You may have asked yourself, how many hours you should study English in a day. You may be anticipating when you will be able to speak English fluently. However, the answers varies greatly depending on who you ask. In the end, there is no magic number. Many personal factors play a role in determining how much time you need to study English every day. In other words, your fluency level depends on how much you want to commit to learning. The many factors that contribute to the growth of your English-language skills are yours to make.
Learning English is exciting and opens many doors, but as to how soon you will learn it depends on many factors.
- Why do you want to learn English?
- What is your English-language goal?
- Are you taking a competency exam?
- Are you applying for a job that requires English knowledge?
- How much time can you devote to your daily study?
- Should you take a class or follow the self-study route?
These are some of the questions you should ask yourself to get a clear picture of when you will be fluent in English. The more urgent the need, the greater the speed. However, learning another language takes hard work, dedication, and consistency. In the end, the level of fluency you desire will be a principal deciding factor in the amount of time you commit to your studies. And the hard work that you put in to do this should be done on a daily basis.
You are Unique.
People learn in different ways and many elements impact how people learn. Learning English is a personal journey; therefore, the methodology used to fast-track someone else’s progress may not work as well for you. Your journey to language fluency will take a unique route. Mastery of the language varies according to the learning abilities of the student. The more engaging and enjoyable your study is, the greater the likelihood you will stick with the study plan.
What are Some Ways to Study English?
Language experts have identified three types of learners: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic.
Visual Learners
Visual learners process information by connecting images, concepts, and ideas to what they see. You can tell a visual learner how to get from point A to point B; however, they may grasp the instructions better by looking at a map.
Auditory Learners
Auditory learners comprehend new information by listening and repeating. They can process verbal commands faster and more efficiently than by looking at something. They can listen to music, podcasts, and lectures with a great ability to memorize and understand.
Kinesthetic Learners
Hands-on or kinesthetic learners are those who learn by doing. They are tactile learners so they can put it together, fix it or simply understand how something is done. They can listen to directions, look at a map, but will get there easier by getting behind the wheel and driving to the location.
Which Learner are You?
When you know what type of learner you are, you can focus on activities that help you learn more effectively. If you don’t know exactly what method works best for you, experiment with each learning process. In addition to reading books, watch a video or use flashcards. Which details are the easiest to understand and remember? If watching videos helps you understand easier, perhaps you are a visual learner. Therefore, it could be a great idea to add language videos to your daily study routine.
As children grow up, you engage in all three. You watch children’s educational televisions shows, learn information by listening and copying adults, and learn how to put things together by playing with toys. So, all three ways could be helpful, but if you determine that one method is better than the others, then use that route.
When Should I Study?
Your brain is a sophisticated network of transmitters and receivers that allow learning to occur. Thankfully, it is not necessary to know the mechanics of the brain to benefit from its marvels. How your brain processes information can impact your approach to language study. The brain has short spans of times when your ability to concentrate is higher. This could be in the morning or late at night when everyone has gone to bed. Learn when you have high levels of concentration.
Plus, you don’t have to study English for 2 hours a day in one sitting. You can do it in 15-minute intervals throughout the day. The most important thing is to be consistent. Continue making the connections between what you learn and what you live. Stay focused.
Where Should I Study?
There are many distractions just waiting to grab your attention. Thus, you must be vigilant and protective of your study schedule. Even with the best of intentions, a text can grab your attention away from your studies. Loud music is playing next door and on and on. Invariably this will happen but having a backup plan, such as a noise-canceling headphones can go a long way to help you stay on track and achieve your goal.
What are the Different Fluency Levels?
Fluency refers to how well a student has learned the four domains of the English language: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. In some countries, there are at least 12 fluency levels. In the US, however, there are three main categories that identify the degree of fluency for non-native English speakers. They are beginner, intermediate and advanced.
Beginning students are those who speak very little English. They may be able to say a few introductory sentences. However, they cannot communicate on a functional level. Intermediate students can get their point across. They can communicate about basic subjects and can ask and answer questions in simple conversations. Advanced speakers can communicate with a well-developed linguistic skill set. They can speak English fluently using advanced vocabulary and grammar.
If the self-study approach is not working as efficiently as you would like, don’t despair. There is a great VESL program near you. A VESL program will keep you on track to becoming fluent in English.
What Will You Learn in a VESL Program?
A vocational ESL program allows you to learn vital skills for success in a competitive job market. This will help you prepare for your chosen profession in a course of study with a complete curriculum.
A VESL program helps the visual, auditory, and hands-on students learn English in a fun, creative and engaging way. Students learn by reading, writing, speaking, listening, and doing. When you graduate, you are ready to enter the workforce with the professional and English-language skills you need to thrive in your career.
Want to Learn More?
Our Vocational English as a Second Language (ESL) 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.
You 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.
