During my time as an English language teacher I've encountered the study mindset among tutors and students who believe that English can be mastered through hours of learning ABOUT it. A lot of time, energy, and money are spent on inefficient methods:

• Memorizing up to 25 new English words a day.
• Remembering 5 new grammar points a week.
• Listening to 20 English podcasts a month.  

Oh no! That's a lot of work for English that you may never use. You are cluttering your mind. And you're creating interference for English language that you really do need.

Conversation classes have become interview classes... 

Where tutors ask you multiple questions about a certain topic. However, to what end are all of those questions? If you want to converse in English while on a flight for example, you have only been prepared to answer questions but NOT how to ask them — how to engage in conversation with someone.  

Questioning and answering from both sides is how friendly conversation works. But you're not preparing for REAL conversation when you're only answering questions in class. That may be why it's so difficult sometimes for you to talk with someone using English — because you have been learning about it rather than using it.

What is the purpose of an (English) language class?


• For example, if you are studying English so you can do better on IELTS Speaking — develop your conversational skills. 

• For example, if you want to improve your fluency — try not only answering in one- or  two-word answers but try to add more detail in your answers. This is normal in a friendly conversation.

• For example, if you want to improve your grammar skills — don't just study the rules, experiment with them in a conversation with your teacher.

• For example, if you want to improve your pronunciation — interact more with your tutor so you can receive feedback and develop a wider variety of speech sounds.

• For example, if you want to improve your conversation skills — don't just answer your tutor's questions only, start asking him/her questions as well. This will help you gain more confidence interacting with English speakers AND start hearing possible answers to those questions.

So remember...

The next time you are in class: Don't just be a student of English, be a USER of English — interact with your tutor. 

If you want to invest your time, energy, and finances wisely, look for: 

• A tutor who wants to work with you toward your specific goals,
• A tutor who can make your class time more efficient and productive, 
• A tutor who will listen to you and adjust the lesson to your individual needs, 
• A tutor who will provide a warm learning environment, and
• A tutor who will provide you with gentle feedback in all areas (vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar, etc.). 

If you want to break the cycle and try something new, let's meet via a free-conversation lesson and discuss your English language goals. Schedule a class with me today, and let's get started. 

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