Setting Language Goals for Improvement

In order to improve in any language, One must set specific goals for themselves. However, these do not have to be outrageously difficult goals. They can be simple and easy to achieve!

Firstly, you must identify your language level. You can do this below online on your own, or at an Academy with a formal language exam.Ā 

take the CEFR English Level Test

Secondly, you must decide what goals you would like to set and achieve. Do you need to improve fluency? Or maybe advance in your grammar? Or maybe you simply need to improve your listening skills. Whatever it may be, make sure you can achieve these goals with the schedule you have already in place.

Thirdly, look for different ways and resources to complete these goals.

For example:

I am struggling to understand Irish accents. I can understand them sometimes, but need to improve.

I can:

  1. Find a website where I can do an online conversation exchange with someone in Ireland. Send an email to this organization once you feel comfortable.
  2. What Irish TV and movies, with subtitles if needed.
  3. Listening to Irish podcasts, books aloud, and/or radio.
  4. Listen to Irish music, while reading alone with the lyrics.
  5. Find online listening resources such as BritishCouncil.org

I can set the goal of listening ONE HOUR a week to listening to one of these resources above.

Finally, Set achievable goals for yourself.

What is your personal schedule? How long do you feel comfortable focusing on one topic?

Maybe you can only devote one to two hours a week to achieving this goal. Others can dedicate more time. Either way, set a weekly timed goal for yourself.

LetĀ“s say you are the type of person who needs to take breaks every 25 minutes. Set a timer for 25 minutes and do the task for that amount of time. Then take a five minute break. Repeat this as many times as you want, yet after three or four times, you can give yourself a longer 15-20 minute break. The Pomodoro Method, named above, is used widely around the world to help people set and achieve academic goals.

ASSIGNMENT:

Now, think about one aspect of the language you are studying that you would like to improve. Then, choose a goal for yourself. Write down this goal. Think about the amount of time you can allocate each week to this goal and set a schedule for this. Look for a resource to practice this goal.

GOOD LUCK!