An effective method for learning English. Methods of learning English: which one to choose? Active methods of teaching English
Learning a new language is complex and individual. While some are banging their heads against the wall, trying to memorize at least “my name is Vasya”, others already easily read Hamlet in the original and communicate with foreigners at ease. Why is it so easy for them to learn? Are there any special secrets of mastering a foreign language? You will learn more about this below.
How do we learn a language
When someone says they are incapable of learning a new language, they want to object back.
Anyone can learn a new language. This ability is hardwired into our brains from birth. It is thanks to her that we unconsciously and naturally master our native language. Moreover, being placed in an appropriate language environment, children are able to master a foreign language without any effort.
Yes, then we go to school, learn grammar and punctuation, polish and improve our knowledge, but the basis of our linguistic skills is precisely the foundation that was laid down in early childhood. Please note that this happens without any tricky techniques, language classes and teaching aids.
Why can't we, as adults, just as easily learn a second, third, fourth language? Maybe this linguistic ability is inherent only in children, and as they grow older it disappears?
Partly it is. The older we get, the more our brain plasticity (its ability to create new neurons and synapses) decreases. In addition to purely physiological obstacles, there is one more. The fact is that the process of mastering a language in adulthood is fundamentally different from that of a child. Children are constantly immersed in the learning environment and gain new knowledge at every step, while adults, as a rule, allocate certain hours for classes, and use their native language the rest of the time. Motivation is equally important. If a child simply cannot live without knowing the language, then an adult without a second language is quite capable of successfully existing.
This is all understandable, but what practical conclusions can be drawn from these facts?
How should we learn the language
If you want to quickly and efficiently master a foreign language, then during the training you should try to follow some simple tips. They are aimed at minimizing the effect of age-related changes in your brain, and will also help you go through the whole process as easily and imperceptibly as children do.
Spaced repetitions
This technique allows you to better memorize new words and concepts. It lies in the fact that you must repeat the studied material at certain intervals, and the farther, the smaller these intervals. For example, if you are learning new words, then they should be repeated several times during one lesson, then repeated the next day. Then again after a few days and finally fix the material after a week. Here is how this process looks like on a graph:
One successful application that uses this approach is . The program is able to keep track of which words you have learned and reminds you to repeat them after a certain time. At the same time, new lessons are built using the material already studied, so that the knowledge you have gained is fixed quite firmly.
Learn a language before bed
Mastering a new language requires, for the most part, simply memorizing large amounts of information. Yes, for grammar rules it is desirable to understand their application, but in general you will have to memorize new words already along with examples. For better memorization, do not miss the opportunity to repeat the material again before going to bed. A study by American scientists has confirmed that memorization before going to bed is much stronger than during a lesson during the day.
Learn content, not just language
Teachers with great experience are well aware that the abstract study of a foreign language is much more difficult than if it is used to master any interesting material. This is also confirmed by scientists. For example, an experiment was recently set up in which one group of participants learned French in the usual way, while the other was instead taught one of the basic subjects in French. As a result, the second group showed significant progress in listening comprehension and translation. Therefore, make sure to supplement your classes with the consumption of content that is interesting to you in the target language. This can be listening to podcasts, watching movies, reading books, etc.
We are all constantly busy, and making time for full-fledged activities is not so easy. Therefore, many people limit themselves to 2-3 hours a week, specially allocated for a foreign language. However, it is much better to practice, albeit less in time, but every day. Our brain does not have such a large buffer of RAM. When we try to cram the maximum amount of information into it in one hour, overflow quickly sets in. Much more useful are small in duration, but frequent classes. Just perfect for this, special ones are suitable that will allow you to practice at any free moment.
Mix old and new
We try to quickly advance in learning and get more new knowledge. However, this is not entirely correct. Things go much better when the new is mixed with already familiar material. So we not only learn fresh material more easily, but also consolidate the lessons learned. As a result, the process of mastering a foreign language is much faster.
Not a single foreign language is complete without cramming, but if you can’t cram and it seems that your talent is not at all connected with English, I advise you to read this article properly. Perhaps it will change attitudes towards the difficulty (ease) of the language and the time it takes to get enough air into your lungs and speak English boldly.
