LEARNING TIPS: YOU NEED A GOAL AND A PLAN

Good morning everyone.

Today we will finish our series of Daily Vitamins about the paradigms behind the Ziggurat English programme, which you must keep in mind, no matter where or how you are learning English.

Ziggurat Paradigm 1 (Tuesday): Nobody can teach you English; you have to LEARN English.

Ziggurat Paradigm 2 (Wednesday): The most difficult thing about learning a language is maintaining what you’ve already learned.

Ziggurat Paradigm 3 (Thursday): Poor listening skills are what keep the majority of English students from reaching their desired level.

Ziggurat Paradigm 4: If you're serious about learning English, you must have a clear goal and a clear plan.

If you really want to learn English, it is absolutely imperative that you have at least three things:

1) Materials (i.e., daily or almost daily contact with English)
2) A clear objective
3) A plan

Unfortunately, too many English students have no clear objective, and the few that do have a clear goal, don't have a clear plan.

An objective could be a specific certificate (e.g., the First Certificate) or to reach a certain level (Upper Intermediate) or the ability to do certain activities in English (e.g., lead meetings in English or speak on the telephone). Whatever your objective, write it down and remember it. Speak with your English teacher and find out what it will take to reach your goal, taking into account your current level.

For example, if you want to lead meetings in English, you will probably need an upper intermediate level (B2). If you are at the Intermediate level (B1), you might only be a year or two away from your goal. But if you have an Elementary level (A2), you might need 3 or 4 years to reach your goal. Planning for the next 3 or 4 years is your "macro" plan, but you also need a "micro" plan for this year. Your teacher/school should give you a study plan for the year, or at least for the course you are enrolled in. If not, ask for one. If they can't give you a plan, it may mean they don't have a plan.

The other day I came across the following quote from an American Journalist:

A goal without a plan is just a wish

I completely agree. Far too many English students are wishing they spoke English, but don't have a clear objective and plan to follow, which translates to failure. 

Remember that next week will be the last week of Daily Vitamins before the summer holidays.

Have a good day and an excellent weekend!