How to overcome language learning Plateaus!
- kirsteen310
- Jun 13
- 6 min read
So, it's almost summer and many of us are getting ready to jet off somewhere special. Maybe we will travel home to see family and friends, maybe you plan to escape the heat or perhaps you live somewhere cold and are looking for some summer sun.
Whatever your plans are this summer, it's natural that you will have some time off from studying. Sometimes we need a break from studying, often we just have too many commitments or our schedule is out of our control. It's totally normal and to be expected. However, when we get back to our studies, we often forget things and feel like we are back where we started.
On the other hand, you might still be studying, but you feel like you are not making much progress. It seems like your language skills are stuck, and you might even notice they are getting worse. In other words, you have hit a plateau.
So, how do we stop those plateaus? How do we keep in the learning mode when we are not in the classroom and how do we continue to learn new things and improve our skills?
You can't go on holiday! You have to study everyday!
Ok, we are joking, of course we are joking.
Naturally, everyone requires breaks, and it's impossible to study continuously throughout the year. We also frequently encounter periods where progress seems slow, be it in our careers, education, or personal lives. This is entirely normal. Nevertheless, we have some tips to make your studies enjoyable, engaging, and to help you advance.
Stay Motivated!
Try a new learning method:
If you have been using the same textbook for a while, but feel it's no longer engaging, then try choosing a different one. We are happy to give recommendations. Or, sometimes you could use an app or book a conversational class rather than grammar and textbook based lessons. Our classes are tailor made to our students' needs, so you're also welcome to ask us to change things up a little and we definitely advise this for your independent study, outside of the classroom.
Find a language learning buddy:
Like anything in life, having someone to share things with always makes it more fun and honestly it's really helpful. If you can share your language experience with a friend, colleague or loved one, it helps keep you motivated and it's brilliant practice. Maybe you will find that your 'buddy' faces the same difficulties, or they may even be able to help you with something you struggled with in class. Better still, you might be able to help them, which is a huge confidence boost and shows you that you're learning.
Reward yourself:
Who doesn't love a reward or prize? Rewards and recognition really help us to feel positive in life and this applies to our language learning journey too. So, share those milestones on social media and tell your friends how well you're doing. Advanced to the next level? Mastered a grammar point that you previously found really difficult? Tell someone, take pride in that moment. You could even treat yourself to some desert or a day out doing something our love, or perhaps you go and buy that nice top you've been admiring. Recognise your achievements and savor the experience.
Reflect and Adjust!
Identify the cause of the plateau:
It's important to reflect on your learning habits and identify areas for improvement. Notice what is and isn't working for you. Do you need to incorporate more independent study? Do you need your teacher to give you more homework assignments? Maybe you want to try a more relaxed, conversational approach. Perhaps you learn better through play rather than worksheets and reading exercises. Trust your teacher, they know many different approaches as well as tips and tricks. Yet, it's ok to ask them advice or to change things up a little. They will appreciate that you take your studies seriously and that you feel comfortable to share your feelings. Their goal is to help you achieve yours and to help you advance, so tell them if something isn't working and ask them for more of the things that do.
Adjust your approach:
Enhance your learning experience by trying new methods and focusing on different skills. For example, carry a notebook to jot down new words or phrases you encounter in daily life. This practice reinforces memory and encourages active engagement with the language. Additionally, immerse yourself in multimedia resources like movies and podcasts outside of class. These can expose you to various accents and colloquial expressions, enriching your understanding beyond textbooks. Our classes also include video clips and listening activities as well as reading exercises, to improve your comprehension skills.
Consider attending more regular classes as well. Consistent practice in a structured environment reinforces learning and provides immediate feedback. This combination of informal and formal strategies creates a well-rounded educational experience, leading to greater proficiency and confidence. By embracing diverse methods, you can tailor your learning journey to your needs, making it both effective and enjoyable.
Ask for feedback:
Seek feedback from your teachers or language learning partner. Feedback is an excellent resource that not only aids in our improvement but also boosts our confidence. It provides insight into your future direction. You can use this feedback to customise your learning experience further and gain a clearer picture of what your language journey might look like.
Studying isn't just for the classroom.
Perhaps your problem isn't that you're plateauing, but rather that you've just had time off and you're afraid of forgetting what you've learnt. So, how can you stop this from happening? What can you do to keep that part of your brain active so that you don't fall behind?
Language learning apps:
Five minutes a day on something like Babbel or Duolingo can really help keep things fresh in your mind. They may not be considered effective, long term practice, but they are certainly not doing you any harm and it allows you to have mini classes regularly, often for free. You often get the chance to not only read and write in your chosen language, but even practice listening and speaking skills. So, it's a great tool for those long periods of time off, away from the classroom.
Revisit your notes:
Do you have a language journal for your studies? Bring it on your next holiday or keep it at your desk. This tool aids in more than just note-taking. Before your trip, review your class notes to refresh vocabulary and grammar, boosting your confidence.
Having your journal while traveling is useful for communication. You can refer to key phrases for ordering food, asking for directions, or chatting with locals, enhancing your skills beyond the classroom. Your journal also allows you to document experiences and interactions abroad, that you can then share with your teacher, further practicing your skills. Write down new words or cultural insights, reinforcing your learning. Upon returning, review your notes to solidify your journey. Incorporating your language journal into your routine makes it a dynamic tool for ongoing learning. Using it actively will steadily improve your skills, making language learning enjoyable and rewarding.
Read, watch and listen in the target language:
Going to a museum whilst on holiday? Reading a menu? Or maybe you choose to watch a film one evening in a local cinema. Most tourist destinations will have your language available in menus, on signs or even audio tours/guides. Of course this is a wonderful option to have, but what if you try, even if it's just one or two days of your trip, choosing your target language instead. Ask for an English speaking tour guide or read the information signs in a museum, in English. You can always switch back if your don't fully understand, or even, dare I say it, use a translator, but give it a go. Challenge yourself, you may even enjoy it and find it a rewarding experience.
By incorporating these tips into your language learning routine, you can overcome plateaus and continue making progress. Following our travel tips when you have time off can help you to minimise forgetting what you have learnt and help you maintain your language skills during your vacation.
Of course, most of all, we hope you have a wonderful summer, whatever your plans may be and hope that our language learning tips help you to keep motivated, engaged and continue to enjoy your language journey.
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