Foreign speech is a tool on the way to success. However, speech cannot be mastered while sitting at a computer, buried in “frame 25” (this method does not work). It will take a great deal of desire on your part to prove to yourself and your friends that you can do what you couldn't do in school. Believe me, it is better to say at least something than to remain silent in the middle of the desert at the sight of a passing caravan. If you still do not lose hope of learning English, the teaching methods proposed in the article will benefit each of you. So, let's begin?
In order to understand what kind of animal the English language is, it must be skillfully tamed, and this can be done using English learning methods, of which there are oh so many. But first things first.
To begin with, let's dwell on a fairly simple course, which is patented and has passed more than one approbation among foreign students, namely English using the Pimsleur method. Look for the official version in stores, and the unofficial version on torrents or youtube. Dr. Paul Pimsler was and remains the brightest example of a linguist-psychologist in the field of language learning, who, after numerous works, came to the conclusion that language learning is based on the characteristics of the learner, namely:
Ability to learn the language;
hearing;
motivation.
What are lessons?
This is, first of all, an audio course that you need to listen to, repeat and answer the speaker's questions. Each individual course consists of 30 lessons lasting 30 minutes. Please note that you can work through an unlimited number of classes per day, however, the author of the course strongly recommends that you achieve 100% of the result from each lesson. After completing the initial course, you will have a vocabulary of 500 words, boldly use speech constructions and feel your progress on the path to success.
If you are suddenly looking for an audio course from domestic authors, then look away Ilona Davydova.
Crushing Callan, or quickly, efficiently and effectively
Despite all the ways to learn English, you can only overcome it by knowing what and how to do it. That is why in second place in our hit parade is the fascinating Callan method, the author of which became famous for quickly teaching students a foreign language. The basis of this technique is numerous repetition, as a result of which conversational skills are formed. The speed of the lesson does not allow a person to be distracted and even think in their native language.
Such classes are quite effective if you study with a teacher who knows the Callan method from the inside. The advantages of this method of learning the language include small groups, the speed of the teacher's speech, the constant repetition of material, a minimum of grammar, and the absence of homework. You can overcome 12 levels from beginner to upper-intermediate in 160 academic hours, i.e. if you take into account classes of 2 hours 3 times a week, it turns out that it will take you only 5 months to not only twitter tirelessly, but also pass the international exam. How do you like this perspective?
Dmitry Petrov and English in 16 hours
In third place, Dmitry Petrov's method sits majestically, thanks to which you can learn English for hard work. Don't think it's impossible. The author himself talks about understanding the structure of the language, thanks to which the language evokes, because, as you know, there is no better motivation than to learn the language through culture and love for the country. Remember the emotions that loved ones evoked in you. Isn't this the main motive for learning a language when you are burning with the desire to find out what, why and how is happening somewhere without your participation?
A few words about the author: Dmitry Petrov is a psycholinguist, teacher of simultaneous translation, translator from more than 30 languages. The author claims that it may take 1 week to understand the structure of the language and memorize the basic structures, then everything depends on you. The pros and cons at the same time include the speed of learning the language. If you urgently need English - this is the most real chance to speak it, if you are not ready for such a fast approach, you should choose other English lessons, the methods of which are presented in the article. However, I strongly recommend that you pay attention to this advertised way of learning a language, the basis of which is based on verbs.
Ilya Frank and the method of reading
On the fourth step is the well-known method of Frank, thanks to which the English language is studied by reading the original text, in which a translation and small comments are inserted. After reading such a text, you will be offered the original passage without prompts. In stores you can find many inexpensive books in a convenient format for reading in transport and at home.
Alexander Dragunkin, or a simplified language learning system
Fifth place is rightfully occupied by the most controversial and controversial method of Alexander Dragunkin. Within the framework of this method, the author proposes to discard the traditional one, noticing it is Russian-speaking, to minimize times and overcome it. The form of classes resembles a monologue of the author, as a result of which you can choose something you need for yourself. The advantages include the relative intelligibility of the material being explained, but do not forget that practice in learning a language should always come first. It is worth pointing out the cons as well. So, for example, overcoming grammar in three hours. Concise on one side, long on the other. Learning the basics of grammar can take much less time if approached correctly. You can download Dragunkin's books for free.
