Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Learning goals and levels

I send this to new students applying to the class. The article + quizzes from About ESL (http://esl.about.com)is very appropriate for students thinking about joining a class. Understanding reasons for studying English and learning goals help prepare for starting a new class.

But you still need this understanding and to reflect on why you are studying English and what your goals are. They may not be the same as when you joined the class. Following these tips will help you understand your English learning strengths and weaknesses so you can continue to get the most out of this class.


The Most Important Question: Why?
The English learning goals quiz is not a serious quiz with scores or grades. It will help you understand your English learning needs. Just answer a few questions and you'll get feedback on what kind of a learning might be best for you.
The "Important Questions" article provides a deeper look at questions to ask yourself about your learning goals before you begin the class. By understanding the answers to these questions, you will have a better idea what type of exercises and topic areas will be important to you. This could make the difference between taking an ESL course or an English for Special Purposes ( i.e., business or computer) course.

WHY AM I LEARNING ENGLISH?
People learn English for many reasons. Unfortunately, people often think that there is only one way to learn English (or any language for that matter) and that the same things are important for everyone.


This is not true.
Depending on your English goals, you can understand your reasons for learning English well, and then better plan your learning strategy. Take this ten question quiz to discover what kind of English learner you are in order to help you understand what is really important - and what not so important - for you. At the end of the quiz, you will find out what kind of learner you are and can follow the links to areas of the site that will help you learn what you need! Now, begin the quiz...
• Important questions about learning objectives http://esl.about.com/library/weekly/aa010700a.htm
WHAT LEVEL AM I?
It's a good idea to take a few level tests from time to time to check your level and progress. The review tests listed cover all the major learning points for each level. Begin with a test you think is right for your level and take note of the questions you answer incorrectly.

If the test is too easy, congratulations! Try to take the next most difficult test. If you pass the advanced level test with more than 80%, you may want to consider taking an English course that specializes in your English learning objective - for example a Business English Writing course.
Hope this helps,

4 comments:

  1. Hi! Vanessa, I tried beginner level test, my result was 78%. Please recommend how to learn English for me.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Junai ~ a single score is not enough information for anyone to make valid recommendations about how to learn English.

    There is, of course, that time tested advice: study practice study practice study practice study practice and so on. LOL

    YOU need to develop your own study plan. How do you learn best? What are your weakest and strongest areas? What areas of English are most important for you to master? These are all questions that only you can answer.

    What are your ideas for a study plan? What should it include and what should your first steps be?

    Maybe others have recommendations to make.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi! Vanessa, my weak points are...One is grammer is uncertain, the other is that I don't have enough vocaburalies, last is that I can't hear talking, they are talking too fast for me.
    I don't know how to start study?Please advise for me.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Just lost what I wrote, so it's up to work out how to start and what to do. You already know where: grammar, vocabulary, listening. Did you check the tag cloud an the right? Each tag links to posts about that tag.

    Do you listen to the radio in English? Special VOA (slower speakers, easier vocabulary) is a good place to start.

    Don't forget to read too. That is the best way to develop both grammar and vocabulary

    ReplyDelete

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