Setting Realistic Language Learning Goals as an ESL Student Can Help Reduce Anxiety
One of the things I have noticed in my capacity as an ESOL tutor is that some of my adult students expect to be fluent in English within a certain time frame that they have determined to be enough to master a language.
However, what they don’t realize is that there are stages of fluency one must go through before arriving at their goal. Sometimes setting an unrealistic goal like being able to speak perfect English within a short time of signing up for classes can lead to feelings of anxiety and failure.
One great way to avoid such feelings is to pick a learning approach that suits your learning style. For example, here are 3 options that can help you learn English which can be less anxiety-causing and more in tune with the pace of learning you are comfortable with.
- Language learning apps: If you are more of an independent learner and short on time, this can be a great option to learn English. According to CNET, some of the best language learning apps for 2023 include:
Duolingo — Best for learning multiple languages.
Babbel — Best for an online school-like experience.
Drops — Best for visual learners.
Mondly — Best for helping you learn specific phases.
2. Guided language learning program: Some benefit the most in a traditional classroom setting where a teacher sets learning goals and helps guide the students to achieve them.
3. One-on-one learning: According to fluentu.com, individualized learning that is tailored to suit the student’s needs may be perfect for those who “need to be around fewer people in order to get the right level of attention and not just feel like blending in.”
Enter Tutoria, a free community-based online platform that connects volunteer tutors with clients who need help with learning English, preparing for their citizenship test, and legal aid.
Founded in 2017 by Alex Sulyevich, it is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is run by an all-volunteer team. This is an entirely free service where both the clients and volunteer tutors decide how they want to meet once a connection has been established on the platform.
4. Media learning: Movies, YouTube videos, and social media can be useful for mastering pronunciation and communication skills, especially for those who are media lovers.
For example, Tutoria’s Instagram page can be a great resource for ESL students.
For another great example of reducing student anxiety, check out this Tutoria testimonial from Gaby, a client from Brazil. In this YouTube video, Gaby explains how her volunteer tutor shared her hobbies, which made their sessions very relaxed and conversational.