Schechter, or English without rules
A lot has already been said about the methods of learning a foreign language, but do not stop there, perhaps your unique way of learning a language is yet to come. Schechter's method involves creating conditions under which a person can easily speak English. We will immediately determine that there will be no grammar, and speech should arise in the process of emotional coloring of classes, while each student uses only the vocabulary that is in his everyday life. The duration of each cycle is 100 hours, between which a break is required. Initially, this method was designed for politicians, astronauts and famous people who needed to express their thoughts when meeting with foreigners.
Independent English with Rosetta Stone
All methods of learning English are actively used by teachers around the world, but only a few receive universal fame. This method is based on non-translating cognition of the language, which excludes rules and translation into Russian, however, memorization of vocabulary occurs as part of a sentence, understanding of the word comes along with a picture that displays the content, advantage is given to numerous repetitions.
This technique is great for those who want to learn English on their own without leaving their own apartment. See what and how you can Each level consists of 4 parts, and each part of 4 lessons. If you study the lesson in detail, then it will take at least 2 hours to master the material, i.e. the technique assumes that you have free time for a leisurely study of the language. The material is divided into topics, within each of which there are standard phrases for memorizing. The disadvantages of this method include the price, as well as a small number of tasks that are aimed at self-formulation of phrases.
Immersion method "Sugesto pedia"
The main methods of learning English allow you to choose among their variety the best and most suitable way to learn a foreign language in a short time. But this method is based on a complete change in a person, his name, habits and even behavior. Coming to the class, all students need to come up with nicknames and a field of activity. Although this approach originated in the 70s of the last century, it is widely used by many schools and is now used in conjunction with other methods. Distance from one's natural "I" helps to overcome barriers and complexes that are so difficult to get rid of within the framework of a normal occupation. Therefore, if you do not know how to change your life, you can safely go to English courses that adhere to this method, and for sure you will feel like a different person.
Gromyko's sports technique
A review of foreign language learning methods involves the complete mastery of information that will help you choose the perfect option. But, as you know, there are different options. A rather ambiguous approach to the language guarantees, according to the author, an excellent result. At the heart of this teaching, English is perceived as a sport, where students train in pairs, following a clear scenario. While repeating phrases in the target language, it is required to perform a series of exercises that stimulate the human brain to remember muscle load and at the same time words and expressions. The advantages of this method include exciting activities that are definitely not found in any other method. Of the minuses, one can only single out the fact that not everyone will like physical activity, and it is also impossible to do it on your own.
Matrix method by Nikolai Zamyatkin
This way of learning English is quite categorical, because. all students need to listen to audio lessons and read the text of all the same audio lessons. You need to do this repeatedly until you fully master the material. According to the author, after such work, the material will be literally “embedded” in memory and recorded on the deepest layers. This is understandable, because multiple, and even loud repetitions of the same text will eventually be remembered. But is there enough strength and desire to learn a foreign language in this way?
Simplicity and honesty of Vitaly Leventhal's method
This approach is focused on emigrants in the United States, because the course is saturated with numerous "live", which is not noted in other methods. However, the connection with the Russian language is not interrupted in the process of learning English. The main advantage of the course remains the development and maintenance of language thinking through articles and listening to lectures. The feeling of a foreign language is developed in the process of searching for original genuine emotions that just arise in the process of reading. The basis of this method is daily hard work, thanks to which you can learn a foreign language. You will need to go through the study of the material, finding the correct answer and checking the result. The method is also called "speech induction". You can meet the author on the page in
Learning is easy when the process is interesting. English can become your favorite language if you choose the right teaching method. Clear, effective, fast - every student dreams of finding such a program. Clicking tests like nuts, fluent conversations in English, retelling new episodes of Sherlock Holmes in the original - all this can be achieved if you follow the right course. In the article we will talk about the methods created by professional linguists. Each of the programs has its own characteristics. Based on the description, it will be easier for you to choose the most suitable option.
8 Best Methods for Learning English
Polyglot system
The absolute leader of our list is the method developed by Dmitry Petrov. The project marketers showed the effectiveness of the program on the example of 8 students who mastered the language in a television reality show format in just 16 lessons. The essence of the technique is constant communication. Even the theory, which is usually taken to study from a textbook, is spoken out. From the very first lectures, students begin to speak the language they are learning. With each subsequent time, the skills become stronger, the lexicon is replenished, grammatical rules are assimilated.
