Where is your English headed in 2024?
Will your English improve, stay the same, or get worse?
If you’re reading this blog post, you’re probably hoping to improve. So, what are you going to do to make sure you keep moving in the right direction? Nobody will make the choice for you. It’s completely up to you.
Most of my students have a great foundation in English. They’ve studied English for a long time and many of them have used English in their work in Japan and internationally. They’re at the point where they have a choice: remain pretty good, or keep moving toward their higher potential.
That’s why they’re committed to practicing regularly. If they don’t practice, they don’t improve.
Here’s what my students do to keep moving forward…
1) Receive input (listen and read)
Receiving input means using some sort of material (video, blog article, news, podcast, etc.) to keep their listening sharp. Along with this, it means to keep learning new vocabulary and expressions. This exposure to native-English speaking speed and natural ways of writing and speaking improves your comprehension and also gives you a good model for how to speak.
2) Create output (speak and discuss)
Creating output means speaking. It means summarizing what you have heard, watched, or read in a way that is clear and articulate. It also means expressing your opinions and giving supporting information that explains why you have such an opinion. At a higher level, output also involves communicating with thoughtful nuance, emphasis, and body language.
3) Keep practicing regularly
In order to receive input and create output so that you improve, the bottom line is to make it a regular habit.
I have students who have high-level English but don’t need to use it every day. Then, when they have a conference call, meeting, or business trip, which requires English, they need to speak a lot. So they may go days, weeks, or even months without needing to speak much English. This is why they need regular practice.
So what’s the key? At least every week, receive input and create output. Listen, read, or watch content in English. Then, respond to it through discussion. This will keep your English fresh. It only needs to take about three to four hours per week.
It sounds easy, but not everyone does it. The students who improve the most are committed to the ongoing journey of using English regularly.
Keeping your English moving forward can be hard. It can also be boring.
That’s why, in my classes, I make sure to offer diverse and interesting material and topics. These topics allow students to enjoy using English as a tool for exploring global topics and creative ideas. It’s a space where students can actually have fun using English by engaging in real world issues and connecting with other passionate students who are on the same journey.
So in 2020, where is your English headed? Forward, backward, or nowhere?
Nobody will take action for you. It’s your future. It’s your choice. I’m here to guide you just like I guide my other students.
Want to connect with the changing world in English?
online or in Yokohama-Motomachi
to expand your:
creative thinking
global awareness
cross-cultural communication
(Advanced and intermediate only)
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