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April 26, 2000
Language Learning Strategies
Many of these ideas were posted on FLTEACH.
The original list is from the Spanish Department at the University of Kansas.
- Make flashcards.
- Repeat aloud.
- Don't be afraid to make mistakes.
- Speak to others in French (Spanish/German.)
- Watch French (Spanish/German) television programs on cable TV.
- Praise yourself for your efforts.
- Listen to lab tapes.
- Don't wait for the teacher to evaluate your progress.
- Go to a French (Spanish/German) restaurant and order in the target language.
- Eavesdrop on people speaking French (Spanish/German.)
- Don't make excuses.
- Name objects in French (Spanish/German.)
- Relax before going to class and before studying.
- Don't worry about your age or aptitude.
- Talk to yourself in French (Spanish/German.)
- Try not to translate from French (Spanish/German) to English in your head.
- Practice speaking French (Spanish/German) with friends.
- Form a study group with classmates.
- Review class notes.
- Reward your successes.
- Guess when in doubt.
- Re-write class notes.
- Record new vocabulary and grammar in a notebook.
- Make review cards grouping verbs, nouns, etc.
- Don't pretend to understand when you really don't.
- Paraphrase when necessary.
- Listen to French (Spanish/German) radio.
- Rent French (Spanish/German) videos and watch them.
- Stay alert; don't "zone out" in class.
- Hang in there; be persistent.
- Read ahead in the book.
- Use mime and gestures.
- Write down words that you don't know, then find out what they mean.
- Keep a language diary.
- Keep your expectations realistic.
- Practice daily.
- Make corrections in class when reviewing homework.
- Memorize using images, sounds, rhymes (mnemonic devices.)
- Attend class.
- Teach someone what you have learned.
- Be assertive in class.
- Participate in group activities in class.
- Use cognates for association with English.
- Have a positive attitude towards class and the language.
- Read French (Spanish/German) newspapers on the Internet.
- Use what you learn.
- Make study sheets.
- Do homework.
- Review the day's lesson after class.
- Try not to use the dictionary too much.
- Ask for help when you need it.
Additional resources
April 26, 2000