How to Avoid Procrastinating When Language Learning As an Adult
As someone who has personally experienced the challenges of learning as an adult, I know it can be a daunting task. I am confident enough to speak in Spanish after years of slowly learning and living in Mexico.
However, as the founder of Learn Laugh Speak, a language learning platform for adults, I have also had the privilege of working with thousands of students from 14 different countries.
Through their data and feedback, I have gained valuable insights into the common barriers that prevent adults from reaching their language learning goals.
And as someone who is committed to helping our students succeed, I am excited to share with you some tips and strategies on how to overcome procrastination in language learning for adults.
Language Learning Goals: Language Learning As an Adult
Setting realistic language learning goals is essential for staying motivated and making progress in your language acquisition journey. Here are five tips to help you set realistic goals:
- Stick to a small goal each week: Start by setting a manageable goal that you can realistically achieve within a week. For example, commit to learning five new vocabulary words or practicing verb conjugations for 10 minutes each day. By setting small, achievable goals, you’ll build momentum and maintain consistency.
- Break down larger goals into smaller tasks: If you have a larger language learning goal, such as becoming conversational in six months, break it down into smaller, actionable tasks. Create a study plan with specific milestones to reach along the way, such as completing a certain number of lessons or having a conversation with a native speaker.
- Prioritize your goals: Determine what is most important to you in your language learning journey and prioritize your goals accordingly. If you need to focus on improving your speaking skills, dedicate more time and resources to practicing conversations. By prioritizing your goals, you can allocate your time and energy effectively.
- Be flexible and adjust your goals as needed: It’s important to be flexible and adapt your goals as you progress in your language learning. If you find that a goal is too ambitious or not aligned with your current needs, don’t hesitate to make adjustments. Set yourself up for success by setting goals that are realistic and relevant to your language learning journey.
- Celebrate milestones along the way: Language learning is a long-term process, so it’s important to celebrate your achievements along the way. When you reach a milestone or accomplish a goal, take the time to acknowledge and celebrate your progress. This will help you stay motivated and inspired to continue learning.
Embracing a Consistent Language Learning Routine
Consistency is key when it comes to language learning for adults. It’s not enough to study for hours on end one day and then neglect your learning for the rest of the week. In order to truly make progress and retain what you learn, you need to embrace a consistent language learning routine.
First and foremost, establish a regular study schedule that works for you. Determine the best time of day for you to focus and allocate a set amount of time each day for language learning. Whether it’s early in the morning, during lunch breaks, or in the evenings, find a time that fits into your daily routine and stick to it. Consistency in your study schedule will help you develop a habit and make language learning a natural part of your day.
Next, consider incorporating a variety of learning activities into your routine. Don’t limit yourself to just textbooks or language learning apps. Explore different resources such as podcasts, online articles, and language learning videos. Mix up your activities to keep your learning interesting and engaging. Additionally, find ways to immerse yourself in the language outside of your study time. This could involve watching movies or TV shows in your target language, listening to music, or even engaging in conversation with native speakers. The more you expose yourself to the language, the more opportunities you’ll have to reinforce what you’ve learned and improve your skills.
Finally, don’t be too hard on yourself if you miss a day or two of studying. It’s important to have a consistent routine, but life happens and sometimes you might need a break. The key is to get back on track as soon as possible and not let one or two missed days derail your progress. Stay motivated and committed to your language learning goals, and remember that consistency is what will ultimately lead to success.
Using Technology To Help Language Learning As An Adult
If you are learning English or have a friend who is learning English, I highly recommend utilizing technology to keep you engaged in your language learning journey.
Technology offers a wide range of resources and tools that can make the process more interactive and enjoyable. With the advancements in language learning apps, websites, and online platforms, there are now endless possibilities to enhance your language skills.
One platform that I highly recommend is Learn Laugh Speak. Our platform is specifically designed for adults who are learning a new language. With 33,000 lessons that cover all aspects of reading, writing, speaking, and listening, you can be confident that you are getting comprehensive language learning materials.
What sets us apart is our instant correction feature that provides immediate feedback on your language skills. This ensures that you are continuously improving and not reinforcing any mistakes. In addition to language learning platforms like Learn Laugh Speak, there are also numerous other resources available to support your language learning journey.
Online language exchange programs allow you to connect with native speakers who are learning your native language, creating an opportunity for language practice and cultural exchange.
Remember, language learning for adults can be challenging, but with the right technology and resources, you can make the process more engaging and effective.
Language Learning As An Adult Involves Loving Mistakes
Learning a new language can be intimidating, and one of the biggest barriers to progress is the fear of making mistakes. However, embracing mistakes as part of the learning process is crucial for language learning for adults.
When you make mistakes, it means that you are actively trying and putting yourself out there to learn and grow. Instead of seeing mistakes as failures, view them as valuable opportunities to improve. Mistakes are a natural part of the language learning journey. They show you areas where you need to focus and provide valuable feedback on your progress.
By embracing mistakes, you can identify patterns and areas of weakness that need extra attention. This self-awareness allows you to develop strategies and resources to overcome these challenges. Additionally, making mistakes in a supportive language learning environment is beneficial.
It helps create a safe space where you can practice without fear of judgment. When you embrace mistakes, you are more likely to take risks and actively engage in conversations, which leads to accelerated learning and improved language skills.
Remember, language learning for adults is a process of continuous improvement. Don’t let the fear of making mistakes hold you back. Embrace them, learn from them, and keep moving forward on your language learning journey. The more you embrace mistakes, the more confident and fluent you will become in your new language.
Real-Life Situations (in your mind or in real life)
Once you have built a solid foundation in your new language through studying and practicing, it’s time to take your skills to real-life situations. This is an important step in language learning for adults, as it allows you to apply what you have learned and gain confidence in using your new language.
One option is to try to remember situations or scenarios in which you would need to use your language skills. Practice these situations in your mind, imagining yourself having conversations or interactions in the target language.
This mental rehearsal can help you prepare for real-life situations and build your confidence in using the language. Another option is to practice with a friend or language exchange partner.
Engage in conversations and role-play different scenarios, such as ordering food at a restaurant, asking for directions, or making small talk. This allows you to practice your speaking skills in a supportive environment and receive feedback from your language partner.
If you prefer to practice on your own, tools like Learn Laugh Speak can be incredibly helpful. This language learning platform for adults provides access to over 280,000 pre-recorded audios of English native speakers. By listening to and imitating these recordings, you can refine your pronunciation and sound more like a native speaker.
The platform also offers real-time feedback on your voice recordings, ensuring that you score about 80 and sound just like a native speaker.
Whether it’s practicing in your mind, engaging in conversations with a friend, or utilizing language learning platforms like Learn Laugh Speak, make an effort to apply your language skills outside of the classroom.
