BLOG POST 8: LEARNING ENGLISH IN OUR TIMES
Again, I am going to have to write this post from a different perspective: as an English teacher. Therefore, what I'm writing is a not the same as what you'd write. I'd like to make some observations and give some advice.
Communicating in a foreign language can be frustrating and annoying. You don't always understand everything, and you can't say exactly what you mean or how you want to say it. Of course, this is part of the process. We just need to live with this and accept it. It happens to everyone. The best way to deal with this is to accept and get lots of exposure and practice. With time, you will gradually notice improvement. It may seem imperceptible from day to day.
You really need to take part, be present, be exposed. Language communication is a lived experience. The language ability will stay in your head if you make memories: live the moment, be present. Learning a language isn't very successful if it's dry, from a distance. It isn't just reading a book and taking notes. It is all about doing it, practicing it, hearing the sounds, making the sounds, using the words and grammar.
This has been a big challenge during the pandemic with our online modality. Yes, we want to make sure people can stay safe. That is the number one concern. However, it is very hard to learn a language without participation and practice, and this is really hard to do online. Everyone is far away through a screen. Mostly, you can't see anyone. The kinesthetic experience is 0...moving around is part of the process. This is not how humans function psychologically or physiologically when it comes to communication. At least we have access to the internet which helps with some aspects: quick access to listening texts or videos, But really, the whole experience is better being in the same physical space. Well, for now it's been e-learning. The best we can do is try to participate as best we can.
totally agree with your teacher, it is necessary to practice constantly and asynchronously to the classes, having different conversations in English with family and friends can help better learning
ResponderEliminarYou are right, with pandemic learning a foregh lenguaje can be more difficult becouse as you said you it need practice, motivation, participation, etc and with this global situation not always you have all of them. Learning a different lenguaje is a big challenge but for me is a also a big achievement.
ResponderEliminarI totally agree, sometimes learning a new language can be frustrating but as you said practice is key.
ResponderEliminarI agree, practicing helps to memorize conversation patterns. But many times it is frustrating to improvise a conversation in English.
ResponderEliminarHello teacher! I agree with you that learning English requires a lot of practice and due to the pandemic, it's more difficult because we cannot speak to each other directly, but it's not impossible if we are constant.
ResponderEliminarall complicated is special for people be very shameful of speak in english.
ResponderEliminarI agree with what you say, I think the most important thing is the practice and the motivation to do it, many times I don't feel encouraged to practice because I feel ashamed to make a mistake.
ResponderEliminarProfessor, I feel that we think similarly in the sense of the frustration that sometimes arises when the language is not handled well. What I do is simplify my discourse and speak in a more basic but more secure way. That has always helped me, even to communicate better.
ResponderEliminarI agree, it is good that students will soon return to face-to-face classes, since the difference is very noticeable telematically and the English course was no the exception.
ResponderEliminarHello teacher, I also believe that to learn a new language you have to practice, talk to people and take the risk of making mistakes.
ResponderEliminarI agree very much that to learn a language it is necessary to practice a lot, and I also agree that learning English online is not the same as face-to-face, the dynamics that can be generated within a class and the feedback from the teacher or classmates are lost .
ResponderEliminarI very agree Teacher, Although the shame wins me also I think must use this opportunity to learn and practice.
ResponderEliminarIt must be hard to be a teacher with the lack of participation in class u.u
ResponderEliminarIt has been a bit more difficult to learn English virtually, because there is a lack of face-to-face communication.
ResponderEliminarThere is so much to real life interaction that we took for granted :(
ResponderEliminarI agree with you, one of the most important things when we learn a foreign language is practice, and when it's e-learning it is difficult. Sometimes because of the connection problems, or sound problems, or even because of our embarrassing.
ResponderEliminarI would really like to have more face to face interaction, and even practice with native speaker even if I make mistakes.
Even with all my progress i think still is difficult to learn english. Internalize the time rules and applying it, it keep be a challenge to respond appropriately in every talk situation and i'd like to expand me knowing.
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ResponderEliminarHello teacher! It has cost me a lot, but I have improved speaking and writing English and that makes me happy :)
I agree, learn english face to face is very different than learn it online
ResponderEliminarHi teacher! I know it must been really hard to teach though a screen where you don't see any student and, in many cases, do not receive a response or participation. But I want to thank you for the effort you put into each class and for everything I've learned, you've been a great teacher! <3
ResponderEliminarTry to learn a new language in an online modality is really hard, I agree completely with you in that aspect, but at least in my personal case I can say that I have improved my English skills during this semester
ResponderEliminarIt is interesting to know the perspective of you as a teacher.
ResponderEliminarHello professor! I agree very much with what he says, the pandemic has brought us new challenges, including English learning, which has become very difficult because of the virtual modality. Everything becomes less human.
ResponderEliminarHello Teacher, I wanted to tell you that I agree with you that the distance has made learning more difficult, but I think that the dedication put into the classes has made the process more enjoyable, greetings!
ResponderEliminarI agree with you, and for me, the best way to improve my English is by talking to others that ideally don't speak Spanish because I'm forced to explain myself in English.
ResponderEliminarI can imagine how difficult it is to do online classes and stay motivated, the good attitude that you have always maintained is highly valuable, for my part it is precisely being exposed one of my greatest difficulties because anxiety and shame win over me.
ResponderEliminarThank you very much for sharing your advice !!!
ResponderEliminarsometimes it is difficult to compete with frustration :(
Hi teacher! Thank you for your encouraging words! I think that shame is most limits us to learn an unknown language. 🥸
ResponderEliminarHello teacher, I think you are right, the best way to practice English is by speaking it, listening to it, etc. My personal technique is to watch series in English with Spanish subtitles to learn new words.
ResponderEliminarI totally agree, it is necessary to practice constantly
ResponderEliminarIt is true that you say about how difficult it is to learn a language online, it makes it very difficult to learn it :(
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ResponderEliminarHello teacher, I agree with you, especially in the part you say it can be very frustrating, when I tried to speak, the words escape from my mind :( But definitely I am gonna practice more!
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