How would you describe your learning process in general? And your language learning process? What steps do you take to learn vocabulary, grammar, cultural aspects?
I think I learn best through sight. I like to take in information by reading it, and process procedures by watching someone else do it. I think I am the same way when it comes to learning a language. I need to first read the new words or new conjugations before attempting to speak them. When I can read words, I tend to be able to translate much better than when I am just listening. However, different languages come in use most through speech instead of writing. Therefore, I find comprehending a language difficult. To help myself learn in the best way I can while still trying to incorporate the audios of a language, I try to read the other language out loud whenever possible. That way, my brain begins to connect the words on paper with the dialect. I also try to watch videos, movies, shows, etc. with different combinations of English and another language. For example, watching an English movie with Spanish subtitles or a Spanish video with English subtitles. I have also watched Coco in Spanish, a movie I have already seen in English, with Spanish subtitles to connect the speech with the words. I think this helps me learn new words and the way they are used while also learning about the culture behind the language.
What do you think is your role as a learner? Does this change when it comes to learning a language? How do you position yourself when it comes to the following?
-
Are you motivated to learn?
-
Do you take responsibility for learning?
-
Do you engage in and attend to learning activities?
-
Do you apply what is being learned in your courses?
-
Do you share with or teach others what you have learned?
As a learner, my role is to work for my knowledge. I cannot expect myself to absorb information without making sure I understand what the information is and how to use it. I believe this holds true when learning a language as well. I cannot learn a language as easily as I did English when I was young. I must put in the work to confirm that I understand the language and its grammar. I can admit that sometimes it is hard to find the motivation to learn. I tend to get very discouraged when things are difficult for me. However, when I have a mentor that is motived to help me learn, it becomes much easier to find that motivation in myself. I take responsibility in my learning by acknowledging where I fall short and how to correct it. If I notice that I am not understanding a specific topic, I take the initiative to ask questions and study it more. I think that engaging in learning activities is very important in the learning process. You can study by yourself all you want but putting the coursework to practice is the best way to learn. I always try to participate to the best of my abilities, that way I can apply what I learn outside of class. Sometimes it is not even the coursework that we learn that I practice outside of class, but the techniques we use to learn and perform well. When I have a genuine interest in a topic, I cannot help but share with my friends what I learn. For example, when I took an intro to sociology course, I often shared all the fascinating details about society that I had learned.
Photo Citation: pixabay.com/photos/dictionary-languages-learning-2317654/ Attribution not required