Classes are held in the classroom, in a group. Students are given a topic for conversation, and mass communication begins. Hobbies, favorite movies, plans for the weekend, pets, memories of childhood - the conversation can be on any topic, the main thing is to talk, talk, talk. And do it beautifully and correctly.
Dragunkin's technique
This is one of the effective methods of learning English, which allows you to quickly learn the basics and reach a confident conversational level. The program is designed with a focus on the express format. Grammar is presented in a generalized way, without immersion in the subtleties of the rules. Phonetics introduces all the key points that must be taken into account in colloquial speech, learn how to read and pronounce transcriptions correctly.
If you are learning a language from scratch and want to quickly master its basics, the Dragunkin method is ideal. There is also a program for advanced students. But one point is important here: if you have previously learned the language using a different method, the Dragunkin system can raise many questions. The peculiarity of the course is in its terminology and interpretation of the rules. The developer presented the English grammar according to his own system: he combined all the exceptions into a separate group, made a clear scheme for articles and irregular verbs, created new categories of words, logically connected with each other.
Each theme logically replaces the previous one, the complexity increases gradually. The author proved that learning English using standard school textbooks is a long and complicated process. Everything is much easier than it seems. The main thing is to find the right method.
Pimsleur technique
This quick method of learning English from scratch is an option for those who need American English. The uniqueness of the program is that it not only helps to learn a foreign language, but also trains memory well, expands its resources. Course mechanics - in audio lessons. All a student needs to learn Pimsleur English is headphones and a tablet loaded with a program of 30 lessons.
The lesson consists of listening to the material: dialogues, monologues, repetition of phrases and speech turns. First, the speaker speaks, then the student repeats words and sentences, the next phrase consists of part of the used phrases and new ones - this is how the vocabulary is formed in layers. Without notes and textbooks, in memory.
Schechter method
This modern method of learning English works very differently than the classic ways of learning information. Each student - an individual approach and the search for the keys to motivation. Schechter's program has received recognition in the highest circles of power and show business. This course is chosen by well-known politicians, public figures, athletes and artists. The process is efficient and at the same time pleasant, not much like a lesson.
The lesson takes place in the format of a conversation, discussion of current events, hobbies, lifestyle, goals for the future of students. The emphasis is on independent work with information - the formation of speech patterns and pronunciation. You say - the teacher delicately corrects. It is so easy to understand what the mistake is, to hear yourself and learn the rules.
Berlitz method
The program allows you to quickly master the language, but it is considered one of the most expensive. The BERLITZ course can only be taken abroad - this is the essence of the methodology. You find yourself in a new environment that requires the activation of communication skills in English. You will have to learn not only to speak, but also to think in a foreign language. This is one of the most mature programs, was created 200 years ago. Demanded to this day.
What is the essence of the method:
Acquaintance with English begins with a conversation. Communication with the carrier is the basis of the process. First, the student speaks, and then proceeds to reading and graphic practice of letters.
Grammar, phonetics, vocabulary are also learned during a conversation, which is by no means academic. Communication in the classroom takes place on topics abstracted from linguistics: first love, funny incidents from life, vivid memories from childhood. Teachers strive to make the conversation interesting. Thus, the student develops an interest in the language.
No Russian. You will not hear native words until you return home. Only English. Let at first clumsily and incorrectly, it does not matter. Every day the skills will improve.
Textbooks, workbooks, audio materials that you used at home will not be useful here. The program is unique, different tools and techniques are used.
The Rosetta Stone Method
Easy and fast way to understand and remember new material. No rules, tables or charts. You learn English at ease, as if you were doing a hobby. Classes are held in the format of a conversation. You listen, play associations, pass through yourself and try to build sentences on your own. A few repetitions and new phrases and speech constructions will appear in the vocabulary. The program is built from simple to complex. It will not be difficult even for those who are not familiar with the English alphabet.
A feature of the methodology is the lack of translation and rules. The student learns the meaning of words in context. The proposals are given in the projection on the life situations that we face every day. Even without knowing the meaning of the word, it immediately becomes clear. You first digest the material yourself, and then the teacher explains the controversial points.
