As we continue to break down barriers that separate the world, so too, we have to learn new languages to adapt to these changes.
Previously, it was thought that learning a new language was an intimidating task. It took place in a traditional classroom with an outlined structure, and many people believe it took years to gain fluency in a particular language.
Well, we are here to say that this is no longer true.
Due to the advent of modern technology, you can now sit in the comfort of your own home and learn English online. Yes, it really is that simple! Here are the seven easy steps that you can use to effectively learn English online.
Step One: State Your Goal
Before you dive right into it, first you have to outline what you are hoping to achieve. Having an objective will help you understand the necessary steps that you should take to reach this goal.
For example, if you want to learn English grammar for an upcoming English test, then your plan may be slightly different. However, if you want to learn how to speak English fluently, then you will have to factor in the necessary steps to move from your current English level to that of fluency.
Here is a quick exercise:
Get a notepad and write at the top of the page what your specific goal about learning English. Strive to be as detailed as possible.
Step Two: Determine Target Timeline
After outlining your goal, the next step is to decide on a deadline. A deadline serves as an additional push to help you achieve your goals on time.
Your deadline will depend on three primary factors:
- the number of hours you can spare each week
- your goals
- your current English skills
Naturally, if you are at an advanced level and can spare 4-5 hours a day to reach your goals of fluency, you will obtain it much faster than a beginner. However, there is still a general estimate of how long learning English online can take. For example, for a beginner to reach fluency level within a year, they will have to practice English 3-4 hours a day.
Another quick exercise:
On that same notepad, right below your goal, write your timeline. Make sure that you are realistic while factoring in your free time, your current language fluency level, and your goal.
Step Three: Create a Routine
One of the best advantages of learning English online is that you can blend it into your schedule. That means you no longer have to attend classes in a physical classroom. Instead, you can have an online chat, listen to an English podcast, watch movies, and dance to some English tunes.
With this wide array of choices, you can easily add them to your daily routine. For example, on your way to work, you can listen to a podcast or music. Or when you reach home, you can speak to your favorite English tutor.
The choice is in your hands.
Also, try to take your time in establishing your system. It will take trial and error until you create a schedule that works for you.
Time for another exercise:
On the same notepad, outline your daily schedule to see how many free hours you can spare for learning English. Next, we can look at what English learning tools you can put in each time slot.
Step Four: Gather Your Tools
So as previously stated, you no longer have to study a bulky English grammar book to achieve fluency. Instead, you now have the chance to pick from a myriad of online English teaching tools.
Not only is it more fun, but it also helps you to immerse yourself fully into language ending in better results.
A few online English teaching tools that you can use are:
- Youtube videos for English learners
- English learning apps
- English podcasts
- English music
- Movies and TV shows
- Online English video teaching sessions (Sign Up!)
- English chatrooms and forums
Take the time to integrate these tools into your routine. While also eliminating the ones that don’t work with you. Again, this step allows you to create the online English learning toolset that suits your needs and preferences.
Exercise time!
Remember those time slots you have written previously? Now you will have to conduct research on the best online English learning tools and drop those into the time slots. Keep in mind that you can experiment with this step to get it right.
Step Five: Keep Track of Your Progress
Learning English online may seem like a slow process, particularly when you are learning on your own. This will make you feel discouraged, especially when you are not seeing any progress yourself.
This is why measuring your progress at different timestamps can help you feel motivated as you continue on this journey.
One of the best ways to keep track of your progress is with your online English tutor. No one is more capable of assessing your current level and comparing it to where you started. They will be able to shine an objective light on how much you have accomplished in one, two or six months, and remind you of your future objectives. Having an online English tutor is the perfect guide.
Another way that you can monitor your progress is by recording a video of yourself speaking in English. You can try different things such as singing an English song, reading an English book or paragraph or just talk to yourself or a friend. Record these videos at fixed times, for example, every month to see your growth.
And as a bonus, you can try sharing your progress with the world by uploading these videos on popular sites like YouTube.
Surprise, surprise! Time for another exercise!
Here we will outline how often you will check your progress. It can be every month or two months, the choice is yours to make. Next, you will decide on how you will check your progress, again try to do an exercise you will like to do, such as singing a song.
Step Six: Discover New Language Buddies
Speaking to native English-speakers is still one of the best ways to learn English.
It transforms the traditional way of studying English grammar rules to a more practical way of putting these rules into use. With this step, you are also able to hone your conversational skills. This will help you to learn English faster and make you more suited for real-world conversations.
So where should you start?
Since you are learning a new language online, then you will have to speak to someone on the Internet. The safest way to do this is to signup with a trained English tutor who can talk to you daily and correct any errors that you may have. They are the fastest way to fully grasp a new language.
Lastly, there are also online communities that share the same passion or goal as you. Becoming a member of these groups will allow you to get free tips and tricks, the best sites, books or podcasts that other members have used. And you can even speak and communicate with those who have more advanced English skills.
Through the internet, you can connect and build life-long relationships with different and exciting people.
Another exercise:
Research the best online English communities or forums. Then you can decide if you want to sign up or join each platform.
Step Seven: Don’t Stop Talking!
Talking to others is a surefire way to learn English online. If you don’t want to travel to an English-speaking country and immerse yourself in the language and the culture, then this is the next best thing.
Never stop talking! Try to practice your English grammar, expand your vocabulary and hone your pronunciation skills by speaking to others online. The more you exercise your English skills, the closer you will be to achieving your goal.
Try to make dedicated time to speak to those you have discovered online and keep working on it. By taking this approach, you will be fluent in no time!
Here is your last exercise:
Create a schedule of how many chat sessions you can keep in a day. Shoot for a goal, such as 4 hours of English chatting each day.
Learning English online is an easy feat with these simple steps. By applying them to your daily routine, you will gain fluency in English. Not only is it fun and exciting, but it is also practical and quickly done from the comfort of your own home.
Find the right tutor for you today by taking a trial class.
