Have you ever said to yourself, “Why is my English not improving”? Even after studying the language, you still don’t feel fluent. Do not let false reasons be an excuse for delaying your English studies. Below are a few reasons why you may not be happy with your English level and how to improve it.
#1: Self-Defeating Self-Talk
One of the main reasons for lacking progress with your English studies could be a negative mindset. A negative mindset interferes with the learner’s ability to make a realistic assessment of their language skills. Because of the importance of the English language in some cultures, many language learners feel their linguistic abilities never rise to the expectation of others. This unrealistic expectation of perfection is imposed upon this large group of language learners and zaps the fun out of the learning process. The fun and adventure is replaced by stress and stressing out about possible mistakes when speaking is never the goal of any language learning program.
Solution
Celebrate your success. Learning a second language is challenging. The fact that you are working hard to do just that speaks volumes about your courage. When you begin to celebrate what you have learned as opposed to decrying what you haven’t learned, your outlook on your abilities will allow you to see more clearly.
Look in the mirror and speak encouragement to yourself. Get over the fear of failure. It’s the best way to reinforce that which you have learned. You are the one doing the hard work and that is cause to celebrate.
#2: It takes too long to say what I want
Frustration at the length of time it may take to say a few sentences in English may cause you to revert to your native language. It’s quicker and easier. However, if you continue to communicate in your native language, you are not doing the hard work to learn English. At the outset, you will not speak English as quickly as you would like, and the temptation is to speak in your native language. However, this will only prolong the acquisition of your English fluency.
Solution
Taking a moment to think about what you want to say is a normal part of the learning process. Therefore, give yourself a few moments to work through the language and say what you need to say. Don’t let frustration cause you to revert to your native language. Be patient with yourself. Learning is occurring.
#3: You Lack the Discipline for Self-Study
It’s not a shameful thing to admit you have trouble staying consistent with your language study. Your approach to it might be haphazard or inconsistent with the discipline required to learn a new language. Language is acquired, in part, by repetitions which means speaking and repeating the same things over and over.
Solution
Develop a doable plan that you will be able to maintain. If you are busy, it is all the more reason to put your study time on your calendar. Determine how much time per day or week you can give to your language goals and go for it. If you fall off the wagon, or miss a few study days, don’t despair. Pick up where you left off and keep going. Practicing what you have learned is vital to English language fluency.
What if Self-Study is Not Working?
If you have tried to learn English on your own, but it did not work out, don’t be discouraged. It means that your path to learning English will be different from the one you envisioned, but that is a positive. Looking at the situation and being honest with yourself is a strength. And it is one of the reasons that vocational schools exist. We are here to help non-native speakers of English graduate with a first-class education that prepares them well for the future.
So, What Do You Get in a Vocational ESL Program?
Attending a vocational school is different than a regular university. With smaller class sizes, experienced instructors focus on the elements of language that makes English fluency possible: listening, reading, writing, speaking, pronunciation, and grammar. Not only will you spend time speaking English, but you will also get a great foundation in the elements of learning upon which your ability to speak fluently is built. While all the above factors are important in language learning, you won’t get bogged down in grammatical rules that distract from the holistic approach to learning. The personalized attention you get ensures that you won’t get left behind when other students are advancing.
What Can I Do with VESL Skills?
There are many ways in which speaking English fluently can positively impact your life. Below are just a few.
Benefit #1: Employment
Knowing English can significantly improve your chances of getting a good job in a variety of industries. In today’s economy, the need for English language skills in business is a growing trend.
Benefit #2: Better employee relations
When you work with others, the ability to communicate between parties makes a big difference. It makes team building possible. Working on projects together is much easier when co-workers understand each other.
Benefit #3: Understanding your customers
When you work with customers, communication by email, in person or on the phone is a big part of your job. Understanding your customers in their language helps you serve them better.
You can also understand your neighbors, and communicate effectively at your grocery store, post office, local pharmacy, bank, or other places you frequent to take care of your business.
Final Thoughts
In the end, you have a major role to play in how quickly or slowly you learn to speak English fluently. With the right vocational education, you could gain a solid VESL education and be well on your way to reaping the benefits of time well spent. Interactive College of Technology has helped hundreds of VESL learners prepare for employment and lead productive lives. You could be next. Get in touch with our vocational education specialist and let them show you how a vocational education could help you achieve your dream of learning English.
Want to Learn More?
Our Vocational English as a Second Language (VESL) training program is designed for student success. Interactive College of Technology offers live online and in-person English classes that fit into your busy schedule.
Our Vocational English as a Second Language classes are set up, so your English develops skill by skill. Four levels of rigorous courses help you to comprehend the English language by combining lecture, lab, class discussion, and group activities. This effective method ensures VESL students are provided English language skills as well as cultural transference.
Students receive all VESL program materials to keep. You’ll also be provided with a personal email account, resume writing, and job placement assistance, media center access, and more! Our campuses are located across Georgia and Texas.
Let’s learn English together! Contact us now to learn more.