Program Lex!
This technique will be useful for those who are already familiar with English, know how to correctly compose sentences, and have grammar. The main function of Lex! - vocabulary enrichment. You install the program on a computer or laptop and start studying. On the monitor you will see words, sentences, phrases that you will need to remember to reproduce (in writing and orally). In combination with the training material, there are tests to identify the level that you have reached in Lex!. This allows you to understand how much has been covered and what lies ahead for you.
In addition to learning English, the technique trains memory, which is useful for students of different ages.
Muller method
This innovative technique engages the conscious and subconscious aspects of our thinking. Stanislav Müller turned to neuropsychological techniques that help activate previously hidden possibilities. It is based on two methods - the holographic memory method and the overlearning system:
Holographic memory helps the student to highlight the main thing, to develop the ability to intensively assimilate new material. The student begins to logically build the flow of knowledge, it is convenient for him to systematize every detail of it.
The overlearning system allows you to speed up the learning process. the material is digested easier, faster and energy-saving. The technique correctly calculates the labor force, the educational process does not tire.
The technique is ideal for students aged 16-18. In learning English with children, it is better to give preference to other programs.
Tips on how to quickly learn English on your own
Whichever method you choose, to consolidate knowledge, additional processing of the material is required. Especially in difficult times. You feel a gap - it needs to be filled in time. We will give you useful tips that will make your training as effective as possible.
- Get a personal dictionary. It can be a simple notebook in which you will write out complex words and rules that you can’t remember in any way, you get confused when building a sentence. But to write down does not mean to close and forget. From time to time, you need to look through the notebook and pronounce words and phrases, first to yourself, and then out loud. Three to four times a week will be enough.
- Record yourself on a voice recorder. This is necessary in order to understand how correctly you pronounce sounds and their combinations in various transcriptions. An excerpt from a book, a chapter from a textbook, a poem - use the genre at your discretion. The main thing is to clearly pronounce the words and try to make intonation stresses.
- Stickers to help. Passed the topic - write down the thesis main points on a sticker and stick it in the most prominent places in your house: on the refrigerator, door, wall near the computer. The more often the notes appear in front of your eyes, the faster you will fix the material.
- Speak more English. Even if there are no native speakers around you, have a dialogue with your loved ones, parents, brothers and sisters, friends. Ask them the usual questions in English only. And help answer. So you will feel like both a student and a teacher, check your level, how much you are able to see and correct mistakes.
And do it with joy. The mood with which you sit down for textbooks is very important. Information is much easier to digest when you want to take it. Success in your studies!
To learn to speak English, you need a certain system or, as it is more commonly called, a methodology for teaching English, which would allow you to solve the tasks as fully as possible, namely: to acquire the skills of reading, understanding speech by ear, speaking and writing in the target language.
Even 20-30 years ago, the classical method was the basis of education. 90% of the time was devoted to the theory of a foreign language. At the lessons, students studied new vocabulary, syntactic constructions, discussed rules, as well as read and translated texts, did written tasks and sometimes listened to audio recordings. The development of conversational skills took only 10% of the time from the lesson. As a result, the person understood the texts in English and knew the grammar rules, but could not speak. That is why it was decided to change the approach to teaching. So, the following methods have replaced the fundamental “classics” +:
Communicative
Its main principle is to use the lexical units and grammatical structures studied in the lessons in speech, both oral and written. All classes that are developed according to the principles of this modern method of teaching English are, if possible, conducted in a foreign language, or with a minimum inclusion of native speech. Moreover, the teacher only guides the students, asks them questions and creates a communicative situation, while 70% of the time of the entire lesson is spoken by the students. It is noteworthy that it is this technique that is the basis for teaching a foreign language at school. Nevertheless, some of the techniques of the classical school are still used today. So, for example, teachers to this day share their knowledge of the theory of the English language with their students, set written exercises to practice grammar and vocabulary.
