How to Study that New Language

Now you have got the ‘when’ and ‘where’ of your study sorted, you can start to focus on how to study – this is the real key to effectiveness. It can also be an area of considerable concern, especially if it’s been a few years since your last period of study.  

Don’t worry – the tutors at your centre will be happy to advise you, but you should:

·         be aware of your own learning style – what works and what does not work; 

·         Recognize that we all have different learning styles. The fact that a colleague can absorb textbook content more quickly than you isn’t a negative reflection on your ability; it just denotes a difference in styles. You may be much better at practical assignments.
We will discuss the work of Honey and Mumford on learning styles. They categorized four types of learners:  

Activists Learners

If you are an activist, you like to be doing. You want to try things for yourself, and will enjoy practical sessions in class. Try and look for opportunities to test out your learning in the workplace. Devise tests and activities to help make your study more practical.  

You may find it harder to understand the underpinning theory and its implications. Activists can fall into the trap of seeing the task in terms of finishing the subject, so they rush through the material. Take time to review and reflect.  

Pragmatists Learners
You are interested in knowing whether things work in practice. Case studies and practitioners’ comments will be of most interest to you. Articles in People Management and presentations and discussions at branch meetings will be good sources for your learning.

Take every opportunity to talk to other practitioners. 
You will need to take care not to dismiss academic theory. It provides the essential foundations to your work as a practitioner, so consider it with a view to seeing how and where it can add value. 

Reflectors Learners

Because you do not like to be rushed, the pressures of an intensive programme can leave you reeling. You need time to stop and think about things – so making time for review is critical to your study plan.  

You enjoy feedback sessions, so make the most of any discussions and opinions shared in class. You might also get a lot out of our online discussions and debates. You will have to make more of an effort than others to turn theory into practice and action. Make sure you manage your progress so that reflection does not slow the pace.  

Theorists Learners
You like to discover the theory and concepts from the analysis. You are good at integrating information from different sources, so you’ll have no problem using tutor notes, websites and textbooks to help you build up the bigger picture.  

You will need to make more of an effort when it comes to looking at different views and approaches – make sure you listen carefully to others, perhaps by following one of the online discussions or asking others for different views. 

Now, you can define the type of learner you are and start using this information to help you succeed in your new language study. Choose a language of your choice from the language store and start learning a second language today. 

To your language learning success, 

Peace