Study past exam formats and specific grammar relevant to the test.

Assessing Progress

Vocabulary Tests

• TestLanguages.com: Website for word count tests.
• Grammar in Levels: Website for learning grammar based on word count levels.

Handling Mistakes

Practice and Perfection

• Teacher's Advice:
  • It's okay to make mistakes; focus on communication and idea exchange.
  • Practice through speaking, reading, shadowing.
• Comparison to Learning Musical Instruments:
  • Mistakes are a normal part of the learning process.

Final Advice

• Daily Dedicating 30 Minutes:
  • Integrate reading, listening, thinking, and speaking activities daily to improve language skills.

Conclusion

• Ariel's journey illustrates practical and effective methods to improve English proficiency through immersion and daily practice.