So far in this series on building learning muscles, we’ve looked at Resilience and Resourcefulness.  In this third article in the series, it’s time to take a good look in the mirror.  Let’s look at Reflection.

Reflection is about watching yourself learn, about taking time to construct a mental mirror and holding it up to your learning strategies, tactics and methods.

We look in the mirror to make ourselves better and if we don’t look, we won’t see what we could improve.  When was the last time you actually took stock of your approach to your language learning?  Is it working?  Have you improved?  Can you measure the improvement?

Why note grab a pen, or open a Word file and answer some of these questions right now:

• Why are you learning?  Think of three reasons why you want to speak French or German or your language of choice.  Let yourself get excited by them again.
• List five ways you can remember that were really effective at learning or improving.
• List five experiences in the past that weren’t so effective.
• What are your bad learning habits? Are you still doing them?
• How often do you practice?  Is it enough?  What else could you be doing?  If it feels like a chore, go back to your reasons for learning.  Think how amazing it would be to speak fluently or with more confidence when you travel.
• Ask yourself honestly: how’s it going?  Are you on target? If not, what can you do right now to get back on track?

Taking time to reflect on your learning is vital if you want to learn effectively.  But don’t just look in the mirror – make sure you act on what you see if it isn’t working.

Gareth

Our conversation reminded me just how intimidating learning a new language can be once the initial excitement wears off.  Not all languages have the same learning curve but in French in particular there is a vast amount to learn in the beginning.  New sounds to master, new accents on letters, masculine and feminine nouns and articles, all those confusing verb conjugations and that’s not even counting the irregular verbs, new tenses to learn and so much more!  Simon gave some great advice about how to keep the truck rolling, but what if you’re stopped before you’ve even started?  How do you get and stay motivated?

First things first: Manage your expectations.  Be realistic.  There’s a lot to get through, that’s just a fact.  It’s going to take time, so be ready for that and relax about it if you’re not fluent after a week.

Second: Get clear about why you’re learning.  Write your top three motivations for wanting to learn a new language.  When the going gets tough, remind yourself why you’re doing it.

Third: Set yourself clear goals with a timeframe.  What can you have mastered by next month for example?  Don’t take on too much.

Fourth: Put study time in your diary and stick to it.  Whether it’s ten minutes in the morning Monday to Friday, or an hour every Sunday, find a schedule that works for you and stick to it.

Five: Make it social.  You’ll be more likely to stick to it if you get a tutor or find a language buddy or group to practise with.

Learning a new language is a long road to walk. Congratulations for starting it!  You will get there eventually.

Gareth