Design
This method of teaching English to children, however, as well as to adults, has long been used in schools and universities in America, and recently it has become more and more firmly integrated into the educational activities of our students. Its meaning is to use the studied material in practice and is optimal for use at the end of the whole module, when it becomes possible to assess the degree of assimilation of the educational material. So, for example, younger students are happy to present their projects on the topics “My home”, “My pet”, “My favorite toys”, while high school students are already engaged in serious developments, for example, on the topic of environmental protection.
training
Unlike the methods of teaching English described above, for which favorable conditions are created at school, the training approach is based on independent study, with the amendment that students are given already worked out structured material and clearly explained by the teacher. As in any training, the student receives a portion of theory, remembers the rules and uses them in practice. Very often, this technique is used in online learning, including on an educational resource. Its main advantages are the presence of a carefully thought-out program, the presentation of information necessary to improve the level of English proficiency in the most accessible form and the ability to independently plan the study schedule.
Offers to learn English with the help of texts, stories and fairy tales voiced by professional speakers. Each text is accompanied by a series of exercises for memorizing new words, listening and translation. By coming to our site, you can start learning English even with a zero initial level and, subject to regular classes, bring your knowledge to a level above average. Here is an example of one of the short stories on the basis of which the initial training on our website is based.
your prayers
The Sunday school teacher asks Tom:
"Come to me and tell me the truth,
do you say your prayers before eating?”
Tom smiles proudly.
"No miss, no need
my mom cooks really well.”
intensive
The intensive technique has gained particular popularity among those who seek to learn to speak English in the shortest possible time. Achieving this seemingly unrealistic goal allows a high level of formulaic language - English is 25% cliché. Thanks to the study of a large number of set expressions, their memorization and development, a person can learn to explain himself in a foreign language and understand the interlocutor in a relatively short time.
Active methods of teaching English
The so-called active methods of teaching English are distinguished into a separate group; examples of the most widely used methods are given below.
So, these include:
- Round table
The teacher formulates the problem and offers the students a task: to assess the significance of the problem, to demonstrate all the pros and cons, to determine the possible result, etc. Students should speak on the presented issue, argue their position and eventually come to a common decision. - Brainstorm
This technique is also aimed at discussing and solving a problem. However, according to this method of teaching English, the audience is divided into two groups - “idea generators”, who actually offer ideas, and “experts”, who, after the end of the “assault”, evaluate the position of each “generator”. - business game
The teacher prepares a game on the studied topic and explains the rules to the students. As a rule, the proposed tasks imitate the tasks and situations of real communication, for example, searching and getting a job, concluding a contract, traveling, etc. - Game method of learning English for children.
Its main advantages are the absence of a mechanism for forcing classes and great interest on the part of the child. The teacher conducts a wide variety of games with the children on the studied vocabulary and grammatical constructions, during which the children quickly memorize them and learn to apply them in speech.
Learning with online exercises. Example.
Whatever method of learning English you choose, remember that motivation is of great importance in learning a foreign language, and the key to successful learning is the regularity and systematic nature of your classes.
Or personal communication. It is important to have an idea about the possible training options - this will help you choose the most convenient way for you. Consider the following methods and their benefits:
Classroom activities
Depending on personal preference, some may prefer a traditional learning environment. Classes in a traditional setting provide an opportunity to actively interact with the teacher and can be useful for those who want to learn more. Classroom activities also allow you to interact with other students and work in groups.
Audio Lessons
This method is gradually becoming obsolete, as many come to the conclusion that using this method alone, it is difficult to master the language. However, good ones often offer audio material to give a better idea of pronunciation and dialects.
Audio recordings are often used as an addition to the curriculum, however, there are also full audio lessons for those who find it easier to learn a language by ear.
Books
Books are often used as additional material for a closer acquaintance with the language. For self-learners, they can be an excellent means of learning English at an acceptable pace, without the restrictions and obligations that are present in other forms of learning.
DVD
DVD training programs are a very popular tool and can be effective if followed regularly and correctly. Those who appreciate the flexibility and freedom that DVD courses provide.
However, not being able to communicate with the teacher or other students can create problems. If the study is difficult and it is difficult to move on. DVD courses can be great for those who already know the basic material but want to brush up on their knowledge.
Online learning
The online learning method has proven itself well among both teachers and language learners. With flexibility and convenience, it is well suited for those who cannot maintain a classroom schedule, but can. However, this method assumes that the learner has basic Internet skills.
Knowing the different methods of learning English will help you choose the one that suits you best. What learning methods have you tried? Tell us about your experience in the comments to this article.
